Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 6, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.                                                                          

Full lections can be read here

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 12:1-14) 

The Lord tells Moses to prepare for the final plague upon Egypt: the death of all firstborn males. Israelite households are to smear the blood of a slaughtered lamb on their doorways so the angel of death will pass over, and each year it is to be reenacted.

Psalm (149)

Calling upon the people to render joyful and melodic praise to their Maker and their King, the Psalmist reminds them that the Lord takes pleasure in them, giving victory to the humble. They are also to be God’s instrument of judgment upon the nations. 

Second Reading (Romans 13:8-14)

Like Jesus, St. Paul asserts the truth that to love one’s neighbour as oneself is to fulfill the law. He asserts that our final salvation is nearer now than ever, and we need to prepare by “putting on” Christ and refusing any inclination to live contrary to him. 

Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)

Jesus stresses winning back an offending fellow disciple rather than asserting our own rights. They are to be confronted sensitively and carefully, up to the point of ex-communication itself. Such a decision will bear the awesome authority of heaven.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The importance of dealing with sin through repentance and change
  • The deadly seriousness of sin: it always leads to death
  • The importance of loving one another
  • God’s intentions, even in discipline, are for our good
  • New beginnings with God are possible

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5.19

 Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people,
that richly bearing the fruit of good works,
we may by you be richly rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.AMEN 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Ezekiel 33:7-11)

The Lord appoints Ezekiel as a watchman to deliver his dire warnings to the wayward Israelites. This is a heavy responsibility because unless he does so, he will share in their punishment. He is to proclaim that the Lord prefers they repent rather than perish. 

Psalm (119:33-40)

The Psalmist, appreciating that the way of life is living by the law of the Lord, expresses his desire to know, understand, and delight therein. He realizes that to follow it faithfully he needs the Lord to turn his heart away from all evil and grant him life.  

Second Reading (Romans 13:8-14)

Like Jesus, Paul asserts the truth that to love one’s neighbour as oneself is to fulfill the law. He asserts that our final salvation is nearer now than ever, and we need to resist by “putting on” Christ and refusing any inclinations to live contrary to him. 

Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)

Jesus stresses winning back an offending fellow disciple rather than asserting our own rights. They are to be confronted sensitively and carefully, up to the point of ex-communication itself. Such a decision will bear the awesome authority of heaven.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The ways of God are the ways of life
  • The importance of dealing with sin through repentance and change
  • The deadly seriousness of sin: it always leads to death
  • The importance of loving one another
  • God’s intentions, even in discipline, are for our good
  • We must follow Jesus from the inside out

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5.19

 Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people,
that richly bearing the fruit of good works,
we may by you be richly rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.AMEN

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 30, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.                                                                          

Full lections can be read here

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 3:1-15)

The Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush, identifying himself as the God of his ancestors, whose name is “I AM WHO I AM”. He has heard the cry of his people and now he is sending Moses to deliver them and lead them out to the Promised Land.

Psalm (105:1-6, 23-26, 45b)

The Psalmist exhorts his readers to remember the Lord’s mighty acts. Looking to him alone, they are to make his deeds known among the nations. He caused captive Israel to increase greatly and sent Moses and Aaron to deliver them. Praise be to him!

Second Reading (Romans 12:9-21)

Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully even under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies they are to put matters into God’s hands and allow good to overcome evil. 

Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)

Jesus rebukes Peter for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to preserve our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, knowing that, in the resurrection, he will abundantly reward. 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • It is God who saves us, not we ourselves
  • Doing good will ultimately triumph over evil
  • Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life
  • Relief from suffering is in God’s hands
  • We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies
  • We need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18 

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Author and Giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us in all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 15:15-21)

Jeremiah asks the Lord that his persecutors suffer retribution. He has been faithful but his suffering is worsening, making him question. The Lord, on the other hand, encourages the prophet to rely upon him alone for restoration and deliverance.

Psalm (26:1-8)

Faithful in his walk, the Psalmist expects vindication from the Lord. He even challenges the Lord to test him in his innocence. He has not kept company with sinners, but has joined the procession to the altar in the Temple he loves because God dwells there.

Second Reading (Romans 12:9-21)

Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully even under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies they are to put matters into God’s hands and allow good to overcome evil. 

Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)

Jesus rebukes Peter for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to preserve our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, knowing that, in the resurrection, he will abundantly reward.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • It is God who saves us, not we ourselves
  • Doing good will ultimately triumph over evil
  • Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life
  • Relief from suffering is in God’s hands
  • We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies
  • We need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18 

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Author and Giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us in all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 23, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 1:8-2:10)

The Israelites are still in Egypt and have become so numerous that Pharaoh tries to destroy all their male infants. One is put in a basket on the Nile by his mother and then, with the help of the child’s sister, is saved by the Pharaoh’s own daughter. He is Moses.

