The BCP Propers Podcast

This Sunday is Pentecost or "Whitsunday" as it is known in the English tradition and in the Book of Common Prayer. There are lots of proper readings for this week. The Communion Propers are Acts 2:1-11 and St. John 14:15-31. There are also proper Psalms and a proper First and Second Lesson for Morning and Evening Prayer. The BCP ties in diverse themes to show how Pentecost is an eschatological event where the Spirit makes God's dwelling place in man once again, but this time through the conversion of His people. Pentecost also brings in the nations, as the kingdom of the Messiah expands beyond Israel to the ends of the earth.

This week falls in between the Ascension and Whitsunday. The Collect ties both days together, and the readings focus on how the Holy Spirit equips us for the coming conflict of evangelism and spiritual warfare. The Epistle reading is 1 Peter 4:7:11, instructing us on to live in charity even in the face of divine judgment. The Gospel reading is St. John 15:24-16:4, where Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will enable us to persevere and bear witness, even in the face of persecution. The Old Testament lessons are Deut. 12 and 13, two lessons about fighting false worship and false prophets during the conquest.

This week is Rogation Sunday. Traditionally based on the new planting season, Rogation is when Anglicans ask God's blessing upon the material goods and produce of the new year. It's also a time for reflecting on economic justice and charitable giving. The readings for this week focus on prayer and the right way to use the gifts God gives. The Epistle is James 1:22-27, the Gospel is St. John 16:23-33, and the Old Testament readings are Deuteronomy 8 and 9.

On today's episode we look at the relationship between Christ's departure and the coming of the Holy Spirit. The Epistle reading from James 1 teaches that God gives gifts from His own nature and these gifts allow us to bring our unruly passions under an orderly control. The Gospel reading is John 16:5-15, and it teaches us that the Holy Spirit takes the place of Christ in our hearts and leads us into truth. The Old Testament readings continue the series through the law in Deuteronomy, showing how God gives His law to help us avoid passion, temptation, and sin, and they show how God's law will bring blessing. But they also raise interesting questions about how Christians can ever hope to keep the law.

For this next week in Easter the readings move to the life of suffering that comes with following Christ but also the victorious promise that Jesus gives to gospel ministry. The Epistle comes from 1 Peter 2 and teaches us about suffering for righteousness' sake. The Gospel reading from John 10:11-16 is the famous "Good Shepherd" passage. Christ teaches the difference between hirelings and true shepherds, and He promises to be our Good Shepherd, to fight and even die for us. He also promises that we will hear His voice and be known by Him. The Old Testament readings come from Numbers 23-24 and Numbers 25. These continue the story of Balaam and then add the sin at Baal-Peor. Listen to this episode to see why these passages were chosen and how they relate to the Gospel.

Happy Easter! This week is the First Sunday after Easter. The Scripture readings move into a new theme, as the focus is on the new life we have in Christ and the mission of the Church. The Epistle reading comes from 1 John 5, promising us victory and life in Christ. The Gospel comes from John 20:19-23, and it shows the empowering of the disciples to begin the mission of the Church. The Old Testament lessons come from Numbers, chapters 16 and 22, and show how God will overcome enemies to His church, both those from within and those without.

This week kicks off what is known as Holy Week or "Passion Week." Different from later Prayer Books and lectionaries, the Reformation-era BCPs did not have a "Palm Sunday." Instead, this Sunday was the "Sunday Next Before Easter," a Sunday entirely dedicated to the Cross. The central emphasis is clear in the lengthy readings of all 75 verses of Matthew 26 and then 54 verses of Matthew 27. The Epistle reading and Second Lesson for Evening Prayer provide the theological reflection on the event, Philippians 2:5-11 and Hebrews 5:1-10. The Old Testament lessons cover the plagues of Exodus, Exodus 9 & 10, drawing the connection between God's cursing and the wrath born by Christ on the cross.

This week's Collect and proper Scripture passages tie together the themes of God's covenant, His people, and the priestly work of Christ in salvation. The Epistle reading from Hebrews 9 explains how Christ is our high priest who enters the sanctuary in heaven. The Gospel, from John 8, portrays Jesus as the Covenant God of Abraham, as He proclaims to be "I Am." The Old Testament lessons come from Exodus, chapters 3 and 5, and show how the God of Moses revealed His name as I Am and promised to deliver His people from Egypt. Israel of old was not always faithful, however, and often blamed God for their afflictions. Nevertheless, God remains faithful.

