Preaching in Ordinary Time: The Extraordinary Subjects of Jesus' Realm

Abstract

Ordinary Time comprises those days between Pentecost and Advent—six months of preaching without the special days celebrating the big themes of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter, or Pentecost. Within this wide variety of lectionary readings, the Matthean Jesus lays out the demands placed upon those—ancient and modern—who would be subjects of his reign. Matthew's Gospel challenges both delivery and content for the preacher. Sermons based on these texts urge the congregation to deeper spiritual formation, authentic responses to God's calling to serve, a renewed commitment to mission(s), and an inclusive response to our increasingly pluralistic society. Sermons based on these texts will also challenge the preacher to wrestle creatively with texts often memorized, but rarely studied—texts that often leave us uncomfortable in the pulpit. This article presents: (1) a discussion on the importance of Ordinary Time in the preaching cycle; (2) helps for preaching from selected texts which serve as thematic interpretations for the larger preaching cycle; and (3) an emphasis on the Propers in Epiphany (texts from the Sermon on the Mount), which reappear during Ordinary Time.