Posted on

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 27, 2019, Proper 25, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joel 2:23-32)

The prophet Joel tells of a time in which the Lord will exalt his humiliated people, blessing them extremely abundantly both materially and spiritually. Indeed, his Spirit will be poured upon each one of them and those who look to him will be saved.

Psalm (65)

The Psalmist calls us to rejoice in the God who answers prayer and saves us, forgiving us and delivering us from evil. The God of all creation shows his power especially in providing water in abundance, enabling the fruits of the earth to flourish.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)

Paul anticipates that day when, having expended himself fully, he, along with all who have looked for Jesus to appear, will receive the crown of righteousness. Experience has proven that he will be rescued from all adversity and so attain to the kingdom at last.

Gospel (Luke 18:9-14)

Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the fact that God will exalt the truly humble and humiliate the falsely proud. It is the sinner who calls out to God for mercy who is saved, not the one who is confident in his own righteousness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Being open and honest before God in our needs
  • It is only God who can save us, he alone is our saviour
  • The salvation of God is both spiritual and material in nature
  • Humility is the place to start in our relationship with God
  • Evil is more powerful than our own resources to overcome it

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22)

Jeremiah voices the urgent appeal of a distressed nation to their God who seems to be acting like a stranger. Taking responsibility for their sins, they pointedly argue that if the Lord fails to save his covenant people, it is his own name that will be disgraced.

Psalm (84:1-7)

The Psalmist exults in the many delights of living in the very presence of God. He affirms that those who derive their strength from God alone are the happiest of all. Indeed, the ways to his divine presence are very evident in their hearts.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18)

Paul anticipates that day when, having expended himself fully, he, along with all who have looked for Jesus to appear, will receive the crown of righteousness. Experience has proven that he will be rescued from all adversity and so attain to the kingdom at last.

Gospel (Luke 18:9-14)

Jesus’ story of the Pharisee and the tax collector vividly illustrates the fact that God will exalt the truly humble and humiliate the falsely proud. It is the sinner who calls out to God for mercy who is saved, not the one who is confident in his own righteousness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Being open and honest before God in our needs
  • It is only God who can save us, he alone is our saviour
  • Humility is the place to start in our relationship with God
  • Evil is more powerful than our own resources to overcome it
  • Taking responsibility for our own sin
Posted on

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 20, 2019, Proper 24, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:27-34)

The Lord promises a new covenant with Israel that will fundamentally change their relationship. While he caused their sufferings for having sinned, he will also oversee their renewal. He will fix his law in their hearts, forgiving and forgetting their sins forever.

Psalm (119:97-104)

The Psalmist exults in the law of God, the practice of which makes him wiser than any of his enemies and even his teachers and elders. Such divine words are sweeter than honey itself.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

Paul reminds Timothy of the divinely inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to heed. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In light of the coming kingdom, Timothy is to persist in his ministry of the Word.

Gospel (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow because she is so persistent. Similarly, God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but how many will persist in faith?

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s Word brings light and life
  • Fixing God’s Word in our hearts
  • Faith that is persistent in spite of circumstances is true faith
  • Given its soul-renewing power, what place does the Word of God have in our life?

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 32:22-31)

Jacob’s audacity and persistence in his wrestling bout with a mysterious “man” pays off with a profound blessing. His new name, Israel, reveals that he has been wrestling with God himself and hints at his descendants’ struggle with both God and humanity.

Psalm (121)

The Psalmist knows that his only help is in the Lord who actively watches over us. It is he who faithfully “keeps” us: unlike others, he will not sleep through our time of crisis. We are assured of his ultimate protection and care.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

Paul reminds Timothy of the divinely inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to heed. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In light of the coming kingdom, Timothy is to persist in his ministry of the Word.

Gospel (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow because she is so persistent. Similarly, God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but how many will persist in faith?

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s Word brings light and life
  • Faith that is persistent in spite of circumstances is true faith
  • Given its soul-renewing power, what place does the Word of God have in our life?
  • The life of faith is a struggle with both God and others
Posted on

Thanksgiving Day, Canada, Year C, October 13, 2019

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
Posted on

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 13, 2019, Proper 23, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)

Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon encourages them to settle down and prosper. They are to build houses, take wives and have families as normal. Even more, they are actually to seek the city’s welfare because if it is blessed, they will be blessed as well.

