What Is the Revised Common Lectionary (and Why It Matters for Us)?

We just wrapped up our Made to Belong sermon series—a beautiful reminder that God has created us for connection, not isolation. As we step into a new season together, we’re returning to the Revised Common Lectionary (often called “the RCL”) until our next series begins. But what exactly is the lectionary, and why do so many churches use it?

A Quick History Lesson (Don’t Worry—It’s Interesting!)

The idea of a lectionary isn’t new. For centuries, the church has followed scheduled readings of scripture to guide worship through the seasons of the Christian year—Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost.

The Revised Common Lectionary, created in the 1980s and published in 1992, was a collaborative effort among Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox traditions. It grew out of the Vatican II reforms, where the Roman Catholic Church expanded its scripture readings to help worshippers hear more of the Bible in worship. Other denominations saw the value of this and joined in the conversation, which gave birth to a three-year cycle of readings now used by churches across the globe.

In other words: it was born out of a rare act of ecumenical teamwork—churches with different traditions saying, “Let’s do this together.”

How It Works

Each Sunday, the RCL offers four readings:

• An Old Testament passage

• A Psalm

• A New Testament reading (usually from the letters)

• A Gospel reading

Over three years, congregations hear nearly the entire Bible, woven through the seasons of the church. Year A focuses on Matthew, Year B on Mark, and Year C on Luke, with John sprinkled throughout.

This rhythm allows us to share a common conversation with Christians everywhere. Imagine: on any given Sunday, people in a Methodist church in Kenya, a Catholic parish in Brazil, a Lutheran congregation in Germany, and right here in Scottdale are all hearing and reflecting on the same passages. A glimmer of answer to Christ's prayer in John 17:21, "That they may all be one"

The living Word of God should do more than inspire us—it should bind us together. The Revised Common Lectionary is one of the quiet but powerful ways God’s people stay connected across traditions, denominations, and even continents.

Yes, churches differ in worship style, music, and theology. But when the scripture is read, we gather around the same table. It’s a reminder that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

Digging Deeper (Beyond Sunday)

Want to check it out for yourself? I recommend these two sources:

Textweek: A treasure chest of resources, commentaries, art, and reflections based on the lectionary readings.

Vanderbilt Lectionary: Beautifully organized weekly texts, complete with visual art and prayers.

And yes, there’s a daily lectionary too—for those who want a steady rhythm of scripture each day. It’s like a daily vitamin for your soul.

Why We’re Returning to It Now

After a focused sermon series like Made to Belong, returning to the lectionary grounds us again in the larger rhythm of the global church which is particularly special with World Communion Sunday approaching. It reminds us that while we walk our own journey as a congregation, we are part of something much bigger.

So this season, as we open the lectionary together, know that you’re joining millions of Christians across the world who are listening for God’s voice in the very same texts. That’s the kind of unity only the Spirit can make possible.

Come with open ears and hearts. The Word is alive, and it has a way of meeting us—together—right where we are.