Readings for July 2,2017 Year A Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 22:1-14
  • Psalm 13

OR

  • Jeremiah 28:5-9
  • Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

Second Reading

  • Romans 6:12-23

Gospel

  • Matthew 10:40-42

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

After God had made it clear to Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, he commands the patriarch to sacrifice the boy in order to test his faith. At the last moment the angel of Yahweh intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute for Isaac. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience while the author emphasizes that “Yahweh will provide”. The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless he trusts in the steadfast love of Yahweh and faithfully looks forward to his salvation and bounty. St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

After God had made it clear to Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, he commands the patriarch to sacrifice the boy in order to test his faith. At the last moment the angel of Yahweh intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute for Isaac. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience while the author emphasizes that “Yahweh will provide”.

Psalm

The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless he trusts in the steadfast love of Yahweh and faithfully looks forward to his salvation and bounty.

Second Reading

St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Gospel

Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Jeremiah publicly confronts the false prophet Hananiah who had assured the people that peace was coming soon. He points out that genuine prophets were usually called to bear the difficult burden of announcing impending disaster because of widespread disobedience. Therefore he who brings good news instead in such circumstances was not likely from Yahweh. Only time would tell. The Psalmist is confident of Yahweh’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David to establish his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of Yahweh, from whom come all their blessings. St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Jeremiah publicly confronts the false prophet Hananiah who had assured the people that peace was coming soon. He points out that genuine prophets were usually called to bear the difficult burden of announcing impending disaster because of widespread disobedience. Therefore he who brings good news instead in such circumstances was not likely from Yahweh. Only time would tell.

Psalm

The Psalmist is confident of Yahweh’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David to establish his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of Yahweh, from whom come all their blessings.

Second Reading

St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Gospel

Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

 

 

 

Readings for June 25,2017 Year A Third Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 21:8-21
  • Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

OR

  • Jeremiah 20:7-13
  • Psalm 69:7-10 (11-15), 16-18

Second Reading

  • Romans 6:1b-11

Gospel

  • Matthew 10:24-39

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

After Isaac, the son of promise is born, his mother Sarah wants Abraham to get rid of Hagar and her son Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. Although reluctant to do so, Abraham complies after assurances from God that all would be well. Indeed, God immediately saves them from certain death after hearing their cries in the desert. In a time of great need the Psalmist pleads with Yahweh for deliverance, confident of the steadfast love of the one true God for all those who cry out to him. St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus. Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

After Isaac, the son of promise is born, his mother Sarah wants Abraham to get rid of Hagar and her son Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. Although reluctant to do so, Abraham complies after assurances from God that all would be well. Indeed, God immediately saves them from certain death after hearing their cries in the desert.

Psalm

In a time of great need the Psalmist pleads with Yahweh for deliverance, confident of the steadfast love of the one true God for all those who cry out to him.

Second Reading

St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus.

Gospel

Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Jeremiah complains to Yahweh because of the persecution he has suffered at the hands of his fellow Israelites for delivering an unwelcome message. He has had no choice because it is the word of the LORD and he has been compelled to proclaim it. In this he is aware that Yahweh is with him and will prevail. The Psalmist itemizes the negative things that have happened to him because of his faithfulness to Yahweh, including the estrangement of his family. At the same time he is prayerfully trusting in the steadfast love of the LORD for deliverance. St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus. Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Jeremiah complains to Yahweh because of the persecution he has suffered at the hands of his fellow Israelites for delivering an unwelcome message. He has had no choice because it is the word of the LORD and he has been compelled to proclaim it. In this he is aware that Yahweh is with him and will prevail.

Psalm

The Psalmist itemizes the negative things that have happened to him because of his faithfulness to Yahweh, including the estrangement of his family. At the same time he is prayerfully trusting in the steadfast love of the LORD for deliverance.

Second Reading

St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus.

Gospel

Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

Readings for June18, 2017 Year A Second Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) or Exodus 19:2-8a
  • Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 or Psalm 100

Second Reading

  • Romans 5:1-8

Gospel

  • Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YHWH appears to Abraham as he is being hospitable to three strangers. One of them states that Abraham’s wife Sarah will bear a son. Sarah secretly laughs at this idea because she is barren and far too old. (In due course Sarah does have a son and Abraham ironically names him Isaac, or “laughter”. Sarah acknowledges that YHWH has indeed brought her laughter at the last.) The Psalmist rejoices in YHWH who has set him free and saved him. Although he cannot possibly repay the debt he will fulfill his vows in the presence of YHWH’s people. St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Yahweh appears to Abraham as he is being hospitable to three strangers. One of them states that Abraham’s wife Sarah will bear a son. Sarah secretly laughs at this idea because she is barren and far too old. (In due course Sarah does have a son and Abraham ironically names him Isaac, or “laughter”. Sarah acknowledges that Yahweh has indeed brought her laughter at the last.)

Psalm

The Psalmist rejoices in Yahweh who has set him free and saved him. Although he cannot possibly repay the debt he will fulfill his vows in the presence of Yahweh’s people.

Second Reading

St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

Based on the Alternative Readings

Meeting with Yahweh on the mountain, Moses is told to remind the people of how Yahweh has carried them out of bondage in Egypt on eagles’ wings. In response they are to keep his covenant and be a priestly kingdom, his treasured possession out of all the nations. They promise as one to obey. The Psalmist calls upon the whole earth to rejoice in worshipping Yahweh who has made us and called us to be his people. He is the God who is good and whose love endures forever. St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

 As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Meeting with Yahweh on the mountain, Moses is told to remind the people of how Yahweh has carried them out of bondage in Egypt on eagles’ wings. In response they are to keep his covenant and be a priestly kingdom, his treasured possession out of all the nations. They promise as one to obey.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls upon the whole earth to rejoice in worshipping Yahweh who has made us and called us to be his people. He is the God who is good and whose love endures forever.

Second Reading

St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

 

 

 

Readings for June11, 2017 Year A Trinity Sunday

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 1:1-2:4a
  • Psalm 8

Second Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Gospel

  • Matthew 28:16-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish. The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor. St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish.

Psalm

The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor.

Second Reading

St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.