First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 64:1-9)

Yahweh having hidden his face, Isaiah pleads for him to act mightily for those who wait for him. Many Israelites have taken Yahweh’s silence as occasion to sin: indeed all have fallen into iniquity. The prophet asks for mercy because they are his people and he is their father.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

The Psalmist, aware of Yahweh’s displeasure with his people, asks him three times to shine his face upon them that they might be saved. They have suffered greatly but Yahweh remains in their midst and will surely respond to their calls on his name.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

St. Paul is thankful for the grace of God given to the Corinthians as evidenced in their speech and knowledge. Indeed, they lack no spiritual gift as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus and are assured of being strengthened to the end, made blameless by the God who is faithful.

Gospel (Mark 13:24-37)

In various ways Jesus encourages his disciples to be ready for his sudden return in great power and glory after a period of earth shaking events. These will occur within a generation and should serve to keep everyone alert, given that his words are more solid than the cosmos itself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The people of God are called to wait expectantly for him in troubled times
  • Faithfulness in a time of waiting
  • Faithfulness in the silence of God
  • Waiting is difficult and dangerous
  • When God finally acts it will be decisive and unmistakable
  • God has provided what we need to remain faithful to the end

Reign of Christ, Nov. 26, 2017, Proper 29, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

The Lord God proclaims that he will gather the people of Israel together from their places of exile like a shepherd who gathers his sheep and provides them with lavish care. Those who have abused the weak will be destroyed and the nation’s relationship with God will be restored under David as its shepherd-king.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist exhorts the whole earth to joyful praise of Yahweh, creator of all, and to come into his presence as his people, sheep of his pasture. Yahweh is good, loving and faithful across the generations.

OR

Psalm (95:1-7a)

The Psalmist invites the people of God into the joyful presence of Yahweh with thanks and praise. As creator of all things he is king over all other powers and we are his sheep, fed in his pasture.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)

St. Paul is caught up in the knowledge of God’s great power made known in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to a place above all other rule and authority. He prays that the Ephesians will experience this power more and more as they come to know Christ in whom their hope for redemption is secure.

Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

Using the image of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, Jesus teaches that he himself will occupy a throne of solemn judgment when he returns in great glory. All the nations will be held to account for how they have treated the least of those whom he identifies as extensions of himself, his family.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God/Christ as shepherd-king: savior, provider, protector, judge
  • The people of God as “sheep” and God/Christ as “shepherd”
  • The relationship/identification of God/Christ with his people
  • Trusting in the awesome power of God, creator, re-creator, king
  • God/Christ as the shepherd who sets all things right
  • In the presence of God/Christ

 

 

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 19, 2017, Proper 28, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for Thanksgiving Day, November 23, can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Judges 4:1-7)

In the repeated pattern recorded in the book of Judges, Israel falls into sin and Yahweh hands them over to a local Canaanite king. When the people call out to Yahweh he uses the prophetess Deborah to tell the commander of Israel’s army to attack the king’s army with the assurance of victory.

Psalm (123)

In a time when Israel is suffering the scorn and contempt of the proud, the Psalmist directs his plea for relief to the one he knows has power to help. He looks to Yahweh as a maid would naturally look to her mistress.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • The importance of knowing who is in charge
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18)

To those who contentedly believe he will never act in judgment, Yahweh spells out the coming wrath of the Day of the LORD that is at hand. Widespread disobedience to divine commands will bring about worldwide distress, darkness, and destruction.

Psalm (90:1-12)

The Psalmist acknowledges the great gulf between Yahweh’s mighty eternal being and us short-lived mortals. To Yahweh time is of no consideration while humanity struggles to survive but a few passing years. His anger at our sin should inspire us to use our time wisely.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The reality and magnitude of judgment and salvation
  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

 

 

 

Thanksgiving Day, November 23. 2017, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 8:7-18)

Moses warns the Israelites not to forget Yahweh when they occupy Canaan and begin to enjoy the extreme fruitfulness of the Land. It was Yahweh who not only brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness but who also gives them the strength to work the land and acquire great wealth. They owe it all to him.

Psalm (65)

The Palmist calls for praise to the God who answers prayer and forgives sins. Those among whom he dwells are blessed indeed, but, as he is the hope of the ends of the earth, all flesh will come to him. As creator he continues to provide the resources for the enormous bounty of the earth, eliciting joy from the whole realm of nature.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

One of St. Paul’s major projects was the collection and delivery of funds from the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Here he encourages the Corinthians to give cheerfully and generously remembering that their blessings have comes from God in the first place. Indeed, their giving will generate further blessing for themselves as well as thanksgiving to God from both Paul and the recipients.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Ten lepers approach Jesus for healing as he makes his way down to Jerusalem. He tells them to show themselves to the priests whose task it is to determine if those with communicable diseases are well enough to re-enter society. On their way they are all healed but only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus and praise God. It amazes Jesus that only one out of ten had come back and he sends him on his way with a commendation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • All that we have, including possessions and abilities, comes from God
  • Giving thanks is not to be taken for granted but needs to be encouraged
  • Failing to give thanks is often an act of forgetfulness
  • God has already done so much for us that thanksgiving is always called for
  • Thanksgiving for blessings, especially when tangibly expressed, brings blessings in turn
  • You can’t out-give God

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 12, 2017, Proper 27, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25)

Having led Israel in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua charges the nation always to follow Yahweh and not the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Land. Joshua commits himself and his family to Yahweh and the people do so as well, Joshua sealing their commitment with a covenant.

Psalm (78:1-7)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to pay attention to things in their past in danger of becoming obscure. The nation is challenged to remember and pass on to future generations the great things Yahweh has done for them, encouraging hope and obedience.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our hope for the future is rooted in the past faithfulness of God
  • Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
  • Forewarned is forearmed
  • The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Amos 5:18-24)

Amos warns his listeners not to expect that the Day of the Lord will bring them vindication and victory. Instead it will bring judgment because, in spite of their meticulous religious observances, they have neglected justice and righteousness.

Psalm (70)

The Psalmist cries out to Yahweh at his delay in coming to deliver and save. He wants his adversaries to suffer dishonor and the faithful to be vindicated. In the meantime he remains confident that Yahweh will act, but pleads for immediate relief.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
  • Forewarned is forearmed
  • The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return
  • We ought at all times to acknowledge our sins before God, but especially so in the light of Christ’s return
  • An orientation to God’s future has implications for the present