Posted on

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 4, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20)

The Ten Commandments are given for the first time on Mt. Sinai. These laws spell out how the Israelites are to live in relationship to both God and others. The thunder and lightning etc. signify the Lord’s presence and are meant to inspire obedience.

Psalm (19)

The Psalmist likens the Law’s ability to revive the soul to the awesome effect of the sun upon the earth each morning. It enables us to see what is right and wrong, exposing even our hidden faults. The Psalmist, desiring to be right with God, delights in his Law.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:4b-14)

Paul realizes that his advantages as a zealous Jew are mere rubbish compared to knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection. Righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not our own efforts to satisfy the Law. This fact inspires him to press on harder.

Gospel (Matthew 21:33-46)

Jesus tells some Jewish leaders about a man who rented out his vineyard and then saw his agents and even his son attacked when they tried to collect the rent. They seethe, knowing he is talking about them and how Israel has treated both him and the prophets.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Divine boundaries are intended for our flourishing
• Sin is always destructive in its effect
• The history of Israel demonstrates humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness through its own efforts
• Christ is the key to God’s plan and eclipses all that came before
• Righteousness is a gift and a blessing

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

I chose you and appointed you, says the Lord, that you should go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. John 15.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have built your Church
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.
Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to you; 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 5:1-7)

Isaiah relates how the Lord had established Israel, his beloved, expecting it to yield justice and righteousness. This is like a vineyard that only yielded wild grapes and is now fit only to be exposed to destruction and trampled into waste ground.

Psalm (80:7-15)

The Psalmist yearns for the Lord to restore the nation and save it from destruction. He points out that Israel was his own planting and it had flourished for a time. So why have its protective walls been destroyed enabling it to be trampled by wild beasts?

Second Reading (Philippians 3:4b-14)

Paul realizes that his advantages as a zealous Jew are mere rubbish compared to knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection. Righteousness comes from faith in Christ, not our own efforts to satisfy the Law. This fact inspires him to press on harder.

Gospel (Matthew 21:33-46)

Jesus tells some Jewish leaders about a man who rented out his vineyard and then saw his agents and even his son attacked when they tried to collect the rent. They seethe, knowing he is talking about them and how Israel has treated both him and the prophets.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The history of Israel demonstrates humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness through its own efforts
• God’s plan is for his people and all of humanity to flourish
• Jesus Christ is the answer to Israel’s cries for God’s salvation
• The history of Israel is critical to the understanding of the mission and ministry of Jesus

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

I chose you and appointed you, says the Lord, that you should go and bear fruit, fruit that will last. John 15.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have built your Church
on the foundation of the apostles and prophets,
Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.
Join us together in unity of spirit by their teaching, that we may become a holy temple, acceptable to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 27, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 17:1-7)

The Israelites test the Lord by quarrelling with Moses because they find no water at Rephidim. Again, the Lord miraculously provides for them, this time having Moses strike a rock to get water. A very frustrated Moses calls the place “Testing” and “Quarrelling”.

Psalm (78:1-4, 12-16)

The Psalmist calls Israel to celebrate and pass on to their own children the cautionary tale of the Lord’s repeated provisions for their ancestors during the Exodus.

Second Reading (Philippians 2:1-13)

Paul urges his readers to adopt “the mind of Christ”, who did not exploit his equality with God but took on human form, humbling himself to death on a cross. Therefore, the same God who works in us raised him Lord of all, with every knee to bow before him.

Gospel (Matthew 21:23-32)

Jesus silences Jewish leaders questioning his authority with a counter question about the authority of John the Baptist. He then shows them that true obedience is not just lip service, but actually doing God’s will, just like the notorious sinners who believed John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Testing the Lord is not a good move

Testing the Lord reveals the hardness of our own hearts

Miracles, even repeated miracles, will not by themselves suffice for faith

God is a God of grace and mercy

Humility or self-focus? Which opens the door to others and to God?

True belief shows itself in godly action

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them and they follow me. John 10.27

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Grant, O merciful God,
that your Church,
being gathered by your Holy Spirit into one,
may show forth your power among all peoples,
to the glory of your name;
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 (Ezekiel 18:1-4, 25-32)

The Lord claims every human being, while each individual is responsible for their own actions. To punish the child for the sins of the parents is wrong. The one who sins is the one who dies, and this gives no pleasure to God. But those who repent shall live.

Psalm (25:1-9)

The Psalmist expresses his keen desire to follow the ways of the Lord who is full of mercy and steadfast love. He calls for help from the one who is eager to respond to the humble. Only because of the Lord’s nature can the Psalmist’s youthful sins be forgiven.

Second Reading (Philippians 2:1-13)

Paul urges his readers to adopt “the mind of Christ”, who did not exploit his equality with God but took on human form, humbling himself to death on a cross. Therefore, the same God who works in us raised him Lord of all, with every knee to bow before him.

Gospel (Matthew 21:23-32)

Jesus silences Jewish leaders questioning his authority with a counter question about the authority of John the Baptist. He then shows them that true obedience is not just lip service, but actually doing God’s will, just like the notorious sinners who believed John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The importance of taking personal responsibility for one’s sin

Personal and/or corporate repentance?

Is God unfair?

God is a God of grace and mercy

Humility or self-focus? Which opens the door to others and to God?

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them and they follow me. John 10.27

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Grant, O merciful God,
that your Church,
being gathered by your Holy Spirit into one,
may show forth your power among all peoples,
to the glory of your name;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

 

 

Posted on

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 20, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 16:2-15)

The Israelites grumble to Moses, saying it would have been better to have died in Egypt where they at least had lots to eat. The Lord says that he is going to provide them bread from heaven each morning as well as quails each evening.

Psalm (105:1-6, 37-45)

The Psalmist exhorts the Lord’s chosen people to seek his presence, remember his wonderful works on their behalf, and make him known among the nations. He brought them out of Egypt, provided food in the wilderness, and gave them the promised land.

Second Reading (Philippians 1:21-30)

Paul, called to be of further service to the early Christian communities, reluctantly accepts any delay in being fully in Christ’s presence. He calls the Philippians to live worthy of the Gospel and stand firm with him in the face of opposition and suffering.

Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16)

Jesus tells of a vineyard owner who hires men early to work for the normal daily rate. He hires others later but pays them all the same. His generosity angers the first group but serves to show how the last shall be first and the first last in the Kingdom of God.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Being content with the blessings we have
  • Why are we angry with God or others? Do we really have a case?
  • Being faithful in times of suffering means trusting in Christ and resisting the urge to complain, which reveals a lack of such trust
  • God always gives us more than we deserve (grace)
  • Living as God’s people does not mean we will not have to suffer

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Open our hearts, O Lord, to give heed to what is said by your Son.

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth,
and ourselves in your image.
Teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving; 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 (Jonah 3:10-4:11)

The Lord spares the repentant city of Nineveh from the destruction Jonah had warned it about. Angry, Jonah is confronted by the Lord because he is more concerned about a dead plant that provided him shade than the fate of the many inhabitants of Nineveh.

Psalm (145:1-8)

The Psalmist says that he will praise the Lord for his surpassing majesty and his wonderful works, for which future generations will extoll him. They will sing of his goodness and righteousness, his grace and mercy, and his love and slowness to anger.

Second Reading (Philippians 1:21-30)

Paul, called to be of further service to the early Christian communities, reluctantly accepts any delay in being fully in Christ’s presence. He calls the Philippians to live worthy of the Gospel and stand firm with him in the face of opposition and suffering.

Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16)

Jesus tells of a vineyard owner who hires men early to work for the normal daily rate. He hires others later but pays them all the same. His generosity angers the first group but serves to show how the last shall be first and the first last in the Kingdom of God.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Being content with the blessings we have
  • Why are we angry with God or others? Do we really have a case?
  • Being faithful in times of suffering means trusting in Christ and resisting the urge to complain, which reveals a lack of such trust
  • God always gives us more than we deserve (grace)
  • Living as God’s people does not mean we will not have to suffer
  • Like God, we should be slow to anger

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Open our hearts, O Lord, to give heed to what is said by your Son.

 Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth,
and ourselves in your image.
Teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and to serve you with reverence and thanksgiving; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Posted on

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 13, 2020

Please see how to use Lection Connection.                                                                          

Full lections can be read here. 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 14:19-31)

The angel and the pillar of cloud place themselves between Israel and the pursuing Egyptian army. Moses stretches out his hand and a wind from the Lord parts the Red Sea. Pharaoh drowns with all his soldiers and Israel learns to trust in God.

Psalm (114)

The Psalmist celebrates the Exodus as the time when the Lord came to dwell with Israel. Both the Red Sea and the Jordan River parted for them as well. The natural elements respond to his commands. Indeed, the whole earth trembles at his awesome presence.

OR

Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21

The Song of Moses exults in the victory of the Lord when the Egyptian army drowned in the Red Sea. The Lord proved himself in full control of nature and superior to any other gods. Miriam, sister to Moses and a prophet herself, joins in the joyous refrain.

Second Reading (Romans 14:1-12)

Paul states that both those who put emphasis on the observance of holy days or dietary laws and those who do not should honour each other. Both groups are trying to live as unto the Lord and we should leave it up to him to be the judge.

Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)

To answer a question from Peter, Jesus tells a parable about a slave who is forgiven a great debt by a king but refuses himself to forgive a tiny sum owed to him. This angers the king and we can expect the same of God when we do not forgive our fellow believer. 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is not subject to nature but in control of it
  • Nature is witness to the greatness of God
  • Judgment is real, but it is in the hands of God, not our own
  • The importance of community life in the Kingdom
  • Forgiveness and forbearance are to mark the Christian life

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 13.34

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you call your Church to witness
that in Christ we are reconciled to you.
Help us so to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may turn to you;
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 (Genesis 50:15-21)

Trembling before him in Egypt, Joseph’s brothers tell him that their father Jacob had asked that he forgive them for selling him into slavery. They are worried about payback, but Joseph weeps and tells them that God had intended their evil for good all along.

Psalm (103:[1-7], 8-13)

The Psalmist calls us to bless the Lord for all he does and all he is: he forgives, heals, delivers and satisfies us with good things. A merciful and gracious Yahweh works justice for the oppressed and removes our sin far from us, not repaying us what we deserve. 

Second Reading (Romans 14:1-12)

Paul states that both those who put emphasis on the observance of holy days or dietary laws and those who do not should honour each other. Both groups are trying to live as unto the Lord and we should leave it up to him to be the judge.

Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)

To answer a question from Peter, Jesus tells a parable about a slave who is forgiven a great debt by a king but refuses himself to forgive a tiny sum owed to him. This angers the king and we can expect the same of God when we do not forgive our fellow believer.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is in control of the course of history
  • Judgment is real, but it is in the hands of God, not our own
  • The importance of community life in the Kingdom
  • Forgiveness and forbearance are to mark the Christian life
  • We are to extend to others what God has so much more extended to us

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 13.34

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you call your Church to witness
that in Christ we are reconciled to you.
Help us so to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may turn to you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN