Looking into the lectionary - The new confession is delayed. Why?

Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Ninth Sunday after Pentecost 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 26, 2026 After last week’s parable about a master who shows remarkable patience with the weeds in his field, this week the lectionary brings preachers and teachers five additional parables, each introduced by “the kingdom of heaven is like …”. Throughout the Gospel according to Matthew, Jesus describes the alternative vision of what God intends life to be as “the kingdom of heaven.” Not merely some distant place we might go after death, the kingdom has drawn near in Jesus’ own life and ministry, in what he teaches and preaches, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount. Through his healing of the sick and comfort for those who grieve, through the disciples he invites to follow him and the tax collectors and sinners he chooses to hang around with, we see what life in the kingdom of heaven is supposed to be. This kingdom first perplexes the political and religious authorities and then is perceived to be a threat, ultimately leading to Jesus’ death on a cross. As we read the parables in Matthew 13, we need to look for what is odd or out of place. What seems strange or leads to deeper questions? Parables are designed to intentionally puzzle us and keep working on us, leading us to discover more and more about Christ and the kingdom. So while a single sermon would be hard-pressed to address each of these five parables with the depth they deserve, perhaps we might consider some of the questions they raise. For example, the parable of the mustard seed appears to be a simple story about how something small can produce a big outcome. And yet, we might ask, “Why is this person planting a mustard seed in the first place?” In first-century Palestine, mustard had some medicinal value as a spice, but the plant was considered an invasive weed — something like kudzu or crab grass. Who intentionally plants that in their garden? It will take over everything as it grows into a glorified shrub. Jesus’ original hearers expected the reign of God to be like a cedar of Lebanon standing tall on a mountain, not some unwanted shrub that might get about head high if it was lucky. How is the kingdom of heaven like this?... Thank you to this week's writer, Matthew A. Rich. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for July 19, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — July 26, 2026 by Matthew A. Rich   As commissioners debated fossil fuels, Milwaukee’s streets carried a different kind of climate protest by Eric Ledermann Assembly declines to send proposed confession to presbyteries by John Bolt A hopeful vision for global mission by Britanny Porch

Help your congregation understand what matters at the 227th General Assembly — and why it matters for your church. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... PC(USA) Young Adult Advisory Delegates struggle to reconcile differences YAADs described sharply different experiences of a reconciliation gathering, with some appreciating the effort and others saying key concerns went unaddressed — Gregg Brekke & Mary Mabry So Jung Kim: Remember her name Whitney Wilkinson Arreche remembers the Rev. Dr. So Jung Kim as a holy agitator whose passion for ecumenism and everyday theology left ongoing ripples. Summer reads for weary souls seeking meaning and renewal From birdwatching as prayer to resisting smartphone distraction, these new books invite readers into deeper spiritual practices, resilience and renewed attention to God’s presence — Amy Pagliarella A service of lament and hope First Presbyterian Church of Kerrville, Texas, worships one year after the devastating Hill Country floods — Mike Ferguson From relief to renewal: What the Jinishian Memorial Program teaches the church about mission As the Jinishian Memorial Program marks 60 years, Greg Allen Pickett explores what its long commitment to local leadership and civic formation can teach the church about mission. Faithful witness in divided times: New books on justice, church and public life These authors wrestle with polarization, climate change, racism, incarceration and community — asking what faithful Christian witness looks like in a fractured world — Amy Pagliarella

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Prayers for Our Community, Our Nation and Our World

We can offer specific daily prayers for our community, nation and world. Between Monday, July 13 and Sunday, July 19, we'll lay before God the needs listed below.

• Monday, July 13, 2026 - That we remember those who died in service to their country.
• Tuesday, July 14, 2026 - That we remember the dedication shown by our teachers. 
• Wednesday, July 15, 2026 - That we live our daily lives with both faith and focus.
• Thursday, July 16, 2026 - That our leaders have the courage and wisdom to confront the racial divisions within our country.
• Friday, July 17, 2026 - That we renew our commitment to life.
• Saturday, July 18, 2026 - That our leaders would be honest, humble and God-fearing men and women who recognize that they are accountable to God for each decision and action.
• Sunday, July 19, 2026 - That God bring peace to the Middle East.

