Looking into the lectionary - New details released on PC(USA) restructuring

Luke 23:33-43 Reign of Christ November 23, 2025 This summer, I wrote a piece for the Outlook, “‘No Kings’ should include Jesus,” challenging the way progressive Christians oppose Trump by invoking Jesus as king. Such imperial language, I argued, undermines the very anti-authoritarian spirit driving the “No Kings” movement. My piece highlighted the work of feminist, mujerista, and womanist theologians who have long worked to remove the person of Jesus from the language of empire, from being seen as a singular, heroic, “king.” This Sunday’s gospel passage – designated for “Reign of Christ” or “Christ the King” Sunday in the Revised Common Lectionary – reinforces the entanglement of Christianity with imperial power structures that these scholars have worked to dismantle. Luke 23:34 is one of the most well-known and frequently quoted sayings of Jesus. “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they’re doing.” It’s also one of the most debated: did Luke’s Jesus actually say this? If you read this week’s gospel text from either the NRSV or the NRSVue, this verse appears in double brackets with a footnote explaining that “other ancient authorities” lack this sentence. The double brackets indicate how a slim majority of scholars have concluded that this verse was added to Luke’s original gospel by later copyists. That said, scholar Shelly Matthews argues the verse is original to Luke in Perfect Martyr. According to Matthews, early copyists removed it because it represented a difficult reading in a landscape where “radical” forgiveness had not yet become a Christian norm. Matthews calls attention to how Luke uses a radical-seeming forgiveness that presents Jesus and his followers as merciful towards those responsible for their prosecution — a blame that Luke shifts away from Rome and onto Jews. “Thus, in a veiled and paradoxical manner,” Matthews writes, “the edifice of Christianity as a religion of extreme mercy is constructed upon a scaffolding of Jew vilification.” Luke’s forgiveness aligns him with the strategies of Roman imperialism: forgiveness becomes a political weapon. ... Read the rest of the commentary by Jimmy Hoke at pres-outlook.org. Want the worship resources for November 16, 2025? You can find them here. Order of worship — November 23, 2025 by Jimmy Hoke PC(USA)’s Interim Unified Agency adds details to denominational restructuring by John Bolt, Outlook Reporting Lilly Endowment grants foster ministry and mission across the PC(USA) by Gregg Brekke “An authority for love”: Portland faith leaders stand with immigrants outside ICE facility by Harriet Riley A free Advent candle liturgy by Shardaé Henry and Shea Watts The theology of DMX: Lament, prayer and the God who stayed by Chris Burton IN CASE YOU MISSED IT... San Joaquin Presbytery builds first new church in decades to serve immigrant communities In California’s Central Valley, immigrant families are putting down roots — and new Presbyterian ministries are growing with them. — Beth Waltemath Telos Group launches new peacemaking program to equip U.S. churches for justice and reconciliation The Telos Group launches Mosaic, a two-year, Lilly-funded program equipping U.S. congregations to become active peacemakers amid deep division. The Rev. Jihyun Oh is among faith leaders opposed to the Trump administration’s new policy on admitting refugees Church World Service, a partner of the PC(USA), condemns efforts to abandon the nation’s historic refugee program. — Church World Service We Pray Freedom: Liturgies and Rituals From the Freedom Church of the Poor "We Pray Freedom," edited by Liz Theoharis and Charon Hribar, curates liturgies and prayers rooted in justice, healing, and community. — Amy Pagliarella Hurricane Melissa prompts appeal from PC(USA) Gifts to PDA will help to meet emergency and long-term needs in the Caribbean. — Darla Carter Music that meets us where we are From gym anthems to humming hymns in a new church pew — music grounds us, lifts us, and reminds us we never sing alone, writes Teri McDowell Ott.