Psalm (66:1-12)

The Psalmist calls the whole earth to acknowledge and worship God because of his greatness as seen in all his works. He calls special attention to his deliverance of the Israelite nation from death in Egypt and his provision of new life in the land of promise.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 2:8-15)

Paul, himself suffering in captivity but carrying on his ministry as normal, urges Timothy to join in his identification with the suffering of Jesus in the firm expectation of sharing in his resurrection. Timothy is to encourage his flock plainly to do the same.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Continuing on his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters ten lepers begging him to have mercy on them. He heals them after he simply tells them to have the priests check their condition. Only the single “foreigner” among them bothers to return and praise God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is at work in the routines of life
  • Jesus specializes in bringing life out of death
  • Praise is the proper response to the work of God
  • Brighten the corner where you are

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c)

A young Israelite, seeking the welfare of her captor Naaman, tells him about the prophet Elisha back home who could cure his leprosy. Naaman is cured once he obeys the straightforward word of the prophet and comes to believe in Israel’s God.

Psalm (111)

The Psalmist calls for thanks to be given to the Lord for his wonderful works. Those works, especially redeeming Israel and giving the Law, have gained him widespread fame. To have faith in the Lord is to be on the path of wisdom.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 12:8-15)

Paul, himself suffering in captivity but carrying on his ministry as normal, urges Timothy to join in his identification with the suffering of Jesus in the firm expectation of sharing in his resurrection. Timothy is to encourage his flock plainly to do the same.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Continuing on his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters ten lepers begging him to have mercy on them. He heals them after he simply tells them to have the priests check their condition. Only the single “foreigner” among them bothers to return and praise God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • It is not a wise thing to complicate the straightforward word of God
  • Jesus specializes in bringing life out of death
  • Praise is the proper response to the work of God
  • Brighten the corner where you are

 

 

Posted on

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 6, 2019, Proper 22, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Lamentations 1:1-6)

The writer of Lamentations is eloquent in his sad description of a ruined and desolate Judah and Jerusalem, once majestic among the nations, now like a forlorn widow. He notes simply that this has all come about because of unfaithfulness to the Lord.

Psalm Substitute (Lamentations 3:19-26)

The author of Lamentations continues by expressing his deep pain at Judah’s fate but remembers that the Lord is merciful and faithful and his salvation worth waiting for. From this though he derives his hope.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:1-14)

Paul, himself suffering for being faithful, trusts in Christ for his ultimate vindication. He urges Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel, rekindling the gift of faith that was also in his mother and grandmother and holding to the message of grace already given.

Gospel (Luke 17:5-10)

In response to his disciples’ request for more faith, Jesus asserts that true faith is indeed powerful enough to move mountains. But in contrast he affirms that humble obedience through the simple performance of our duties is the best expression of faith.

Connection Suggestions

  • Disobedience or obedience may result in suffering
  • Doing the right thing because it is the right thing is always the right thing
  • Repent or perish!
  • Simple faithful obedience is better than spectacular demonstrations of faith

 

Based on the Alternative Readings A

First Reading (Lamentations 1:1-6)

The writer of Lamentations is eloquent in his sad description of a ruined and desolate Judah and Jerusalem, once majestic among the nations, now like a forlorn widow. He notes simply that this has all come about because of unfaithfulness to the Lord.

Psalm (137)

The Psalmist bitterly resents the conquerors’ demands for entertainment from the captives. Blaming only the enemies of Judah, especially the Babylonians, for the disaster, he calls on the Lord to execute terrible judgment upon them.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:1-14)

Paul, himself suffering for being faithful, trusts in Christ for his ultimate vindication. He urges Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel, rekindling the gift of faith that was also in his mother and grandmother and holding to the message of grace already given.

Gospel (Luke 17:5-10)

In response to his disciples’ request for more faith, Jesus asserts that true faith is indeed powerful enough to move mountains. But in contrast he affirms that humble obedience through the simple performance of our duties is the best expression of faith.

