Year A – Proper 12
Full-text of the Appointed Lessons (RSV and NRSV), with instructions for lectors
July 26 – 9 Pentecost – RCL
ILLUMINATION for the First Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
Genesis 29:15-28
In order to marry Rachel, Jacob agrees to serve her father for seven years. In the end, Jacob gets Rachel as his wife, but is tricked into taking her older sister as his wife as well.
A reading (lesson) from the Book of Genesis:
(Lead in with) RSV and NRSV: Laban said to Jacob…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc.
Revised Standard Version
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful and lovely. Jacob loved Rachel; and he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” So Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) And in the morning, behold, it was Leah; and Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the first-born. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” Jacob did so, and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to wife.
New Revised Standard Version
Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah’s eyes were lovely, and Rachel was graceful and beautiful. Jacob loved Rachel; so he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” So Laban gathered together all the people of the place, and made a feast. But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. (Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her maid.) When morning came, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” Laban said, “This is not done in our country—giving the younger before the firstborn. Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” Jacob did so, and completed her week; then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel as a wife.
ILLUMINATION for the Alternate First Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
1 Kings 3:5-12
Given the opportunity to ask God for whatever he wishes, Solomon requests the gift of an understanding mind to better govern the people. God is pleased, and grants Solomon wisdom and discernment.
A reading (lesson) from the First Book of Kings:
(Lead in with) RSV and NRSV: At Gibeon the Lord…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc.
New Revised Standard Version
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “Thou hast shown great and steadfast love to thy servant David my father, because he walked before thee in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward thee; and thou hast kept for him this great and steadfast love, and hast given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this thy great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.
New Revised Standard Version
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.
ILLUMINATION for the Second Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
Romans 8:26-39
Paul offers the reassurance that at those times when prayer is difficult for us, the Holy Spirit prays for us and will bring us comfort.
A reading (lesson) from the Letter of Paul to the Romans:
(Lead in with) RSV and NRSV: The Spirit helps us in our weakness…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc.
Revised Standard Version
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For thy sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
New Revised Standard Version
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
ILLUMINATION for the Gospel Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
Jesus uses five parables to reveal the unexpected nature of God’s kingdom. His stories reveal God’s mercy and justice.
A reading (lesson) from the Gospel according to Matthew:
(Lead in with) RSV: Another parable Jesus put…; NRSV: Jesus put before the crowds…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc. If read by an ordained person as the eucharistic gospel, conclude with The gospel of the Lord.
Revised Standard Version
Another parable Jesus put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. Have you understood all this?” They said to him, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
New Revised Standard Version
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the furnace of fire, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Have you understood all this?” They answered, “Yes.” And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like the master of a household who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”
July 26 – 9 Pentecost – BCP
ILLUMINATION for the First Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
1 Kings 3:5-12
Given the opportunity to ask God for whatever he wishes, Solomon requests the gift of an discerning mind to better govern the people. God is pleased, and grants Solomon wisdom and understanding.
A reading (lesson) from the First Book of Kings:
(Lead in with) RSV and NRSV: At Gibeon the Lord…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc.
Revised Standard Version
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I shall give you.” And Solomon said, “Thou hast shown great and steadfast love to thy servant David my father, because he walked before thee in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward thee; and thou hast kept for him this great and steadfast love, and hast given him a son to sit on his throne this day. And now, O LORD my God, thou hast made thy servant king in place of David my father, although I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And thy servant is in the midst of thy people whom thou hast chosen, a great people, that cannot be numbered or counted for multitude. Give thy servant therefore an understanding mind to govern thy people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to govern this thy great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. And God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches or the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, behold, I now do according to your word. Behold, I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you.
New Revised Standard Version
At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, “Ask what I should give you.” And Solomon said, “You have shown great and steadfast love to your servant my father David, because he walked before you in faithfulness, in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart toward you; and you have kept for him this great and steadfast love, and have given him a son to sit on his throne today. And now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David, although I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. And your servant is in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a great people, so numerous they cannot be numbered or counted. Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?” It pleased the Lord that Solomon had asked this. God said to him, “Because you have asked this, and have not asked for yourself long life or riches, or for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern what is right, I now do according to your word. Indeed I give you a wise and discerning mind; no one like you has been before you and no one like you shall arise after you.
ILLUMINATION for the Second Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
Romans 8:26-34
Paul offers the reassurance that at those times when prayer is difficult for us, the Holy Spirit prays for us and will bring us comfort.
A reading (lesson) from the Letter of Paul to the Romans:
(Lead in with) RSV and NRSV: The Spirit helps us in our weakness…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc.
Revised Standard Version
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words. And he who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the first-born among many brethren. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, will he not also give us all things with him? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies; who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us?
New Revised Standard Version
The Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words. And God, who searches the heart, knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn within a large family. And those whom he predestined he also called; and those whom he called he also justified; and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? Who will bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.
ILLUMINATION for the Gospel Lesson
9 Pentecost (Proper 12), Year A, July 26, 2026
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-49a
Jesus uses five parables to reveal the unexpected nature of God’s kingdom. His stories reveal God’s mercy and justice.
A reading (lesson) from the Gospel according to Matthew:
(Lead in with) RSV: Another parable Jesus put…; NRSV: Jesus put before the crowds…
Conclude with The word of the Lord or Here endeth, etc. If read by an ordained person as the eucharistic gospel, conclude with The gospel of the Lord.
Revised Standard Version
Another parable Jesus put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net which was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind; when it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into vessels but threw away the bad. So it will be at the close of the age.”
