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Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2019, Year A

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 7:10-16)

Challenged by two attacking armies, King Ahaz hesitates to ask the Lord for a sign confirming Isaiah’s prophecy of victory. The Lord provides a sign anyway: soon after a young woman bears a special son named “Emmanuel”, Judah will be delivered.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

The Psalm is a plea to the Shepherd of Israel to put aside his anger with his sheep and restore them. The Psalmist asks that God’s right-hand man lead them to salvation and faithfulness. They will come back to life as the face of the Lord shines upon them.

Second Reading (Romans 1:1-7)

Paul reminds the Romans of his call to be an apostle to Gentiles such as them. While the Gospel was promised in the Jewish prophecies about their Messiah, grace has now been extended to all. Jesus’ resurrection has declared him Son of God and universal Lord.

Gospel (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph is directed by an angel to go through with his engagement to Mary because she is with child through the Holy Spirit. Her son is to be named Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins and, we are told, this is the fulfillment of the Emmanuel promise.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God of salvation is with us
  • Israel’s expectations of restoration looked to God to provide a saviour from amongst them
  • God’s own Son bears the promise and reality of resurrection
  • God’s salvation often arrives in an unexpected manner and usually exceeds all expectation
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Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2019, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)

The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.

Psalm (146:5-10)

The Psalmist declares happy all those whose hope is in the Lord because he will keep faith forever. He is the almighty creator and the one who lifts up all who are oppressed and brings down all who are wicked. He will reign in Zion forever.

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
  • The way to exaltation is through humility
  • Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
  • Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
  • Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will

 

Based on the Alternative “Psalm”

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)

The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.

Alternative “Psalm” (Luke 1:46b-55)

In Mary’s Song, the Virgin praises God for raising her to become the mother of the Lord. She proclaims this to be part of the divine pattern of lifting up the humble and humbling the proud, as was promised in the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants.

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
  • The way to exaltation is through humility
  • Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
  • Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
  • Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will
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Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 11:1-10)

Through Isaiah, the Lord announces that the line of King David’s father Jesse will be revived with the coming of a righteous and just ruler endowed with the Spirit of God. The nations will notice when the poor and meek thrive and even the brutality of nature is transformed.

Psalm (72:1-7, 18-19)

The Psalmist prays that his current king, or perhaps a future king, will be a righteous judge who delivers the poor and punishes the oppressor. Long may his reign of prosperity, righteousness, and peace, endure. The Lord, whose glory already fills the earth, will accomplish all of this.

Second Reading (Romans 15:4-13)

St. Paul urges the Romans to live in harmony, especially in giving glory to God. They should imitate Jesus, who has welcomed them, as Gentiles, into his kingdom. This was foreseen in the ancient promises of Scripture which looked to the line of Jesse for the hope of the nations.

Gospel (Matthew 3:1-12)

Matthew tells us that the appearance of John the Baptist is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s word regarding the forerunner of the Lord. John insists that what God demands is true repentance and warns that one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and the fire of judgment is coming.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord uses both establishment and outsider types to fulfill his plan
  • Jesus is the hope of the nations
  • The arrival of the Kingdom of God is good news and bad news because Jesus is both universal king and judge
  • Jesus is the expected Davidic king and judge
  • It is all according to Plan
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First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2019, Year A

For Thanksgiving (US), see here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 2:1-5)

Isaiah envisions the exaltation of Jerusalem and its temple, resulting in the nations being attracted to God’s word. The LORD will act as judge between the nations, resulting in an everlasting and universal peace. Israel is then urged to follow the beneficial way of God.

Psalm (Psalm 122)

The Psalmist joyfully anticipates going to the house of the Lord within the walls of Jerusalem. The eternal city is the very centre of divine worship and the place of kingly judgment. The Psalmist ends with an exhortation to pray for its peace.

Second Reading (Romans 13:11-14)

St. Paul reminds the Christians at Rome that, as the night is almost over, they should cast off the works of darkness and live as in the day. That means to live honourably, allowing Jesus to shape their conduct and turning away from the works of the flesh.