The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service - Sunday, July 5, 2026

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: The Sligo Presbyterian Church Celebration Service ...: Jesus reframes the ten commandments from a list of external rules into matters of the heart. He taught that true righteousness is not merely...

Sunday's Message (The 10 Commandments Through the Eyes of Jesus: he Ultimate Summary)

Sligo Presbyterian Church: Our Congregation and Community: Sunday's Message (The 10 Commandments Through the ...: Jesus reframes the ten commandments from a list of external rules into matters of the heart. He taught that true righteousness is not merely...

Looking into the lectionary - YAADs struggle to reconcile differences

Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 and Genesis 28:10-19a Eighth Sunday after Pentecost 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time July 19, 2026 Sometimes, I delude myself into thinking I know the difference between the wheat and the weeds. This can happen in my own backyard. Some weeds are obvious, like the ever-present tumbleweeds and those horrible goatheads. When I see them pop up, I pull them out faster than you can say “An enemy has done this!” Other times, I’m not so sure. Are the volunteer bushes that spring up next to my door every year decorative bits of green offering relief from the desert brown, or are they opportunist pests leeching precious water that might otherwise nourish my few brave trees? Or how about the musk thistle? Those pink blossoms are beautiful and great for pollinators, but a sign at the local land trust identifies them as a highly invasive noxious weed. Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares asks a similar question: Who and what in the church are good, intentionally cultivated plants, and who and what are weeds? Perhaps more importantly, the parable also asks who gets to decide the difference. First things first: If you are teaching or preaching this passage, I encourage you to take some time to distinguish between the parable itself (vv. 24-30) and the allegorical explanation (vv. 36-43). Many scholars argue that this second part was likely concocted by Matthew as he tried to apply Jesus’ parable to the troublingly mixed state of the church in his day. While it may offer a satisfying apocalyptic ending (with a furnace of fire and gnashing of teeth!), it can also obscure the sense of what Jesus is trying to convey in the original parable. Because the problem is this: Everyone thinks they can tell the difference between the wheat and the weeds. .... Thank you to this week's writer, Ginna Bairby. Read the rest of the commentary at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for July 12, 2026? You can find them here.

Order of worship — July 19, 2026 by Ginna Bairby   At Milwaukee’s Big Red Church, the elders are the ministers by Greg Allen-Pickett     World Mission closure will be investigated by Eric Ledermann Changes coming to ministry preparation and ordination by Gregg Brekke Young Adult Advisory Delegates struggle to reconcile differences by Gregg Brekke and Mary Mabry Assembly declares Israel’s war in Gaza a genocide by Eric Ledermann

Help your congregation understand what matters at the 227th General Assembly — and why it matters for your church. IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... Columbia Seminary addresses restructuring at GA227 luncheon President acknowledges 'profound human cost' of cuts; board chair denies race was a factor. Enrollment data shows incoming class is 60 percent people of color. — Eric Ledermann GA votes to hold its next assembly in Puerto Rico The 227th General Assembly approved plans to hold the denomination's first assembly outside the continental United States, adding cultural competency training ahead of the 2028 gathering in Puerto Rico. — Gregg Brekke A full house honors Diane Moffett for a life of ministry and service At GA227, Moffett said she is not retiring after the elimination of the agency she led for six years — and that she knows 'restructuring is hard.' — Eric Ledermann Three honored with Women of Faith Awards The Rev. Adele Langworthy and the Rev. Blanca Estrella Otaño-Rivera and Ruling Elder Selma Jackson are celebrated at biennial breakfast. — Emily Enders Odom GA elects Pumroy-Cordero, Schondelmeyer as co-moderators Commissioners elected the pair on the first ballot after participating in a lengthy question-and-answer session with the full slate of candidates. — Eric Ledermann Spielberg’s Disclosure Day offers wonder — and questions for faith The acclaimed director pairs suspense with reflections on God, empathy and humanity's place in a universe that may be more populated than we imagined, writes Alfred Walker.  Approved PC(USA) budget for ’27-’28 increased $5.8 million Commissioners approved a $188.4 million budget for 2027–28, raised General Assembly per capita rates, and extended work on a new denominational funding model. — John Bolt PC(USA) labels White Christian nationalism “Theological Error” Calling White Christian nationalism incompatible with the teachings of Jesus, commissioners approved a proposed constitutional amendment and a new policy statement opposing the ideology. — John Bolt

