Third Sunday in Lent, March 4, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection . If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 20:1-17)

The people listen on Mount Sinai as YAHWEH gives the 10 Commandments for the first time. He begins recounting his saving them from slavery in Egypt and demands their allegiance to him alone and then lays out how he wants them to live as his people.

Psalm (19)

The Psalmist insists that the heavens wordlessly speak volumes in glory to God. Like the circling sun warms the earth each day so the law of YAHWEH revives our soul, lightens our way and exposes our faults. It is both essential and delightful to the faithful heart.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

St. Paul reflects on the great paradox of the Cross: it seems a sign of weakness to Jews seeking signs of God’s power, and foolishness to Greeks seeking human wisdom. However, to those called, it actually demonstrates God’s supreme power and wisdom.

Gospel (John 2:13-22)

Jesus enters the Temple and is angry at the way it has become a busy market of people selling animals for sacrifice. His disciples then recall prophecy that Messiah was to have such zeal for God’s house. Jesus then speaks mysteriously of his body as the Temple.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The overarching wisdom and power of God
  • In our weakness and foolishness, we are lost in the world without divine guidance
  • Holiness is demanded of those who would draw close to God
  • God’s way is a delight to those he has called but a puzzle to those living only on a worldly plane
  • The evidence of God’s wisdom and power is all around for those with eyes to see

 

 

 

Second Sunday in Lent, Feb. 25, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

YAHWEH guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying YAHWEH who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to another.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 8:31-38)

After Peter’s recognition of his being Messiah, Jesus teaches that he will suffer and be rejected by Jewish leaders but rise again after three days. Peter objects and rebukes him but Jesus affirms that to follow him means to lose one’s life in order to save it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
  • The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
  • Suffering and loss provides opportunity for God’s deliverance
  • God brings new life to the dead things in our lives

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

YAHWEH guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying YAHWEH who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to another.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and puzzling his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son, to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
  • The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
  • Both the Father and the Son are at the centre of faith
  • Praise of God/Jesus arises even from the dead
  • The blessing arising from God’s confirmation of his promises

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First Sunday in Lent, Feb. 18, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 9:8-17)

After Noah, his family and the animals safely emerged from the ark, God made a covenant with them that he would not again destroy the earth with a flood. He said he would remember this covenant every time he saw its sign, a rainbow in the clouds.

Psalm (25:1-10)

Knowing that he can trust in the steadfast love and mercy of YAHWEH, the Psalmist looks to him, asking to be led in his truth and forgiven his youthful sins. YAHWEH will lead the sinner and the humble into his paths of faithful love as they keep his covenant.

Second Reading (1 Peter 3:18-22)

Christ the righteous one died for sinners to bring them to God. Made alive in the spirit, he then preached to the captive spirits of those lost in Noah’s flood. Those saved in the ark, however, prefigured our baptism. Christ is now gloriously ascended and sovereign over all.

Gospel (Mark 1:9-15)

When John baptizes Jesus a heavenly voice identifies him as God’s Beloved Son. The Spirit then drives him into the wilderness where Satan tempts him for forty days. After, Jesus begins preaching repentance and belief in the good news of the impending arrival of God’s kingdom.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment: two sides of the same coin
  • God’s covenants with his creatures reflect his constancy and love
  • Water as an instrument of judgment and/or salvation
  • Forty days mark a new beginning in our relationship with God

 

 

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17)

Through the prophet Joel YAHWEH warns of an impending “Day of the Lord” and pleads with his people to return to him in sincerity of heart. He calls for a fast that goes beyond mere outward observance and relies instead on YAHWEH’s steadfast love and mercy.

Psalm (51:1-17)

The Psalmist, deeply aware of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit, a new heart. A merciful and loving YAHWEH grants these to those who sincerely and humbly offer him a broken and repentant spirit.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10)

St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked, suffered, and, paradoxically, been blessed.

Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

Jesus teaches that practicing our religion in order to impress others reveals only that the things of heaven are not of ultimate importance to us. Hearts truly oriented to God will be content to do these things in secret, knowing that his blessings await in due course.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The poverty of superficial religious observance
  • God looks upon the heart
  • The necessity of a changed heart in order to please God
  • Good deeds issue from good souls and not the other way round
  • The true fast is of the heart
  • A little humility goes a long way

Based on the Alternative First Reading

First Reading (Isaiah 58:1-12)

Isaiah voices YAHWEH’s displeasure with a people who seek to draw near to him through fasting while not observing his ways. A true fast, one that will ultimately lead to Israel’s restoration, is caring for those in need and bringing injustice to an end.

Psalm (51:1-17)

The Psalmist, deeply aware of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit, a new heart. A merciful and loving YAHWEH grants these to those who sincerely and humbly offer him a broken and repentant spirit.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10)

St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked, suffered, and, paradoxically, been blessed.

Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

Jesus teaches that practicing our religion in order to impress others reveals only that the things of heaven are not of ultimate importance to us. Hearts truly oriented to God will be content to do these things in secret, knowing that his blessings await in due course.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The poverty of superficial religious observance
  • God looks upon the heart
  • The necessity of a changed heart in order to please God
  • Good deeds issue from good souls and not the other way round
  • The true fast is of the heart
  • A little humility goes a long way

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 11, 2018, Year B

Lection Connection for Transfiguration Sunday can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 5:1-14)

A captive Israeli girl informs her master Naaman, commander of Aram’s army, that there is a prophet back home who can cure his leprosy. He finds Elisha who tells him to wash in the Jordan to be healed. At first he refuses, but his servants convince him to try and it works.

Psalm (30)

Because of Yahweh’s healing him in the past, the Psalmist invites others to join him in praise and thanksgiving. When he had been confident in his prosperity, adversity had brought him low. But Yahweh heard his cry and turned his mourning into joy.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

St. Paul likens the Christian life to a footrace whose eternal prize is worth our total effort to prepare for and to run. He himself has done everything he could to subdue his own body in order to practice what he preaches and provide a positive example.

Gospel (Mark 1:40-45)

Jesus, against the rules of religion, reaches out and touches a leper who is confident Jesus can heal him. Upon being restored the man disobeys Jesus command to silence. This increases Jesus’ fame and his popularity makes it necessary for him to avoid towns.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Do whatever it takes to be a faithful Christian
  • Gossipping the Gospel is always a good thing
  • A word, even from the lowly, can accomplish great things in the kingdom
  • Jesus continues but intensifies the prophetic ministry of healing

 

 

 

 

Transfiguration Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 2:1-12)

The young prophet Elisha refuses to let his mentor Elijah pass from this world until he is assured a double portion of his spirit. Elijah makes this promise and then is taken into heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot and horses of fire.

Psalm (50:1-6)

Yahweh the righteous judge shines out of Zion and summons the entire earth before him. He appears in a consuming fire in the midst of a powerful whirlwind, executing justice for his people.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

For St. Paul the gospel he proclaims is a brilliant light in the darkness, reflecting the glory of God seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Paul points, not to himself, but to Jesus Christ who is Lord. To be unable to see this light is to be blinded by the god of this age.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and puzzling his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son and the one to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is on the side of light and against darkness
  • God’s word is good news and glorious light
  • Jesus reveals the glory of God in his own being
  • In the presence of God there is revelation of truth
  • Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity