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

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