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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 9, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 58:1-12)

The Lord asserts that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts but must include obedience to him, especially in caring for those in need. Doing so will result in his people showing forth his glory.

Psalm (112:1-10)

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

Second Reading (I Corinthians 2:1-16)

St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their faith was not inspired by great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. He gives them his gifts and the mind of Christ in order to live for God in a world subject to a contrary spirit.

Gospel (Matthew 5:13-20)

Jesus tells his followers they are both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As they more fully keep the laws of God before a watching humanity, more glory is given to the Father and the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s people are called and equipped to be light in the world
  • Our witness in the world is dependent upon our faithfulness to God’s commandments
  • The world naturally operates in a way that is contrary to God’s ways
  • Our worship is not acceptable if we persist in disobedience
  • The “foolishness” of God is greater than the “wisdom” of humankind
  • The castoffs of society are the special objects of the Lord’s concern and this must be reflected in our discipleship
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Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 2, 2020

Lection Connection for the Presentation of the Lord can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Micah 6:1-8)

Micah pictures the Lord calling the mountains as witnesses to what he teaches wayward Judah. Do they not remember being brought out of Egypt to the Promised Land? It is not more ritual sacrifices that he requires, but humbly walking in his way of love and justice.

Psalm (Psalm 15)

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

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:18-31)

Paul points out that the message of the cross contradicts the way spiritual truth is normally acquired. It is foolishness to Greeks seeking wisdom and weakness to Jews seeking powerful signs. The Lord alone saves and therefore no one can boast.

Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12)

Matthew recounts how Jesus, having ascended a mountain, teaches about the attitudes and actions that characterize those who will inherit the kingdom of God. He outlines a blessed life of meekness and humility which results in opposition and even persecution.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s ways are not our ways and can sometimes contradict them
  • God is the one to exercise spiritual power, while we are to follow him in humility
  • It is God who saves, not we ourselves
  • To walk humbly before our God is to put his ways above ours and to believe that he will indeed save us in spite of appearances to the contrary
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Presentation of the Lord, Year A, February 2, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Malachi 3:1-4)

Malachi predicts a time when the Lord sends his messenger and appears in the temple as a refining fire to purify the people. Then the temple offerings, offered in righteousness, will be again be pleasing to the Lord.

Psalm (84)

The Psalmist exults in the many delights of living in the very presence of God. Those who derive their strength from God alone are the happiest of all. Their hearts embrace the ways into his divine presence. To be a humble doorkeeper in his house would be happiness itself.

OR

Alternative Psalm (24:7-10)

The Psalmist calls for the gates of the Holy City to be lifted up so that the King of Glory may enter and take his place. Who is this king? It is the great and mighty Lord of Hosts.

Second Reading (Hebrews 2:14-18)

The writer explains the reasons why Jesus had to share our humanity in order to be both a proper high priest and a perfect sacrifice for our sins. In so doing he has destroyed both the devil and his power of death. Faithful through suffering, he can help those similarly tested.

Gospel (Luke 2:22-40)

Two faithful elders, Simeon and the prophet Anna, recognize the infant Jesus as the expected Messiah when he is presented in the temple. Both praise God for fulfilling his promise of deliverance for Israel but Simeon hints darkly that things will not go smoothly for the child.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The faithful exult in the presence of the Lord
  • The place where the awesome God meets with his people is to be revered
  • The salvation brought by Jesus fits into, but goes beyond the expectations of the Old Covenant
  • Our sin is the barrier to a right relationship with God: Jesus is our intermediary and sin-bearer

 

 

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Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 9:1-4)

Isaiah, speaking at a time of great distress, declares that Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be first to experience the glorious light of God’s liberation. It will be like the outnumbered Gideon’s utter defeat of a powerful enemy.

Psalm (27:1, 4-9)

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

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He himself is but a servant who was sent by Christ only to preach the message of the cross that, although seemingly foolish, actually saves by God’s power.

Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23)

Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. There he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and through him God’s kingdom blessings begin to break out in the darkness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God can use a few to accomplish amazing things
  • It is never us but “God in us” that furthers his mission in the world
  • The Lord is not indifferent to our times of distress and will act when it is best to do so
  • The Lord often chooses the “least” for his purposes
  • The Lord is made manifest in the changes for good that he brings about

 

 

 

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Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 19, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 49:1-7)

Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s chosen servant who is to turn Israel back to God and be used for his glory, manifesting the light of salvation to the nations. Presently despised, Israel will be so noticeably blessed that even foreign kings shall worship the Lord.