We have passed the midpoint in the season of Lent, and so this week's Collect and readings focus on relief. Though we deserve punishment, God gives us grace through the gospel of Christ. The Epistle reading, from Galatians 4, tells the "allegory" of the two covenants, Hagar-Sinai and the Promise, and Paul uses this understanding of Genesis to argue for salvation by grace rather than works. The Gospel comes from John 6 and shows Jesus providing for those who follow Him in the wilderness. It also connects Exodus and the Passover to His own work. The two Old Testament readings, Gen. 43 and 45, show the reconciliation of warring brothers in the true house of Israel.

For this week in Lent, the Prayerbook focuses on spiritual warfare, the battle against the demonic but also against sin and those under its power. The Epistle reading, from Ephesians 5, restates certain sins from last week but adds our need to reprove them by living in the light of Christ. The Gospel reading is from Luke 11, where Jesus casts out demons and then warns about both the dangers of a house divided and a house left vacant. You are either actively with Jesus or you are against Him. The Old Testament lessons begin the saga of Joseph, from Genesis 39 and 42.

The second week in Lent shifts focus from food to sexual morality. We are warned about how what affects our body can also affect our soul. But we also learn that the danger is not necessarily how an external event directly harms the soul but rather how the thoughts and desires of our soul are themselves the root problem. 1 Thess. 4 and teaches against concupiscence. The Gospel reading strikes a slightly different note, showing the virtue of the Canaanite woman, how her faith overcomes her external condition. The Old Testament readings show the danger of sensuality in the story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 27 and the evils of carnal vengeance in the Dinah incident of Genesis 34.

This episode looks more closely at Lent. We begin with a discussion about Lent and fasting, particularly the way that Anglicans understand this topic. Then we move into the propers for the day. The Epistle comes from 2 Cor. 6, where Paul discusses our ability to be content under duress and affliction, knowing the truth of our salvation. The Gospel text from Matthew 4 shows Christ's own fasting in the wilderness for our sake. Then the Old Testament lessons show us a picture of "law" and the depth of human sinfulness in the Sodom story of Genesis 19, while Genesis 22 gives us a picture of the gospel in the binding of Isaac but the substitutionary lamb which the Lord provides.

Lent begins this week, and so this episode looks at how the Book of Common Prayer commemorates Ash Wednesday. You'll notice one thing right away: there are no ashes! But there are the 7 Penitential Psalms, a Communion Service with Scripture readings, and a special service called "A Commination, or Denouncing of God's Anger and Judgements Against Sinners." Listen to learn more about the Biblical selections and theology of Ash Wednesday in the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

This week's episode discusses how God rules over all things, people and elements, through Christ. The Epistle reading completes Romans 12, as it discusses God's eschatological judgment as the rationale for why we can bless our enemies in this life. The Gospel shows how Jesus can heal, and it shows the faith of the Centurion. This is an early example of the Gentiles being brought in to the kingdom. The Old Testament readings come from Isaiah 55 and 56, and they complement the themes of God's righteous judgment, eschatology, the incorporation of the Gentiles, and condemnation of those natural children of the kingdom who presumptuously enriched themselves at the expense of others. Anglican. Book of Common Prayer 1662.

Epiphany continues with a look at how Christ's kingship governs spiritual and earthly things, bringing us to our eternal renewal. The Epistle is Romans 12:6-16, continuing the chapter begun last week. The gospel is John 2:1-11, Jesus' first miracle at the wedding at Cana. The Old Testament "First Lessons" come from Isaiah 51 and 53. Listen to see how the Book of Common Prayer connects these readings and applies them to our salvation.

We return to regular Sunday services with this episode, looking at the proper readings for the First Sunday After the Epiphany. Themes include the renewed mind in light of the manifestation of Christ's glory, the new temple of God in His living people, and the importance of knowing one's place in relation to other members of the Body of Christ. The Epistle comes from Romans 12, teaching about the living sacrifice. The Gospel is Luke 2:41-52, with the boy Jesus teaching the doctors in the temple. Old Testament propers are Isaiah 44 and 46, a biting critique of idolatry.

Happy Epiphany! This episode of the BCP Propers looks at the holiday which moves us from the Christmas season into Epiphany tide, January 6. The propers for Epiphany teach us about the Wise Men from the East, but also the role that revelation plays in bringing in the salvation of the church and the ongoing life of the church. Having seen Christ in the gospel, we must proclaim him to all things earth and in heaven! The Communion propers for this day are Eph. 3:1-12 and Matthew 2:1-12. Morning Prayer lessons are Isaiah 60 and Luke 3:1-22. Evensong lessons are Isaiah 49 and John 2:1-11.

In this special Christmas episode, Steven Wedgeworth summarizes the way the 1662 Book of Common Prayer celebrates Christmas with a look at the whole Christmas season and its various feast days, how it connects to the other seasons of Advent and Epiphany, and then concludes with the propers for Christmas Day. In this episode, we'll see how Jesus Christ is the greatest revelation of God who saves sinners by bringing together those things which had previously been separated through His gracious reconciliation. Christ is the true Son, the Messiah, the new temple, and the One who makes us new and gives us new graces.

This is the final week in Advent for this year. It features a second look at John the Baptist, but it focuses on his humility and moderation, his state of mind even as the Lord is near. The Collect calls on God to come, to bring an end to the season of waiting, while the Epistle tells us that the Lord is at hand. Philippians 4 tells us not to be anxious or burdened with "care" but to take our requests to God. If we do this, we can rejoice at the coming of the Lord. The Gospel from John 1 shows John's confession of who he is and who he isn't, stating that Christ is to be preferred. The two Old Testament lessons come from Isaiah 30 and 32 and continue God's covenant lawsuit against Israel but show a picture of the future restoration.

This 3rd week in Advent is dedicated to the gospel ministry, those ministers who must proclaim the coming of the Lord. This is the first of two John the Baptist weeks, and this week matched the December "Ember week." The Collect connects pastors to the prophetic vocation that John the Baptist held. The Epistle from 1 Corinthians 4 warns about judging wrongly, and it warns against mistreating clergy. The Gospel comes from St. Matthew 11, illustrating both the work of the messiah and the person and demeanor of John, the messiah's messenger. The two Old Testament readings come from Isaiah 25 & 26.

Welcome back to Advent! This week is the Second Sunday in Advent, affectionately known among Anglicans as "Bible Sunday." The theme of the week is that the Scriptures are necessary in order for the knowledge of the Lord's coming to bring comfort and hope. The Epistle reading comes from Romans 15. The Gospel is Luke 21. The Old Testament First Lessons are from Isaiah 5 and 24.

The BCP Propers Podcast returns with the new Church Year. This episode begins Advent. Pastor Steven Wedgeworth discusses the history of Advent and the ways that the 1662 BCP lectionary differs from modern ones. Then he moves to a discussion of the Proper Scripture lessons. This week's Epistle is Romans 13. The Gospel is Matthew 21, the Triumphal Entry and judgment on the temple. The Old Testament "First Lessons" begin the survey of Isaiah, starting with chapters 1 and 2. Each lesson complements the other to introduce the message of the season of Advent.

The BCP Propers podcast is back for season 2. Steven will be hosting solo, at least for now, as we begin a new year in the life of the church. This episode is an introduction to lectionaries and the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. It should be a way for beginners to learn about lectionaries and prayerbooks, and it explains some of the distinctive features of the 1662 BCP lectionaries and how they organize both historic Anglican worship and doctrine.

This is the last episode of the church year before Advent begins. It's also Clayton's last episode with the show. We discuss Jeremiah's prophecy of "the Branch," and what it means for Jesus to be "that prophet." Jeremiah 23, John 6, and Proverbs 15-16.

This week we look at connections between the end of Trinity Season and All Saints and Reformation Day (Guy Fawkes Day). The Collect of the Day emphasizes God's protection over true religion and our perseverance in good works. The Epistle from Philippians 1 gives us the assurance of God working in us to produce the fruits of righteousness. The Gospel in Matthew 18 reading teaches the need for radical forgiveness and constant grace. The two Old Testament lessons take us into the book of Proverbs and give us wisdom for the Christian walk.

We're back with a taste of Advent in October! The epistle reading from Ephesians 5 tells us to walk wisely in light of the coming of Christ. The gospel reading, Matt. 22:1-14 is a parable of judgment at the wedding feast. Then both Old Testament lessons tell us God's judgment and the coming "Day of the Lord." Joel 2 and Micah 6 are discussed. Learn how these readings tie together and how we can be "cheerful" in this knowledge. Trinity 20 from the Book of Common Prayer 1662 lectionary.

For this week, Steven and Clayton discuss the walk of the Spirit in the face of a hostile world. Biblical texts are Ephesians 4, Matthew 9, and Daniel 3 & 6. The Daniel passages especially show the need to remain faithful in the face of hostile civil powers, showing both gracious service in a worldly vocation and the refusal to go along with sin.