Connection Suggestions

  • Disobedience or obedience may result in suffering
  • Doing the right thing because it is the right thing is always the right thing
  • Simple faithful obedience is better than spectacular demonstrations of faith
  • Faithfulness in suffering is sustained by a focus on grace received

 

Based on Alternative Readings B

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 await the divine word. He is told of a coming “end” for which he is to wait, trusting in God’s word. It is by such faith that the righteous will live.

Psalm (37:1-9)

“Just wait” is the counsel of the Psalmist to those who agonize over the triumph of the wicked all around him. Look to the Lord and all will be well. Burning anger will lead to evil but faithfulness will result in inheriting the land and the destruction of the wicked.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 1:1-14)

Paul, himself suffering for being faithful, trusts in Christ for his ultimate vindication. He urges Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel, rekindling the gift of faith that was also in his mother and grandmother and holding to the message of grace already given.

Gospel (Luke 17:5-10)

In response to his disciples’ request for more faith, Jesus asserts that true faith is indeed powerful enough to move mountains. But in contrast he affirms that humble obedience through the simple performance of our duties is the best expression of faith.

Connection Suggestions

  • Doing the right thing because it is the right thing is always the right thing
  • Simple faithful obedience is better than spectacular demonstrations of faith
  • Faithfulness in suffering is sustained by a focus on grace received
  • Trusting in God often means waiting for him

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 29, 2019, Proper 21, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15)

Because of his refusal to be a “good news” prophet Jeremiah is under house arrest as Jerusalem is fatally besieged by Babylon. The Lord tells him to buy a soon-to-be worthless piece of land and is assured that the land will be restored and the property will resume its normal value.

Psalm (91:1-6, 14-16)

The Psalmist assures his audience that those who love the Lord and call upon his name will escape any and everything that threatens their life and, taking refuge in him, come to experience the wonderful richness of his salvation.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

St. Paul warns Timothy that pursuing money above all else leads to spiritual ruin, while the pursuit of righteousness will ultimately result in the “life that really is life” when Jesus Christ finally appears. Those Christians who are wealthy are urged to be rich in good works as well.

Gospel (Luke 16:19-31)

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who lived in luxury and the poor man Lazarus who lived in misery. After death the rich man was in torment while Lazarus was with the saints in heaven. Even a warning from beyond the grave would be ineffective to overcome our love of money.

Connection Suggestions

  • Reversals of fortune at the hand of God
  • The true riches of God’s salvation in Christ
  • The love of money is the root of all evil, blinding us to the good
  • The promises of God’s blessing are often not fully realized in this present life
  • The Lord’s eye is especially upon the poor and needy

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Amos 6:1a, 4-7)

Amos decries the rich who are “at ease in Zion” even as the nation disintegrates around them. Instead of grieving over the coming disaster they are blinded by their enjoyment of material wealth.

Psalm (146)

The Psalmist declares that the way of the wicked will come to ruin. But he adds that the Lord will bless the faithful, especially those in desperate need, first with the hope of his reign and then with its realization. All this causes him to exhort his audience to praise such a God.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

St. Paul warns Timothy that pursuing money above all else leads to spiritual ruin, while the pursuit of righteousness will ultimately result in the “life that really is life” when Jesus Christ finally appears. Those Christians who are wealthy are urged to be rich in good works as well.

Gospel (Luke 16:19-31)

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who lived in luxury and the poor man Lazarus who lived in misery. After death the rich man was in torment while Lazarus was with the saints in heaven. Even a warning from beyond the grave would be ineffective to overcome our love of money.

Connection Suggestions

  • Reversals of fortune at the hand of God
  • The true riches of God’s salvation in Christ
  • The love of money is the root of all evil, blinding us to the good
  • The promises of God’s blessing are often not fully realized in this present life
  • The Lord’s eye is especially upon the poor and needy

 

 

Posted on

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 15, 2019, Proper 19, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 4:11-12, 22-28)

Jeremiah foresees God’s judgment upon Judah and Jerusalem as a scorching wind from the desert that sweeps all before it. The land will be desolate, without light, vegetation or inhabitants. Although this fate is inevitable, the Lord promises that it is not final.

Psalm (14)

The Psalmist laments Israel’s lack of someone to come to her rescue. The world seems full of fools who deny God’s very existence and who ignore his ways. All have gone astray. The Lord, however, is the refuge of the poor, and terror will come on the wicked.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

Paul tells the young Timothy of his gratitude to Christ Jesus for his conversion and calling to serve. He was such a hard-case unbeliever that his coming to faith can only be seen as a miracle of grace, an example for all to see and come to faith themselves. He can only give glory to God.