Gospel (Matthew 24:36-44)

Jesus likens the suddenness of his second coming to the days of Noah when judgment took away those who were not ready. When he comes, many will also be so taken in the midst of daily routines. We are to be ready for the Son of Man to arrive at any time.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The anticipation of the return of Christ should positively affect the way we live
  • Jesus will be coming as Judge of all the earth
  • God’s ways are always a light unto our path: follow them
  • The ways of the world are dark and destructive: the only truly effective antidote is to walk in the light of the Gospel
  • The return of Christ is but the dawning of the eternal Kingdom of God
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Thanksgiving Day, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to the Lord while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. The harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s gracious provision for his people.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist calls upon the whole world to worship the Lord because he is the creator of all. His courts are to be filled with praise and thanksgiving for his goodness, steadfast love and eternal faithfulness through the years.

Second Reading (Philippians 4:4-9)

Paul calls the Philippians to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about things. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good.

Gospel (John 6:25-35)

The people who had just been miraculously fed by Jesus now demand a sign like the bread from heaven that Moses gave their ancestors. In response, Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. This food satisfies forever.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Giving thanks for God’s provision for the necessities of life
  • God provides for both our material and spiritual needs
  • Thanksgiving is a way of life
  • Praise and thanksgiving orient us to the One who is behind all blessings

 

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Reign of Christ, November 24, 2019, Proper 29, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

The Lord rebukes the false shepherds who have devastated and scattered his people. He promises to regather the nation and appoint faithful shepherds who will be ruled by a descendant of David. His name will remind them that their righteousness is from God.

Psalm Substitute (Luke 1:68-79)

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, poetically proclaims that his newborn son will be the long-awaited prophet who prepares the way of the Lord. With his birth, the light of God’s great salvation from sin and death is finally beginning to dawn upon his people.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:11-20)

St. Paul points to God’s strength for help against all adversity while giving thanks for being rescued from the power of darkness. God has reconciled all things to himself through the cross of his divine Son, who, as creator and redeemer, is over all authorities.

Gospel (Luke 23:33-43)

St. Luke records Jesus’ words from the cross forgiving those responsible for his execution. They only scoff at his seeming inability to save himself. In contrast, a thief being crucified with him repents, and Jesus majestically assures him of Paradise.

Connection Suggestions

  • The powers of darkness are real, but ultimately subject to the Lord
  • There is only one Shepherd, to whom all the sheep, including their other shepherds are subject
  • The ministry of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s final salvation
  • Jesus is Lord of all
  • Forgiveness originates at the Cross

 

Based on the Alternative Psalm

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

The Lord rebukes the false shepherds who have devastated and scattered his people. He promises to regather the nation and appoint faithful shepherds who will be ruled by a descendant of David. His name will remind them that their righteousness is from God.

Psalm (46)

The Psalmist depicts majestic rule of the Lord even in the midst of the chaos and trouble of this life. He is a strong refuge for the faithful, providing joy like a river that is flowing through the city of God as the morning dawns.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:11-20)

St. Paul points to God’s strength for help against all adversity while giving thanks for being rescued from the power of darkness. God has reconciled all things to himself through the cross of his divine Son, who, as creator and redeemer, is over all authorities.

Gospel (Luke 23:33-43)

St. Luke records Jesus’ words from the cross forgiving those responsible for his execution. They only scoff at his seeming inability to save himself. In contrast, a thief being crucified with him repents, and Jesus majestically assures him of Paradise.

Connection Suggestions

  • The powers of darkness are real, but ultimately subject to the Lord
  • There is only one Shepherd, to whom all the sheep, including their other shepherds are subject
  • The ministry of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s final salvation in the midst of all the ambiguities and troubles of this world
  • Jesus is Lord of all, even of our struggles and difficulties
  • Forgiveness originates at the Cross
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Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 17, 2019, Proper 28, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 65:17-25)

The Lord describes his coming salvation for Israel in terms of a new heaven and a new earth. It will be so blessed that there will be only joy and delight, no weeping or mourning. Each life will be fully lived and even wild animals will be at peace.

Psalm Substitute (Isaiah 12)

The Psalm, taken from Isaiah as well, celebrates the coming day of God’s salvation as an occasion for thanksgiving and joy to be known throughout the earth. The greatness of the Lord will be seen to be with his people.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to put up with idlers. They are to follow his own industrious example by not being a burden to anyone. He exhorts those who are lazy meekly to earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. After a time of severe persecution, false messiahs will arise during worldwide turmoil. He assures his disciples of his help and that no final harm will come to them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The future of salvation is tied to that of the people of Israel
  • God’s ultimate salvation is a worldwide event
  • Until the final resolution of all things, Christians can expect conflict and struggle to mark their lives
  • God’s final salvation will transcend all the ambiguities and difficulties of this life

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Malachi 4:1-2a)

The prophet Malachi uses the image of burning stubble to convey the devastating judgment of the Lord upon the disobedient. However, upon those who honour him, the healing sun of righteousness will rise.

Psalm (98)

The Psalmist calls for exuberant praise to the Lord because of his decisive lifting up of Israel. All the nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in rejoicing along with nature itself. The Lord will be the righteous judge of the whole earth.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to put up with idlers. They are to follow his own industrious example by not being a burden to anyone. He exhorts those who are lazy meekly to earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. After a time of severe persecution, false messiahs will arise during worldwide turmoil. He assures his disciples of his help and that no final harm will come to them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The future of salvation is tied to that of the people of Israel
  • God’s ultimate salvation is a worldwide event
  • Until the final resolution of all things, Christians can expect conflict and struggle to mark their lives
  • The judge of all the earth will be the only One who is perfectly qualified to do so and we can trust absolutely that he will do the right thing
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Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, November 10, 2019, Proper 27, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Haggai 1:15b-2:9)

Haggai is given a message for the people of Judah who have returned from exile to the Holy Land: the Lord will continue to be with them and their ruined temple will rise again. More splendid even than Solomon’s temple, it will be filled with the wealth of nations.

Psalm (145:1-5, 17-21)

The Psalmist is caught up in praise as he contemplates the unsurpassed majesty and splendor of the Lord, who blesses the faithful and destroys the wicked. All flesh will someday come to worship him as well.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)

To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the return of Jesus and being gathered to him, Paul re-affirms that this glorious event will occur, but only after the rise of the lawless one. As the first fruits of this coming salvation, his readers are to hold fast.

Gospel (Luke 20:27-38)

Luke relates Jesus’ encounter with some Sadducees who try to make belief in the resurrection seem absurd. Jesus responds by teaching that the resurrection is a scripturally-based reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The unsurpassing glory of God brings forth our worship
  • God’s salvation will be seen by all people
  • God is in the resurrection business
  • God will keep his promises, no matter what things look like now
  • God’s future transcends our world and our expectations

 

Based on the Readings as Set, but with the Alternative Psalm

First Reading (Haggai 1:15b-2:9)

Haggai is given a message for the people of Judah who have returned from exile to the Holy Land: the Lord will continue to be with them and their ruined temple will rise again. More splendid even than Solomon’s temple, it will be filled with the wealth of nations.

Psalm (98)

The Psalmist calls for exuberant celebration of the great power of the Lord demonstrated in his decisive exaltation of Israel. The nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in the rejoicing of nature itself.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)

To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the return of Jesus and being gathered to him, Paul re-affirms that this glorious event will occur, but only after the rise of the lawless one. As the first fruits of this coming salvation, his readers are to hold fast.

Gospel (Luke 20:27-38)

Luke relates Jesus’ encounter with some Sadducees who try to make belief in the resurrection seem absurd. Jesus responds by teaching that the resurrection is a scripturally-based reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The unsurpassing glory of God brings forth our worship
  • God’s salvation will be seen by all people
  • God is in the resurrection business
  • God will keep his promises, no matter what things look like now
  • God’s future transcends our world and our expectations

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Job 19:23-27a)

In this remarkable passage Job cries out for his words of ultimate hope in the Lord to be written down. Despite his great suffering he is confident of his ultimate vindication. He says that in his own flesh he shall see God long after he has died and his body destroyed.

Psalm (17:1-9)

The Psalmist sees himself as a besieged innocent and cries out to the Lord for vindication. He is confident of being heard and ultimately finding refuge under the shadow of God’s wing.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)

To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the return of Jesus and being gathered to him, Paul re-affirms that this glorious event will occur, but only after the rise of the lawless one. As the first fruits of this coming salvation, his readers are to hold fast.

