All Saints Day, November 1, 2020

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Revelation 7:9-17)

John’s vision depicts countless people, from every nation and joined by the heavenly creatures, worshipping before God and the Lamb, under whose shepherd-care they have now come. Robes washed in his blood, they have come through great trouble.

Psalm (34:1-10, 22)

The Psalmist, having been delivered from great trouble and fear, calls for great praise to be offered to the Lord who delivered him. All who take refuge in the Lord will find protection, deliverance, and provision.

Second Reading (1 John 3:1-3)

John emphasizes that Christians should know themselves as God’s children, sharing his rejection by the present world as well as becoming like him in the world to come. This is the hope by which they sustain their efforts toward purity in this life.

Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12)

Jesus enumerates how godly living in this life leads in due course to the kingdom of heaven in all its blessedness. Persecution may result, as it did for the prophets, but it should be considered as a blessing bringing great rewards in heaven.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Persecution and its rewards
• The alien but rewarding quality of godliness in this world
• God’s ultimate protection and provision for the faithful
• God the deliverer from evil and trouble
• We are not alone in suffering for our faith
• When God’s kingdom comes in fulness it will put all of this life into perspective

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

They are before the throne of God, and he who sits upon the throne will shelter them with his presence. Revelation 7.15

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
whose people are knit together in one holy Church, the mystical Body of your Son,
grant us grace to follow your blessed saints
in lives of faith and commitment,
and to know the inexpressible joys you have prepared for those who love you;
through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

October 18, 2020

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, October 25, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 34:1-12)

At the end of the wilderness journey the Lord shows Moses the entire sweep of the Promised Land. He is not allowed to enter it and dies there on the mountain, the greatest of all prophets in both word and deed. His successor Joshua takes over.

Psalm (90:1-6, 13-17)

The Lord is Israel’s refuge, the creator in charge of all life and whose plans are not swept away with the passage of time. Basing his plea on the Lord’s steadfast love for his people, the Psalmist asks for divine help to reverse Israel’s present adversity.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

Paul, in spite of opposition, is confident that he has been entrusted with the Gospel by God and reminds the Thessalonians how he had brought it to them with gentle integrity. He gave them his very self along with the Gospel.

Gospel (Matthew 22:34-46)

Some Sadducees test Jesus, asking him to name the greatest of God’s laws. He responds by reciting those, he says, that summarize them all: first to love God, and second to love one’s neighbor. Then he silences them by asking how David can call his own son “Lord”.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The nature of godly leadership
• The cost of godly leadership
• The role of opposition and testing in following the Lord
• Our love of others is rooted in God’s steadfast love for us

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father will love you, and we will come to you. John 14.23

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Lord God our redeemer,
who heard the cry of your people
and sent your servant Moses
to lead them out of slavery,
free us from the tyranny of sin and death,
and by the leading of your Spirit
bring us to our promised land;
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 Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18)

The Lord has Moses set before the Israelites their basic obligation as the “people of God” to be holy, just as he is holy. He goes on to spell out the fuller implications of what this means for their relationships with their neighbors, loving them as themselves.

Psalm (1)

The Psalmist spells out the two paths available for human beings: the way of the Lord or the way of sinners. Obeying the Law results in a blessed and stable life in companionship with God. Disobedience results in judgment, instability and isolation from God.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

Gospel (Matthew 22:34-46)

Sadducees test Jesus by asking him to name the greatest of God’s laws. He responds by reciting those he says underlie them all: first to love God, and second to love one’s neighbor. Then he silences them by asking how David can call his own son “Lord”.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The relationship of holy living to loving others
• Two opposed ways to live, the way of life and the way of death. Choose one
• The nature of godly leadership
• Our relationship with God comes before and enables our relationships with others

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father will love you, and we will come to you. John 14.23

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

October 12, 2020October 10, 2020

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 18, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 33:12-23)

The Lord promises Moses that his Presence will remain with Israel, demonstrating her unique status among the nations. In order to reassure him, the Lord grants his request to see the divine glory, but only a glimpse is allowed for his own protection.

Psalm (99)

The Psalmist begins with the affirmation of the Lord as King of all peoples, a King whose love of justice and righteousness has been displayed first of all in Israel. Three times he calls the people to worship in his holy and awesome Presence.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Paul knows his readers are among God’s chosen because his preaching of the Gospel was in the power of the Spirit and they responded with faith. Having turned from idols to become joyful examples in spite of persecution, they await Jesus’ saving return.

Gospel (Matthew 22:15-22)

Some Pharisees try to discredit Jesus by asking him about an unpopular Roman tax. He asks them whose face and caption are on the coin being used. It is the emperor’s, they admit, and fall silent when Jesus says to give to both emperor and God what is theirs.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Everything in all creation belongs to God and joins in worshipping him
God calls all peoples to worship him alone
The blessings we enjoy are intended to turn others to the Lord
The importance of the right attitude when confronted with the truth of God
To whom do we owe ultimate allegiance?
The holiness of God
The Lord is not safe, but he is good (apologies to C.S. Lewis)
God is sovereign over all kings and rulers

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. See Philippians 2.15, 16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and everliving God,
increase in us your gift of faith,
that forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to what is before,
we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; 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 45:1-7)

The Lord describes Cyrus the Persian emperor as his anointed servant, through whom he is working on behalf of Israel. The Lord affirms his divine sovereignty over Cyrus and history itself. His actions are intended to make his unique status universally known.

Psalm (96:1-9, [10-13])

In a breathtaking affirmation of the Lord’s absolute sovereignty over all the earth, the Psalmist calls all nations to come to worship him as the only king. He is the all-powerful creator and judge, while other gods are mere idols. Nature itself joyfully worships him.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Gospel (Matthew 22:15-22)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Everything in all creation belongs to God and joins in worshipping him
To whom do we owe ultimate allegiance?
God is sovereign over all earthly kings and rulers
God is accomplishing his purposes in history
Turning from idols to the living God
The joy of following Jesus

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. See Philippians 2.15, 16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

October 5, 2020

Thanksgiving Day, October 12, 2020, Year A

Lection Connection for Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost can be found here.

Please see Using 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 the Lord when they occupy fruitful Canaan. It was the Lord who brought them out of Egypt, through the wilderness and who gives them the strength to work the land and acquire great wealth. They owe it all to him.

Psalm (65)

The Psalmist calls for praise to the God who answers prayer and forgives sins. Those among whom he dwells are blessed, but all flesh will eventually come to him. As creator he provides for the bounty of the earth, eliciting joy from the whole realm of nature.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

Paul encourages the Corinthians to give cheerfully and generously to the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem, remembering that God has blessed them. This will generate blessings for themselves and 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 go to the priests for verification of cleansing. On their way they are all healed but, to Jesus’ amazement, only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks.

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 more than 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 for others, brings blessings in turn
• You can’t out-give God

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Those who sowed with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Psalm 126.6

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Creator of the fruitful earth,
you made us stewards of all things.
Give us grateful hearts for all your goodness,
and steadfast wills to use your bounty well,
that the whole human family,
today and in generations to come,
may with us give thanks for the riches of your creation. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. AMEN

October 5, 2020

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 11, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 32:1-14)

While Moses meets with the Lord on Mt. Sinai, Aaron makes a golden calf to represent the god who delivered them from Egypt. The Lord angrily decides to destroy the people and make a great nation out of Moses alone, but he relents when the latter intercedes.

Psalm (106:1-6, 19-23)

The Psalmist reflects on the steadfast love of the Lord for his chosen people in the light of their great sin with the golden calf. Although they greatly dishonoured, insulted, and angered their Saviour, Moses was able to intercede and prevent their destruction.

Second Reading (Philippians 4:1-9)

Paul urges his readers to stand firm by being of the same mind in the Lord. He urges intercession for two disputing women and advises all to give thanks in everything. That is the way to peace, focussing on what is honorable, commendable and praiseworthy.

Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14)

Jesus tells of a king who invites guests to his son’s wedding feast, but they violently reject his envoys. Enraged, the king invites all and sundry to the feast but one who fails to dress correctly is rejected. Many are called into the kingdom, but few actually enter.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God provides a feast
Feasting as a Godly celebration of salvation
The importance of interceding with God on behalf of others
The serious nature of refusing God’s invitation to follow him
Our excuses for disobedience only reveal our spiritual poverty
Being unthankful angers God and being thankful brings peace

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)

Almighty God,
in our baptism you adopted us for your own. Quicken, we pray, your Spirit within us, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; 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 25:1-9)

Isaiah exults in the Lord as a God who shelters the needy and has done such amazing deeds that all the nations will be drawn to worship him. They will come for a great feast when death and sorrow are destroyed, a day of salvation for the whole earth.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist characterizes the Lord as a shepherd who always provides for him and all of his sheep. He abundantly supplies for all their various needs, even in the most dangerous circumstances. Life in his presence is full of goodness and mercy.

Second Reading (Philippians 4:1-9)

Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God is the God of provision, especially to those in need
The invitation to salvation is universal, but the response is not
Feasting as a Godly celebration of salvation
The importance of interceding on behalf of others
The serious nature of refusing God’s invitation to follow him
Being unthankful angers God and being thankful brings peace

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)

September 28, 2020September 29, 2020

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)

Gospel (Matthew 21:33-46)

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)

September 22, 2020

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)

Gospel (Matthew 21:23-32)

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)

September 14, 2020

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)

Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16)

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)

September 7, 2020

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.

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)

Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)

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)

August 31, 2020

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)

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)