Lectionary Research: October 26, 2025

Proper 25 (Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time) - Year C Reformation Sunday (Lutheran Observance)

Liturgical Context

Date: October 26, 2025 (Sunday) Lectionary Year: Year C Season: Ordinary Time (Proper 25) Liturgical Color: Green (growth, hope, spiritual formation) Special Observance: Reformation Sunday (last Sunday of October in Lutheran tradition) Proximity to All Saints: November 1, 2025 (6 days later)

Liturgical Themes

• Ordinary Time Focus: Growth in faith, spiritual formation, living out Christian faith in ordinary life
• Reformation Sunday Emphasis: Grace and freedom, justification by grace alone, tradition and renewal, simul iustus et peccator (saint and sinner)
• LCMS Commemoration: Philipp Nicolai, Johann Heermann, and Paul Gerhardt (Lutheran hymnwriters)

Revised Common Lectionary Readings

First Reading: Joel 2:23-32

Restoration after judgment, the outpouring of the Spirit

Psalm: Psalm 65

Thanksgiving for God’s provision and harvest

Second Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Paul’s final testimony, crown of righteousness

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

This is a test of the research section. The full research document contains comprehensive exegesis of all four readings, thematic connections, and suggested sermon approaches for a small-town Lutheran context.