Copyright © 2026 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

Revised Common Lectionary Readings for July 05, 2026

Revised Common Lectionary Readings (Three-Year Cycle)

Lectionary Readings for Sunday, July 5, 2026

First Reading Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67 34So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become wealthy; he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female slaves, camels and donkeys. 36And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and he has given him all that he has. 37My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; 38but you shall go to my father’s house, to my kindred, and get a wife for my son.’ 42“I came today to the spring, and said, ‘O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, if now you will only make successful the way I am going! 43I am standing here by the spring of water; let the young woman who comes out to draw, to whom I shall say, “Please give me a little water from your jar to drink,” 44and who will say to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also” — let her be the woman whom the LORD has appointed for my master’s son.’ 45“Before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her water jar on her shoulder; and she went down to the spring, and drew. I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’ 46She quickly let down her jar from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will also water your camels.’ So I drank, and she also watered the camels. 47Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her arms. 48Then I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD, and blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me by the right way to obtain the daughter of my master’s kinsman for his son. 49Now then, if you will deal loyally and truly with my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so that I may turn either to the right hand or to the left.” 58And they called Rebekah, and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will.” 59So they sent away their sister Rebekah and her nurse along with Abraham’s servant and his men. 60And they blessed Rebekah and said to her,      “May you, our sister, become           thousands of myriads;      may your offspring gain possession           of the gates of their foes.” 61Then Rebekah and her maids rose up, mounted the camels, and followed the man; thus the servant took Rebekah, and went his way. 62Now Isaac had come from Beer-lahai-roi, and was settled in the Negeb. 63Isaac went out in the evening to walk in the field; and looking up, he saw camels coming. 64And Rebekah looked up, and when she saw Isaac, she slipped quickly from the camel, 65and said to the servant, “Who is the man over there, walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took her veil and covered herself. 66And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent. He took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. Psalm Psalm 45:10-17 10  Hear, O daughter, consider and incline your ear;           forget your people and your father’s house, 11       and the king will desire your beauty.      Since he is your lord, bow to him; 12       the people of Tyre will seek your favor with gifts,           the richest of the people 13with all kinds of wealth.      The princess is decked in her chamber with gold-woven robes; 14       in many-colored robes she is led to the king;           behind her the virgins, her companions, follow. 15  With joy and gladness they are led along           as they enter the palace of the king. 16  In the place of ancestors you, O king, shall have sons;           you will make them princes in all the earth. 17  I will cause your name to be celebrated in all generations;           therefore the peoples will praise you forever and ever. Alternate Song of Solomon 2:8-13 8   The voice of my beloved!           Look, he comes,      leaping upon the mountains,           bounding over the hills. 9   My beloved is like a gazelle           or a young stag.      Look, there he stands           behind our wall,      gazing in at the windows,           looking through the lattice. 10  My beloved speaks and says to me:           “Arise, my love, my fair one,           and come away; 11  for now the winter is past,           the rain is over and gone. 12  The flowers appear on the earth;           the time of singing has come,           and the voice of the turtledove           is heard in our land. 13  The fig tree puts forth its figs,           and the vines are in blossom;           they give forth fragrance.      Arise, my love, my fair one,           and come away.” Second Reading Romans 7:15-25a 15I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16Now if I do what I do not want, I agree that the law is good. 17But in fact it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18For I know that nothing good dwells within me, that is, in my flesh. I can will what is right, but I cannot do it. 19For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I that do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, evil lies close at hand. 22For I delight in the law of God in my inmost self, 23but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind, making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? 25Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! Gospel Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30 16“But to what will I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to one another, 17  ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance;           we wailed, and you did not mourn.’ 18For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon’; 19the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is vindicated by her deeds.” 25At that time Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; 26yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. 27All things have been handed over to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. 28“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

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