Clayton and Steven discuss the proper readings for the 17th Sunday After Trinity. We must have God's grace to live rightly, and our walk will be characterized by humility and care for others. The readings come from Ephesians 4, Luke 14, and Ezekiel 14 & 18. We see more about the error of legalism and external righteousness, and we are taught the need to have our hearts changed by the Spirit of God. Finally, this week we also see how the BCP begins dropping hints of Advent, teachings us to anticipate the future and order our lives in light of it.

This week's readings emphasize the prophetic role of God's Word and Spirit in defending and sustaining the Church. Ephesians 3 teaches us how God builds us up by His Spirit to show His glory. Luke 7 shows Jesus raising a boy from the dead, causing the people to proclaim that a great prophet has arisen in the land. The two Old Testament readings come from Ezekiel, showing his call to prophetic ministry and his rebuke of the false prophets. The BCP Propers Podcast discusses the weekly proper readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. The show is hosted by Anglican pastors Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins.

This week's Collect and Propers shows the uniquely Reformation character of Cranmer's BCP. The Collect of the Day was changed in an important way to shift the emphasis towards a Protestant understanding of the mediatorial work of Christ. The Epistle was also changed, and this brings a new unity to the week. Galatians 6:11-18 shows how the finished work of Christ allows us to be free from the fear of man and the curse of the law. Matthew 6:24-34 teaches us to find our peace of mind in God. The two readings from Jermiah reveal a case of righteous Gentiles and another evidence of Israel's hardening.

Steven and Clayton continue to look at the 1662 lectionary, with this week's Scripture readings teaching us the need to have the law written on our heart by the power of the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5 contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit. The gospel reading looks at ten lepers who are cleansed, and the one Samaritan who gave thanks. The two Old Testament lessons begin the book of the prophet Jeremiah and the judgment coming upon Jerusalem.

Steven and Clayton discuss this week's readings which include the doctrine of law and gospel in Galatians 3, the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10, and then Old Testament readings about King Hezekiah and King Josiah in 2 Kings.

The BCP Propers Podcast looks at the lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This week, Steven and Clayton look at 2 Corinthians 3, Mark 7:31-37, and then 2 Kings 10 & 18.

Anglican pastors Clayton Hutchins and Steven Wedgeworth discuss the proper lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This week's readings come from 1 Corinthians 15, Luke 18:9-14, and 2 Kings 5 & 9.

The BCP Propers Podcast looks at the lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. Texts for this week, the 8th Sunday after Trinity, come from Romans 8, Matthew 7, and then 1 Kings 13 & 17. The unifying theme is the difference between the Spirit and the flesh, false prophets and true prophets. Clayton and Steven discuss what these readings teach us about God's word, the necessity of obedience, and the role of prophets and preachers.

Anglican pastors Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins discuss the lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer for the Seventh Sunday after Trinity. Scripture passages include Romans 6, Mark 8, 2 Sam. 21 and 2 Sam. 24.

Anglican pastors Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins discuss the lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer for the Sixth Sunday After Trinity. They discuss the life of sanctification and how to balance the demands of Christ with our need for grace and forgiveness. The readings discuss baptism and holiness in Romans 6, the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5, and then two events from the life of David in 2 Samuel.

Anglican pastors Clayton Hutchins and Steven Wedgeworth discuss the lectionary readings for the 1662 Book of Common Prayer for the Fifth Sunday After Trinity. They consider how to aspire for quietness while still courageously following the call of God. The readings consider the Apostle Peter, as well as David and Goliath.

Anglican pastors Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins discuss the lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer for the Fourth Sunday After Trinity.

Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins discuss the Collect and Proper Scripture readings for the Third Sunday After Trinity. Using the historic one-year lectionary from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer, they highlight the major themes of the week and explore how the Gospel, Epistle, and Old Testament lessons relate to the theme and one another.

Pastors Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins discuss the proper lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This week is the Second Sunday After Trinity, and the Prayerbook continues to teach lessons on the Christian life. This episode takes a closer look at the Old Testament lessons for the week, covering the story of Deborah, Barak, and Jael in the Book of Judges.

Welcome to the BCP Propers Podcast! Hosts Steven Wedgeworth and Clayton Hutchins discuss the proper lectionary readings from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This week is the First Sunday After Trinity, and the show introduces the logic of the BCP lectionary and then offers commentary on the weekly Scripture passages.