Psalm (124)

The Psalmist encourages Israel to remember that it was the Lord alone who delivered them from the raging flood of their enemies. They escaped like a bird from a broken snare because the Lord, the creator of all, is their help.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

Paul affirms that true worship presents our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. Not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds, we act in humility and sobriety, exercising our gifts of grace for the good of the body of Christ.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

Peter identifies Jesus as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built and it will conquer hell itself. As to his identity as Messiah, the disciples are told to keep quiet.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God delivers his people from their enemies
  • No foe is superior to God
  • The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
  • The people of God carry out the purposes of God
  • The importance of humility

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
we are taught by your word
that all our doings without love are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtue;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 51:1-6)

Isaiah calls for those who seek the Lord to look back to Abraham and Sarah as our ancestors in faith. The Lord will cause the land to blossom like Eden as his rule of justice and light is extended to the nations and the present cosmos passes away.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist thanks the Lord for his faithfulness in answering his prayer for salvation. All the rulers of the earth shall praise the Lord when they see how the lowly are exalted. For these reasons he is certain the Lord will fulfill his purpose for him.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

Paul affirms that true worship presents our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. Not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds, we act in humility and sobriety, exercising our gifts of grace for the good of the body of Christ.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

Peter identifies Jesus as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built and it will conquer hell itself. As to his identity as Messiah, the disciples are told to keep quiet.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The salvation of God’s people will attract the attention of the nations
  • The importance for faith of looking at examples from the past
  • God delivers his people from their enemies
  • No foe is superior to God
  • The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
  • The importance of humility

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
we are taught by your word
that all our doings without love are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtue;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 16, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 45:1-15)

Joseph’s brothers, who had sold him years ago, do not recognize him as a high Egyptian official. But when he reveals himself they are filled with fear. He says that God was behind it all, sending him on ahead to save the family. Overcome, they are reconciled.

Psalm (133)

The Psalmist describes family unity as drenched in blessing, like the oil that overflowed Aaron when he was anointed high priest, or like the heavy dew on the mountains. In all these we catch a glimpse of the Lord’s blessing of eternal life.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul emphasizes that the Jewish rejection of the Gospel in no way implies that they have lost their part in God’s plan. Indeed, by showing that they too, along with Gentiles, are disobedient, they are included with his Gentile readers in the offer of God’s mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

[Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth.] Although sent only to the Jews, Jesus responds to the amazing faith of a Gentile woman and delivers her daughter from a demon.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The blessing of family unity (including the human family)
  • God’s providential care for his people
  • The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
  • Mercy and grace trump disobedience and sin
  • The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart
  • All have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed every infirmity among the people. See Matthew 4.23

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and sent into our hearts the Spirit of your Son.
Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that all people may know the glorious liberty
of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 56:1, 6-8)

Isaiah envisions the Gentiles sharing in the coming salvation of the Lord. Foreigners will come to worship on Mount Zion and the Temple will be known as a house of prayer for all nations. The Lord will gather all who have been cast out, both Jews and Gentiles.

Psalm (67)

The Palmist urges God to so abundantly bless Israel that he will be known throughout the nations, with praise erupting from every direction. May all the peoples honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in Israel.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul emphasizes that the Jewish rejection of the Gospel in no way implies that they have lost their part in God’s plan. Indeed, by showing that they too, along with Gentiles, are disobedient, they are included with the Romans themselves in God’s mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

[Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth.] Although sent only to the Jews, Jesus responds to the amazing faith of a Gentile woman and delivers her daughter from a demon.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The blessing of family unity (including the human family)
  • God’s providential care for his people
  • The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
  • Mercy and grace trump disobedience and sin
  • The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart
  • All have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed every infirmity among the people. See Matthew 4.23

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and sent into our hearts the Spirit of your Son.
Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that all people may know the glorious liberty
of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 9, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28)

Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him because he is their father’s favourite, and when he joins them far from home, they conspire to kill him. But Reuben prevents the bloodshed, and Judah convinces them to sell the boy to a caravan on its way to Egypt.

Psalm (105:1-6, 16-22, 45b)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to praise and thank the Lord for his wonderful works. They are to exalt him among the nations, especially recalling how he sent Joseph to Egypt long ahead of his family and put him in a position to help them at just the right time.

Second Reading (Romans 10:5-15)

Paul contrasts righteousness through obeying the law with the simple act of believing in the risen Jesus and confessing him as Lord. Salvation comes to all who so believe and not just Jews. Proclaimers of Christ must be sent out so that all have a chance to hear.

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat but walks out to them on the waves during a storm. Jesus commands Peter to come to him but has to save him after he starts to sink in fear and unbelief. Calm descends, and the disciples worship Jesus as the Son of God.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God always prepares the way for his salvation
  • The Lord saves those who look/call out to him
  • The awesome God who directs history and has power over nature
  • The nations are included in God’s offer of salvation
  • simple faith in God/Jesus is required of us
  • the Lord shows up at just the right time

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

I wait for the Lord; in his word is my hope. Psalm 130.4

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you sent your Holy Spirit
to be the life and light of your Church.
Open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in love, joy, and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (1 Kings 19:9-18)

Elijah, on the run from Queen Jezebel who is angry at his defeat of her prophets, hides in a cave and, feeling abandoned, complains to the Lord. The latter reveals himself, instructing the prophet and assuring him of victory and the presence of many faithful.

Psalm (85:8-13)

The Psalmist is confident that the Lord will hear and speak peace to all those who truly turn to him. Indeed, in his coming salvation the Land will be richly blessed as “steadfast love and faithfulness” meet, and “righteousness and peace” kiss each other.

Second Reading (Romans 10:5-15)

Paul contrasts righteousness through obeying the law with the simple act of believing in the risen Jesus and confessing him as Lord. Salvation comes to all who so believe and not just Jews. Proclaimers of Christ must be sent out so that all have a chance to hear.

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat but walks out to them on the waves during a storm. Jesus commands Peter to come to him but has to save him after he starts to sink in fear and unbelief. Calm descends, and the disciples worship Jesus as the Son of God.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord saves those who look/call out to him
  • The nations are included in God’s offer of salvation
  • simple faith in God/Jesus is required of us
  • the Lord shows up at just the right time
  • Faith has its ups and downs but God is faithful throughout

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

I wait for the Lord; in his word is my hope. Psalm 130.4

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you sent your Holy Spirit
to be the life and light of your Church.
Open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in love, joy, and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN