The lectionary readings for three successive Sundays in Lent give an opportunity to preach on each of the values of Faith, Hope, Love in turn from at least one of the set texts. For those who use only two of the readings, this may make a difference as to whether the Old or New Testament readings are used alongside the gospel.

Faith

Second Sunday of Lent (4th March)

Genesis 17: 1–7, 15–18
Romans 4: 13–25
Mark 8: 31–38

Possible themes include

• the formation of the community of faith in Abraham, rooted in God’s covenant; 
• Paul’s understanding of faith in response to the gift of God; 
• the call of Jesus to courageous and faithful living.

Hope

Third Sunday of Lent (11th March)

Exodus 20: 1–17
1 Corinthians 1: 18–25
John 2: 13–22

Possible themes include

• the giving of the law betokening hope for a future under God
• true hope for the world in the crucified God the power and wisdom of God
• clearing the way for true hope to be made known

Love

Fourth Sunday of Lent/Mothering Sunday (18th March)

Numbers 21: 4–9
Ephesians 2: 1–10
John 3: 14–21

Possible themes include

• the extent of God’s love (‘But God...’)
• the love God has called to embody as a response to his love
• the world and the nature of God’s love for it