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Readings for February 19, 2017 Year A Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
  • Psalm 119:33-40

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:38-48

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In this passage we are told that our need to be holy is because YAHWEH himself is holy. Five times we are reminded that we are to live in these ways simply because “I am the LORD”. This Holiness Code is spelled out in terms of our responsibility to love our neighbor as ourselves. This goes beyond simply treating others with respect to actively promoting their welfare. The Psalmist understands that the Commandments are not just an arbitrary list of rules but a way or path to the kind of life promised by YAHWEH for his people. It is the Psalmist’s deepest prayer to know, understand, and walk in this way. St. Paul continues making his point to the Corinthian church that their faith and their standing with God rests on Christ alone and not on the work of any merely human leader. Built on this foundation, they are a holy temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and, because they belong to Christ, precious in God’s eyes. In the Gospel Jesus he calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. While this may sound like the Holiness Code, our Lord makes it clear that he is setting the standard even higher for his followers, to the point of impossibility apart from the grace of God.

As Introductions

Old Testament

In this passage we are told that our need to be holy is because YAHWEH himself is holy. Five times we are reminded that we are to live in these ways simply because “I am the LORD”. This Holiness Code is spelled out in terms of our responsibility to love our neighbor as ourselves. This goes beyond simply treating others with respect to actively promoting their welfare.

Psalm

The Psalmist understands that the Commandments are not just an arbitrary list of rules but a way or path to the kind of life promised by YAHWEH for his people. It is the Psalmist’s deepest prayer to know, understand, and walk in this way.

New Testament

St. Paul continues making his point to the Corinthian church that their faith and their standing with God rests on Christ alone and not on the work of any merely human leader. Built on this foundation, they are a holy temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and, because they belong to Christ, precious in God’s eyes.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus he calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. While this may sound like the Holiness Code, our Lord makes it clear that he is setting the standard even higher for his followers, to the point of impossibility apart from the grace of God.

 

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Readings for February 12, 2017 Year A Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Deuteronomy 30:15-20
  • Psalm 119:1-8

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:21-37

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

With the people of Israel about to enter the Promised Land, Moses addresses the nation for the last time. In dramatic fashion he beseeches them to follow the ways of YAHWEH in order to be successful in the Land. It is up to them to choose: will it be life or death? It’s that simple. The Psalmist affirms the delight in store for those who truly follow YAHWEH’s commandments. He yearns for the ability to do so himself and realizes that his relationship with God is dependent upon his success. St. Paul laments that the divisions among the Corinthian church reveal their immaturity in Christ. They are more “of the flesh” than “of the spirit” when they align themselves with various leaders instead of realizing that all are merely servants of Christ. Each of us is to use our ability to build up the whole church. In the Gospel Jesus calls his church to a way of life that refuses to tolerate even the attitudes that lead to sinful action, not just sinful action itself. Anger and lustful thoughts are just as much the true enemies of our soul as the actual acts of murder and adultery to which they lead. To follow Jesus truly is a challenge to our usual way of thinking.

As Introductions

Old Testament

With the people of Israel about to enter the Promised Land, Moses addresses the nation for the last time. In dramatic fashion he beseechs them to follow the ways of YAHWEH in order to be successful in the Land. It is up to them to choose: will it be life or death? It’s that simple.

Psalm

The Psalmist affirms the delight in store for those who truly follow YAHWEH’s commandments. He yearns for the ability to do so himself and realizes that his relationship with God is dependent upon his success.

New Testament

St. Paul laments that the divisions among the Corinthian church reveal their immaturity in Christ. They are more “of the flesh” than “of the spirit” when they align themselves with various leaders instead of realizing that all are merely servants of Christ. Each of us is to use our ability to build up the whole church.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus calls his church to a way of life that refuses to tolerate even the attitudes that lead to sinful action, not just sinful action itself. Anger and lustful thoughts are just as much the true enemies of our soul as the actual acts of murder and adultery to which they lead. To follow Jesus truly is a challenge to our usual way of thinking.

 

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Readings for February 5, 2017 Year A Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 58:1-12
  • Psalm 112:1-10

Second Reading

  • I Corinthians 2:1-16

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:13-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him. The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them. St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness. In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

As Introductions

Old Testament

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him.

Psalm

The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them.

New Testament

St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

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Readings for January 29, 2017 Year A Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Micah 6:1-8
  • Psalm 15

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:1-12

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The prophet Micah, writing at a time when Judah had fallen into disobedience, pictures YAHWEH calling the mountains as witnesses to what he teaches his wayward people. Do they not remember his mighty salvation in bringing them up out of Egypt to the Promised Land against fierce opposition along the way? It is not more ritual sacrifice that he requires now, but rather that people humbly keep in step with him. The Psalmist points out that those who would dwell with YAHWEH must walk blamelessly, speaking and doing the truth no matter the cost. St. Paul wants to ensure that no one can boast that they have achieved their own salvation: it is the Lord alone who saves. The message of the cross contradicts the means by which human beings normally acquire spiritual truth. It is foolishness to the Greeks who seek wisdom and weakness to the Jews who seek powerful signs. Matthew recounts how Jesus, having ascended a mountain, teaches his people about the path that leads to God. The ensuing Beatitudes embody a life of meekness and humility that will draw opposition and even persecution by contradicting a wayward world.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Micah, writing at a time when Judah had fallen into disobedience, pictures YAHWEH calling the mountains as witnesses to what he teaches his wayward people. Do they not remember his mighty salvation in bringing them up out of Egypt to the Promised Land against fierce opposition along the way? It is not more ritual sacrifice that he requires now, but rather that people humbly keep in step with him.

Psalm

The Psalmist points out that those who would dwell with YAHWEH must walk blamelessly, speaking and doing the truth no matter the cost.

New Testament

St. Paul wants to ensure that no one can boast that they have achieved their own salvation: it is the Lord alone who saves. The message of the cross contradicts the means by which human beings normally acquire spiritual truth. It is foolishness to the Greeks who seek wisdom and weakness to the Jews who seek powerful signs.

Gospel

Matthew recounts how Jesus, having ascended a mountain, teaches his people about the path that leads to God. The ensuing Beatitudes embody a life of meekness and humility that will draw opposition and even persecution by contradicting a wayward world.

 

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Readings for January 22, 2017 Year A Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 9:1-4
  • Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Gospel

  • Matthew 4:12-23

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The prophet Isaiah, speaking at a time of distress, declares that a time is coming in which Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be the first to experience the glorious light of liberation. This will happen like it did when Gideon’s tiny band defeated the powerful army of the Midians in the days of old. The Psalmist declares his trust in YAHWEH as his light and salvation and in whose presence he desires to dwell concealed from his enemies. There he will be sure to rise above them and be safe, if only YAHWEH will grant him a hearing. St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He reminds them that his own calling is not even to baptize, let alone have people be his disciples. He is only a servant of Christ, who has sent him to preach the gospel of the cross that, although seeming foolish to unbelievers, is actually the power of God for salvation. St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to obscurity in Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. It is there that he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and the dawning light of God’s kingdom blessings begins to shine in the darkness.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Isaiah, speaking at a time of distress, declares that a time is coming in which Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be the first to experience the glorious light of liberation. This will happen like it did when Gideon’s tiny band defeated the powerful army of the Midians in the days of old.

Psalm

The Psalmist declares his trust in YAHWEH as his light and salvation and in whose presence he desires to dwell concealed from his enemies. There he will be sure to rise above them and be safe, if only YAHWEH will grant him a hearing.

New Testament

St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He reminds them that his own calling is not even to baptize, let alone have people be his disciples. He is only a servant of Christ, who has sent him to preach the gospel of the cross that, although seeming foolish to unbelievers, is actually the power of God for salvation.

