Rev. Dr. Karen E. Crawford
In 2010, Tom Wright, New Testament Scholar and the former Bishop of Durham and Lord Spiritual in the UK Parliament, was asked to write a guidebook for “The Big Read.” The ecumenical project in Lent and Eastertide involved encouraging people to read through the gospel of Luke. Wright wrote a little guidebook with his own contemporary translations from the Greek and daily devotions and prayers to help people find their way through the gospel. The book was read by individuals and churches in the UK and used as a study guide by small groups. The “Big Read” was so popular that Wright was asked to write another guidebook, this time for Matthew, as this is the gospel that would be read in worship in Lectionary Year A in 2011.
I bought Wright’s guide, Lent for Everyone: Matthew (Year A), for my own devotional time for Lent this year, but then I thought it would be nice to invite others to join me in this “Big Read” of Matthew, like they did in the UK years ago. I trust that Wright and the Holy Spirit will lead us to discover new treasures in God’s Word, as there’s nothing like reading a gospel straight through, from beginning to end, day by day.
Beginning on Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18, 2026), won’t you join me in reading God’s Word and reflecting on, with Tom Wright, what Matthew’s gospel meant in the time in which it was written and such a time as this that we live in today? Check back each day to listen to a new audio clip.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Matthew chapters 1-2, focused on 1:18-25:
Speak to us, Father, in a new way as we read your word. Help us to hear your voice and follow where you lead. Amen.
Sharing God's Love and Grace 