Gospel (Luke 20:27-38)

Luke relates Jesus’ encounter with some Sadducees who try to make belief in the resurrection seem absurd. Jesus responds by teaching that the resurrection is a scripturally-based reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s salvation will be seen by all people
  • God is in the resurrection business
  • God will keep his promises, no matter what things look like now
  • God’s future transcends our world and our expectations
  • Vengeance is mine, says the Lord
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All Saints Day, November 1, 2019, Year C

Lection Connection for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Sunday October 3, 2019 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 (Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18)

Daniel envisions four great kings or kingdoms arising out of the earth. Each is described as a horrific “beast”, striking terror in the heart of the prophet. In spite of this threatening scenario, Daniel is assured that the kingdom will finally belong to the holy ones of God forever.

Psalm (149)

The Psalm calls for praise to the Lord because he gives glorious victory to lowly Israel, setting it over the kings and nobles of the nations.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:11-23)

Paul writes of the glorious inheritance we now have in Christ, rooted in the power exhibited in his resurrection and demonstrated in his being designated head over all things. While he is our head, we are his body and therefore share in his fullness.

Gospel (Luke 6:20-31)

The Beatitudes make it clear that the kingdom of God will be upside down from our normal experience. The lowly will be made great and vice versa. We are called to embody this upside- down way of life, loving our enemies and treating them as we ourselves desire to be treated.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God will grant the kingdom to his humble and holy people
  • Exaltation is not ours to grasp. It will be the gift of God
  • The normal human ways to exalt ourselves over others will ultimately result in our downfall
  • No matter how exalted, no human power will prevail over the kingdom of God
  • As those who belong to Christ, all saints already participate in his exaltation
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Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, November 3, 2019, Proper 26, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)

Crying out for the Lord to end his silence concerning Judah’s destruction, the prophet Habakkuk decides simply to listen for the divine word. He is assured of a coming “end” for which he is to wait and that it is through such faithfulness that the righteous will live.

Psalm (119:137-144)

The Psalmist, although he is in the midst of serious trouble, exults in the life-giving quality of God’s word at every level of existence and pleads for fuller understanding.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12)

Paul praises the Thessalonians who are steadfast in the midst of suffering and persecution. Indeed, they are growing in faith and love through the power of God, bringing glory to the Lord Jesus.

Gospel (Luke 19:1-10)

St. Luke tells the story of Zacchaeus, a tax-collector and a cheat who nevertheless has a passion to see Jesus. Forced to climb a tree to get above the crowd, Jesus reaches out to him and his life is transformed as he experiences the new life of God’s salvation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering, even though it is very real and often debilitating, does offer opportunities for genuine faithfulness and witness
  • Suffering can remind us that we are always in the hands of the Lord
  • God does promise salvation and deliverance, but it is not on our timetable. Patience is a mark of the faithful
  • The road to righteousness requires great resolve
  • Is a sense of “lostness” the precondition to being “found”?

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 1:10-18)

The prophet Isaiah compares the sin of Judah to that of Sodom and Gomorrah and calls the nation to right living as well as right religion. He offers the promise that, if the nation repents, its sins will be forgiven.

Psalm (32:1-7)

The Psalmist rejoices in sins forgiven and even in the difficult times that inspired true repentance. The Lord is a hiding place in times of trouble for those who will look to him.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12)

Paul praises the Thessalonians who are steadfast in the midst of suffering and persecution. Indeed, they are growing in faith and love through the power of God, bringing glory to the Lord Jesus.

Gospel (Luke 19:1-10)

St. Luke tells the story of Zacchaeus, a tax-collector and a cheat who nevertheless has a passion to see Jesus. Forced to climb a tree to get above the crowd, he catches Jesus’ attention and his life is turned around by the one who actually seeks the lost.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord is looking for us to acknowledge our sin and repent
  • True repentance involves a change in behaviour
  • Suffering, even though it is very real and often debilitating, does offer opportunities for genuine faithfulness and witness
  • The road to righteousness requires great resolve
  • Is a sense of “lostness” the precondition to being “found”?