New Revised Standard Version
Jesus put before the crowds another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour until all of it was leavened. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and caught fish of every kind; when it was full, they drew it ashore, sat down, and put the good into baskets but threw out the bad. So it will be at the end of the age.”
Scripture quotations labeled NRSV are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA, and used by permission.
The Living Word | Lectionary Preaching Aids
Exploring the Texts
“Our present preoccupation with financial security isn’t a good fit in a kingdom where what we give away is the true measure of worth. Our current lust after power over others will surely prove counterproductive in an eternity which values service to others. And our seeking after personal prestige and honor will count for nothing in an age where giving glory to God is everything.”
“There is so much we do not know. The God we know is the God of Unknowing. ‘Having accepted confusion, a humble person has enough peace, because he stands in God and not in the world.’ This confusion reaches so deep within that we are baffled at how to approach God, how to speak truthfully, how to pray from the heart.”
“What degree of urgency do we place on obtaining the kingdom of heaven? To what degree do we long and work for that temporal gap to be closed? Are we properly impatient for the kingdom, as a lover is impatient in separation from the beloved?”
Preaching Today
David Ney: The Question Everyone Asks
“The question is basic to human relationships. It is also basic to the relationship humans have with their Creator. From the beginning humans have recognized that since they are creatures, God has a claim to what they do with their lives, and so they have continually asked God: ‘What is it that you want?’”
Jennifer Strawbridge: Out of Control
“But the difficult news is that God’s love, God’s kingdom, is this out of control. And not just out of control, but out of our control. … We might spend inordinate time fighting against the places God is taking us in our lives, but such a response won’t prevent God from working in and amongst us.”
Oliver O’Donovan: The Mission Is His
“To exercise judgment and to be judged are two complementary aspects of the one decision. As we decide, so we are decided upon. As we value, so we are evaluated. We judge the good and are judged by it. We are inevitable conspirators in judgment on ourselves.”
Classic Texts
Second Book of Homilies: All Other Things
“In our daily prayers we should chiefly and principally ask those things which concern the Kingdom of God and the salvation of our own souls, nothing doubting but all other things shall, according to the promise of Christ, be given to us.”
Origen: Like a Teacher
“When the Holy Spirit sees our spirit being harassed by the attacks of the flesh and not knowing what it ought to ask in prayer, the Holy Spirit acts like a teacher, first saying the prayer which our spirit should then follow if it wishes to become a student of the Holy Spirit.”
Helmut Thielicke: We Shall Love the Pearl
“We shall love the pearl because it did not think itself too good to be buried in that poor field and because therefore it does not think itself too good to be picked up today by our poor and empty hands.”
Articles on the Intercession of Christ
Jonathan Jameson: The Show Goes On
“Augustine writes, ‘Our heart, when lifted up to him, is his altar.’ We really participate in this eternal sacrifice by our longings and intentions. And we are contingent participants in this eternal action by our very identity as members of the body of Christ, whose head ‘lives to make intercession’ for us (Heb. 7:25).”
Julia Gatta: The Grace of Solitary Prayer
“As our great high priest, Jesus ‘always lives to make intercession’ for us (Heb. 7:25), so intercession joins us to this prayer of Christ, uniting us to his saving love for us and for our world. From all this we can see that Christian prayer is profoundly trinitarian.”
John Thorpe: The Art of Prayer
“Prayer is meant to be viewed, to be public in a universal way, so each cosmic viewer may arrive independently and simultaneously at the same conclusion (because it is the only conclusion at which a person can possibly arrive, when the whole is viewed)—that God is all in all.”
Articles on the Spirit
David Munson: The Holy Spirit and Giving
“Giving is a consequence of salvation and essential to the New Testament revival of God’s people because it is part and parcel of spreading the good news about Jesus Christ by example. Salvation is a gift of grace, but it comes with a cost. We must give up self-sufficiency so that we can be free in the Spirit, to receive more and more fully the blessed likeness of Christ.”
John Alexander: Balanced View of the Trinity
“The Trinitarian doctrine helps us avoid all these distortions. At one and the same time, we need to be in relationship with God the Father, who has created us and holds us accountable for obedience to his laws; God the Son, who draws near to call, forgive, reconcile, and befriend us; and God the Holy Spirit, who enters the deepest recesses of our souls to renew, transform, and re-create us from within.”
Ian Olson: Faith Working in Love — On Christian Commitment to Social Justice
“We are swept into the life of Christ and given to partake in the pattern of his self-giving, empowered by his Spirit to inhabit that life with a greater and more proper fit as we abide in the love that calls us and sets us in motion.”
Articles on the Kingdom of Heaven
Boone Porter: A Different Sort of Time
“As Christians we look forward to that heavenly country where earthly time will be no more. We cannot imagine eternity as timeless in the sense of everything being frozen in ice, but rather as a new sort of time, a time free of mortality.”
Andrew Petiprin: The End of Beauty
“G.K. Chesterton says, ‘There are no rules of architecture for a castle in the clouds,’ but if earth is just as full of the glory of God as heaven is, our aesthetic choices in a new world destined to be the domain of immortality matter just as much as Solomon’s choices did. Eternity is beautiful, and eternity begins here and now.”
Zachary Guiliano: Eclipsing the Heavens
“Past generations stood in abject wonder at the apparently eternal yet ever errant heavens; they wrote great myths to explain them, and were even moved to worship. The pregnant phrase of St. John the Divine, I saw a great portent in heaven, expressed no unusual sentiment.”