Gospel

St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to obscurity in Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. It is there that he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and the dawning light of God’s kingdom blessings begins to shine in the darkness.

 

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Readings for January 15, 2017 Year A Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 49:1-7
  • Psalm 40:1-11

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Gospel

  • John 1:29-42

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Using the striking image of the nation as a sharpened arrow pointed at the nations, Isaiah speaks in the voice of YAHWEH’s chosen servant, Israel. The servant’s task is to return to God and be used for his own glory, manifesting the light of salvation to the nations. Although Israel is presently despised, the glorious blessing of YAHWEH upon it will so sharply strike the nations that even foreign kings shall worship its God. The Psalmist counts himself as someone whom YAHWEH has rescued from the pit, set on a rock, and enabled to sing a new song of praise that leads many to faith. It was not sacrifice that has saved him but a heart receptive to YAHWEH’s steadfast love and mercy. St. Paul celebrates the grace of God that has been manifested to the Corinthians. Every spiritual gift has been poured out upon them as part of the fellowship of Christ being instituted throughout the world. Today’s Gospel portrays the ministry of John the Baptist as a humble servant pointing to one greater than he. He has seen the Holy Spirit descend like a dove upon his cousin Jesus, unmistakably identifying him as the Son of God. Two of his own disciples then begin to follow Jesus, leading to the recruitment of Peter, or “the Rock” on whom the church will be set.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Using the striking image of the nation as a sharpened arrow pointed at the nations, Isaiah speaks in the voice of YAHWEH’s chosen servant, Israel. The servant’s task is to return to God and be used for his own glory, manifesting the light of salvation to the nations. Although Israel is presently despised, the glorious blessing of YAHWEH upon it will so sharply strike the nations that even foreign kings shall worship its God.

Psalm

The Psalmist counts himself as someone whom YAHWEH has rescued from the pit, set on a rock, and enabled to sing a new song of praise that leads many to faith. It was not sacrifice that has saved him but a heart receptive to YAHWEH’s steadfast love and mercy.

New Testament

St. Paul celebrates the grace of God that has been manifested to the Corinthians. Every spiritual gift has been poured out upon them as part of the fellowship of Christ being instituted throughout the world.

Gospel

Today’s Gospel portrays the ministry of John the Baptist as a humble servant pointing to one greater than he. He has seen the Holy Spirit descend like a dove upon his cousin Jesus, unmistakably identifying him as the Son of God. Two of his own disciples then begin to follow Jesus, leading to the recruitment of Peter, or “the Rock” on whom the church will be set.

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Readings for January 8, 2017 Year A Baptism of the Lord

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Lection connection for January 6, 2017 Epiphany of the Lord  can  be found here.

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 42:1-9
  • Psalm 29

Second Reading

  • Acts 10:34-43

Gospel

  • Matthew 3:13-17

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Through Isaiah YAHWEH speaks of sending his chosen servant to bring about justice throughout the earth. He will be anointed with the divine Spirit, but his task will be accomplished without fanfare, almost unnoticed. All the same, a new era will dawn and in him a covenant will be given, blind eyes will be opened and prisoners set free. The Psalmist first calls all heaven to worship YAHWEH while arrayed in the splendor of holiness. And then he exults in the awesome power of YAHWEH’s mighty voice as he sits enthroned over all. May this great God grant strength and peace to his people! In Acts we read of how Peter, having had his own eyes opened to the truth, addresses the Gentile centurion Cornelius with the good news: God is not partial to the Jews after all: Jesus is Lord of all. Although he began his ministry among the Jews in the days of John the baptizer, his resurrection revealed him as judge of the living and the dead. Anyone who believes in him will be set free from his or her sins. In the Gospel, John the Baptist defers to Jesus as his superior but Jesus insists on undergoing baptism to fulfill all righteousness. His baptism culminates with his being anointed with the divine Spirit and the voice of God mightily proclaiming him as his beloved Son.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through Isaiah YAHWEH speaks of sending his chosen servant to bring about justice throughout the earth. He will be anointed with the divine Spirit, but his task will be accomplished without fanfare, almost unnoticed. All the same, a new era will dawn and in him a covenant will be given, blind eyes will be opened and prisoners set free.

Psalm

The Psalmist first calls all heaven to worship YAHWEH while arrayed in the splendor of holiness. And then he exults in the awesome power of YAHWEH’s mighty voice as he sits enthroned over all. May this great God grant strength and peace to his people!

New Testament

Acts we read of how Peter, having had his own eyes opened to the truth, addresses the Gentile centurion Cornelius with the good news: God is not partial to the Jews after all: Jesus is Lord of all. Although he began his ministry among the Jews in the days of John the baptizer, his resurrection revealed him as judge of the living and the dead. Anyone who believes in him will be set free from his or her sins.

Gospel

In the Gospel, John the Baptist defers to Jesus as his superior but Jesus insists on undergoing baptism to fulfill all righteousness. His baptism culminates with his being anointed with the divine Spirit and the voice of God mightily proclaiming him as his beloved Son.

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Readings for January 6, 2017 Year A The Epiphany of Our Lord

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 60:1-6
  • Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

Second Reading

  • Ephesians 3:1-12

Gospel

  • Matthew 2:1-12

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Isaiah informs the nation of Israel that, while things are indeed dark at present, a time will come when all that will change dramatically. The glory of YAHWEH himself will shine upon them so powerfully that all the nations will be attracted to it. They shall bring the wealth of the seas and the land, including gold and frankincense, to present to a joyful Israel. The Psalm is a prayer for the king, that he may rule in justice and righteousness, defending the poor and crushing the oppressor. May the kings of the nations bring him tribute and gifts, bowing down and serving him. May he live forever! St. Paul speaks of the mystery, now revealed especially in his own apostleship, of how the Gentiles are to be included in the people of God. This was always God’s purpose in sending Jesus, to whom anyone can come by faith. St. Matthew tells of how wise men from the Gentile lands to the East arrived at the court of King Herod with news that a king must have been born nearby, one whose birth was marked by a great sign in the sky. Sent to the village of Bethlehem and following the star, they found the infant. Bowing deeply, they presented royal gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Leaving directly for home, they failed to report to Herod because he had other plans for the child who would be king.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Isaiah informs the nation of Israel that, while things are indeed dark at present, a time will come when all that will change dramatically. The glory of YAHWEH himself will shine upon them so powerfully that all the nations will be attracted to it. They shall bring the wealth of the seas and the land, including gold and frankincense, to present to a joyful Israel.

Psalm

The Psalm is a prayer for the king, that he may rule in justice and righteousness, defending the poor and crushing the oppressor. May the kings of the nations bring him tribute and gifts, bowing down and serving him. May he live forever!

New Testament

St. Paul speaks of the mystery, now revealed especially in his own apostleship, of how the Gentiles are to be included in the people of God. This was always God’s purpose in sending Jesus, to whom anyone can come by faith.

Gospel

St. Matthew tells of how wise men from the Gentile lands to the East arrived at the court of King Herod with news that a king must have been born nearby, one whose birth was marked by a great sign in the sky. Sent to the village of Bethlehem and following the star, they found the infant. Bowing deeply, they presented royal gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Leaving directly for home, they failed to report to Herod because he had other plans for the child who would be king.

 

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Readings for January 1, 2017 Year A First Sunday after Christmas Day

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 63:7-9
  • Psalm 148

Second Reading

  • Hebrews 2:10-18

Gospel

  • Matthew 2:13-23

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In Isaiah’s day God’s people were under serious threat and things were not looking good. The prophet reminds them of YAHWEH’s many past kindnesses to their ancestors in words that call to mind their escape from the grasp of Pharaoh in the days of the Exodus. In so doing he emphasizes that salvation was gained, not through a mere messenger, but through God’s very Presence carrying them each step of the way. The Psalmist exhorts the inhabitants of the heavens and then the creatures of the earth, animate and inanimate alike, to praise YAHWEH as their creator. A mighty one such as this has been provided for his people! The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus, as the pioneer of our salvation, has become one of us, sharing our flesh and blood and our experience as human beings. This makes him fit to be both the sacrifice for sin and a faithful high priest to offer it on our behalf. Matthew recounts how, under the direct guidance of God’s angel each step of the way, the holy family escaped the threat of Herod’s grasp by going down to Egypt and then returning in safety to the Holy Land. He draws attention to how all this resonates with the experience of ancient Israel.

As Introductions

Old Testament

In Isaiah’s day God’s people were under serious threat and things were not looking good. The prophet reminds them of YAHWEH’s many past kindnesses to their ancestors in words that call to mind their escape from the grasp of Pharaoh in the days of the Exodus. In so doing he emphasizes that salvation was gained, not through a mere messenger, but through God’s very Presence carrying them each step of the way.

Psalm

The Psalmist exhorts the inhabitants of the heavens and then the creatures of the earth, animate and inanimate alike, to praise YAHWEH as their creator. A mighty one such as this has been provided for his people!

New Testament

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus, as the pioneer of our salvation, has become one of us, sharing our flesh and blood and our experience as human beings. This makes him fit to be both the sacrifice for sin and a faithful high priest to offer it on our behalf.

Gospel

Matthew recounts how, under the direct guidance of God’s angel each step of the way, the holy family escaped the threat of Herod’s grasp by going down to Egypt and then returning in safety to the Holy Land. He draws attention to how all this resonates with the experience of ancient Israel.

 

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Readings for December 25, 2016 Year A Christmas Proper 1

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 9:2-7
  • Psalm 96

Second Reading

  • Titus 2:11-14

Gospel

  • Luke 2:1-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Isaiah, writing at the lowest point in Israel’s history, sets forth a remarkable vision of a time in which the nation’s fortunes will be wonderfully and miraculously reversed. A son will be given to the line of David and he will exercise his power and authority wisely, ruling forever over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness. This will come about because YAHWEH is behind him all the way. The Psalmist calls all the nations to abandon their idols and come to worship YAHWEH in a song they have never sung before. He is coming to judge the peoples fairly and bringing salvation with him. As a result even nature will join in a universal outpouring of praise. St. Paul declares that through the death of Jesus Christ God’s grace has come into a world set against him, bringing salvation to all. This same grace is preparing us to live godly lives as we await his final appearing at the end of the age. St. Luke tells of how Jesus came into this world in the line of David, in the city of David, and with the praise of angels. But it was to a band of humble shepherds they appeared and it was to a simple manger the men were sent. There they caught a glimpse of the tiny Saviour whose coming had shattered their nighttime sky into glorious light. It was Messiah at last!

As Introductions

Old Testament

Isaiah, writing at the lowest point in Israel’s history, sets forth a remarkable vision of a time in which the nation’s fortunes will be wonderfully and miraculously reversed. A son will be given to the line of David and he will exercise his power and authority wisely, ruling forever over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness. This will come about because YAHWEH is behind him all the way.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls all the nations to abandon their idols and come to worship YAHWEH in a song they have never sung before. He is coming to judge the peoples fairly and bringing salvation with him. As a result even nature will join in a universal outpouring of praise.

New Testament

St. Paul declares that through the death of Jesus Christ God’s grace has come into a world set against him, bringing salvation to all. This same grace is preparing us to live godly lives as we await his final appearing at the end of the age.

Gospel

St. Luke tells of how Jesus came into this world in the line of David, in the city of David, and with the praise of angels. But it was to a band of humble shepherds they appeared and it was to a simple manger the men were sent. There they caught a glimpse of the tiny Saviour whose coming had shattered their nighttime sky into glorious light. It was Messiah at last!