Psalm (40:1-11)

The Psalmist speaks as someone whom the Lord has rescued from the pit, set on a rock, and enabled to sing a new song that leads many to faith. It is not temple sacrifices that have saved him, but simply God’s love and mercy, and he now delights in his law.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

St. Paul celebrates the grace of God that has been manifested to the Corinthians as part of the fellowship of Christ being instituted throughout the entire world. Through grace they have been enriched by having every spiritual gift poured out upon them.

Gospel (John 1:29-42)

John the Baptist appears as a mere servant pointing to a greater one to come. Seeing the Holy Spirit descend upon his cousin Jesus, John identifies him as both the Son and Lamb of God. Two of John’s disciples follow Jesus and then recruit Peter, or “the Rock”.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Grace is characteristic of the manifestation of the Lord
  • God uses those he has lifted up for his greater glory
  • The ones God has saved are set upon the surest of foundations
  • We cannot be silent about what God has done for us
  • When God’s people wholeheartedly proclaim God’s blessings, the whole world will be drawn to him
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Baptism of the Lord, Year A, January 12, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 42:1-9)

The Lord will send his chosen servant to bring about universal justice. Unnoticed, a new era will dawn as he opens blind eyes and sets captives free. A covenant will be made in him, the light of the nations. All glory to the Lord who has declared it so.

Psalm (29)

The Psalmist calls all heavenly beings to worship the Lord for his glory and strength, as seen in his voice shaking the very earth itself. All in his temple cry “Glory!” to the eternal king who sits above the flood. May he bless his people with strength and peace.

Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter, his own eyes now opened, tells Gentiles associated with Cornelius that Jesus is Lord of all. While he began his mission among the Jews after John’s baptism, his resurrection shows he is Judge of all humanity and forgives anyone who believes in him.

Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17)

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

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus assumes God’s role as Judge and Redeemer
  • All that came before Jesus witnesses to him
  • Jesus’ appearance marks the beginning of the time of God’s final Salvation
  • Jesus’ baptism moves the divine plan from the old covenant to the new
  • The person of John the Baptist is important but not as great as Jesus, to whom he bore witness
  • Jesus’ messianic ministry begins after his baptism by John
  • The combination of the humble and the majestic in the life of Jesus
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Second Sunday after Christmas, Year A, January 5, 2020

Lection Connection for Epiphany of Our Lord can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:7-14)

Jeremiah calls the remnant of Israel to celebrate the fact that the Lord will ransom and redeem them from their disastrous exile. The nations will see him gather his sheep and restore them to the Land, numerous, healthy and prosperous under his fatherly care.

Psalm (147:12-20)

The Psalmist exhorts Israel to praise the Lord because he gives them both protection and peace. Through his commanding word all of nature provides for their needs. The divine word is also expressed in his beneficial laws given uniquely to them, of all the nations.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Paul joyfully recites the many blessings we have as people who have been made partakers in what Christ has done. We are participants in God’s glorious future: blameless, chosen, adopted, redeemed and forgiven. The Spirit within is our guarantee that of all of this is true.

 Gospel (John 1:1-14)

John tells us that as the Word who created the world took on our flesh, God made himself known. John the Baptist is only a witness to this light, one greater than Moses just as grace is superior to law. Only those who receive the Word are born of God and made his children.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Celebrate: God has done so much for us
  • God is with us in so many ways
  • We owe everything to the Word of God
  • Jesus is the final and ultimate Word of God

 

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Epiphany of the Lord, January 6, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 60:1-6)

Isaiah informs Israel that, while things are indeed dark at present, a dramatic change is coming. The glory of the Lord will so shine upon them that the nations will be attracted and bring gifts, including gold and frankincense, to a joyfully reunited and thriving Israel.

Psalm (72:1-7, 10-14)

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!

Second Reading (Ephesians 3:1-12)

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 at all can come by faith.

Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12)

Scholars from the East tell King Herod of another king whose birth was marked by a star. Following it to Bethlehem, they find and worship the child, giving him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Warned in a dream, they avoid a jealous Herod and start home.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations come to the King bearing gifts (no nation left behind)
  • The inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God
  • The time of fulfillment is breaking upon us with the birth of Jesus
  • The sheer enormity of the Christ-event
  • Gifts for a King?

 

 

 

 

 

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First Sunday after Christmas, Year A, December 29, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 63:7-9)

In Isaiah’s day things are not looking good for Israel and he reminds the nation of the Lord’s many past gracious acts to their ancestors. Alluding to their escape from Egypt, he emphasizes that salvation was gained through God’s very Presence with them.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist exhorts the inhabitants of the heavens and the creatures of the earth, animate and inanimate alike, to praise their creator Lord. He has provided a mighty leader for his people and is deserving of their unqualified adulation.

Second Reading (Hebrews 2:10-18)

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. This makes him fit to be both the sacrifice for sin and the faithful high priest to offer it on our behalf.

Gospel (Matthew 2:13-23)

Matthew tells how, under the direct guidance of God’s angel each step of the way, the holy family escapes Herod’s grasp by going down to Egypt and later returns to Israel. He draws attention to how all this resonates with the ancient experience of the nation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord is our protector and deliverer
  • Jesus embodies the history of Israel’s great salvation out of Egypt
  • The incarnation brings God fully into our reality and this brings us to God
  • The birth of Jesus is the result of divine action that extends from creation itself: he is the last piece of the puzzle

 

 

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Nativity of the Lord – Propers I,II, & III, December 25, 2019

Years A, B, and C all use the same three sets of Readings. Propers II and III are alternatives to Proper I.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

 

Proper I

Full lections can be read here.

First Reading (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Isaiah, writing at a dark point in Israel’s history, sets forth a bright vision of a miraculous reversal of fortunes. A son born in David’s line will rule wisely over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness forever. As the Lord’s strong intention, it will all come to pass.

Psalm (96)

The Psalmist calls the nations to abandon their idols and sing in worship to the living God, Creator of all. He is coming to judge the peoples fairly and he is bringing salvation with him. As a result, even nature will join in a universal outpouring of praise.

Second Reading (Titus 2:11-14)

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

Gospel (Luke 2:1-14 [15-20])

St. Luke tells how Jesus was born in the line and city of David to the praise of angels. They appear to a band of humble shepherds in glorious light, directing them to a simple manger. There they encounter the tiny Messiah whose coming had so stirred the angels.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • Hoping in God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • Nothing can frustrate the plan of God
  • The Light shines in the darkness
  • The grace of God is evident in his salvation

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Proper II

Full lections can be read here.

First Reading (Isaiah 62:6-12)

Jerusalem will enjoy a reversal of its low estate when the Lord’s salvation comes. Its inhabitants, enabled to enjoy the fruits of their labour, will be known throughout the earth as a holy people, redeemed by the Lord, and living in a city no longer forsaken.

Psalm (97)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that the Lord is king over the whole earth and calls all people to joyful thanksgiving. The nations behold his superior power and majesty over all other pretenders. His light dawns over the righteous, rescuing them from the wicked.

Second Reading (Titus 3:4-7)

The goodness and love of God has appeared and has saved us through the waters of rebirth and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was through his mercy and not our own efforts that this occurred, making us heirs of eternal life through grace alone.

Gospel (Luke 2: [1-7], 8-20)

St. Luke tells how Jesus is born in the line and city of David to the praise of angels. They appear to a band of humble shepherds in glorious light, directing them to a simple manger. There they encounter the tiny Messiah whose coming had so stirred the angels.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • Hoping in God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • The Light shines in the darkness
  • God lifts up the fallen who cannot save themselves
  • The grace of God is evident in his salvation

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Proper III

Full lections can be read here.

First Reading (Isaiah 52:7-10)

Jerusalem’s watchmen, seeing the Lord return with salvation for the ruined city, are exhorted to call her to joyful celebration. All nations will observe her people comforted and redeemed as the Lord acts in sovereign power.

Psalm (98)

All nature is called to loudly celebrate the coming victory of the Lord on behalf of Israel. Every nation will observe the powerful vindication of his people, aware that he will act fairly and rightly as universal judge.

Second Reading (Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12])

The author celebrates the fact that God has spoken through his Son, who, reflecting him perfectly, is both creator and heir of all things. Much superior to the worshipping angels at his birth, he has made purification for our sins and his kingdom is never ending.

Gospel (John 1:1-14)

St. John tells us that with the Word of creation taking on flesh, God himself has come among us as light and life. John the Baptist serves as witness but not all to whom the Word is sent receive him. Believers, conversely, are born of God and made his children.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Creation, all over again/All things made new
  • Announcing/giving witness to the Word
  • The difference made by God’s arrival: it’s like night and day
  • Celebrating new birth
  • The universal significance of the coming of God’s salvation
  • The nations will be aware of the coming of God’s salvation