Gospel (Luke 15:1-10)

Because he is criticized for socializing among sinners, Jesus tells two parables to illustrate that sinners are actually the primary focus of God’s attention and how he rejoices when even one repents. He tells of a shepherd who finds a lost sheep and a woman who finds a lost coin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s judgment is meant to bring us back to himself
  • Amazing grace
  • We can only truly appreciate our redemption if we truly appreciate our lostness without Jesus
  • Our sinfulness does not make us repellant to God but attracts his loving and redemptive attention

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Exodus 32:7-14)

While Moses meets with Yahweh on Mt. Sinai the people demand that Aaron make gods for them. The Lord angrily decides to destroy this people who so quickly abandon him. He plans to make a great nation out of Moses instead, but the latter intercedes and the Lord relents.

Psalm (51:1-10)

The Psalmist admits both his inborn sinfulness and the sinful acts he has committed. He pleads that the Lord will have mercy upon him and grant him forgiveness and a clean heart. He begs for a new spirit to be given to him.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 1:12-17)

Paul tells the young Timothy of his gratitude to Christ Jesus for his conversion and calling to serve. He was such a hard-case unbeliever that his coming to faith can only be seen as a miracle of grace, an example for all to see and come to faith themselves. He can only give glory to God.

Gospel (Luke 15:1-10)

Because he is criticized for socializing among sinners, Jesus tells two parables to illustrate that sinners are actually the primary focus of God’s attention and how he rejoices when even one repents. He tells of a shepherd who finds a lost sheep and a woman who finds a lost coin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Amazing grace
  • We can only truly appreciate our redemption if we truly appreciate our lostness without Jesus
  • Our sinfulness does not make us repellant to God but attracts his loving and redemptive attention
  • The perversity of sin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 8, 2019, Proper 18, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 18:1-11)

The Lord emphasizes his absolute power over Israel and the nations by comparing himself to a potter forming a pot on his wheel. He can reward them for doing good or destroy and remake them for doing evil. Take heed and repent.

Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)

The Psalmist is awestruck that the Lord knows him so intimately, even knowing what he is going to say. The Lord has been at work in him since he was in his mother’s womb, laying out a plan for his life. The thoughts of such a God are far beyond human comprehension.

Second Reading (Philemon 1:1-21)

Paul is sending back the escaped slave Onesimus to his owner Philemon with this letter. He appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, who has become like a son to Paul, as a beloved brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul trusts that Philemon will indeed do the right thing.

Gospel (Luke 14:25-33)

Jesus warns the large crowds following him of the high cost of being his disciple. They must hate their family, even life itself, in order to do so. Following him will cost them everything. He advises that they take this into account before they begin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has an absolute claim upon us and our priorities
  • The Lord has intimate knowledge of us
  • The Lord is worthy of awe and wonder
  • The family of God transcends all other human relationships
  • The Lord has high expectations of his people

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

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 the Lord 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 (1)

The Psalmist likens a person who obeys God’s laws to a tree planted by a river, always flourishing. Unlike sinners and scoffers who come and go with the wind, they are happy and content in the knowledge that the Lord watches over them as they walk in his way.

Second Reading (Philemon 1:1-21)

Paul is sending back the escaped slave Onesimus to his owner Philemon with this letter. He appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, who has become like a son to Paul, as a beloved brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul trusts that Philemon will indeed do the right thing.

Gospel (Luke 14:25-33)

Jesus warns the large crowds following him of the high cost of being his disciple. They must hate their family, even life itself, in order to do so. Following him will cost them everything. He advises that they take this into account before they begin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has an absolute claim upon us and our priorities
  • The family of God transcends all other human relationships
  • The Lord has high expectations of his people
  • Following the Lord is life and leads to abundant life

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, September 1, 2019, Proper 17, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 2:4-13)

Through Jeremiah the Lord charges Israel with gross unfaithfulness. In spite of many blessings at God’s hand, they have become as worthless as the idols to which they have turned. The Lord is outraged that they have forsaken him, the true God, for useless figments of their imagination.

Psalm (81:1, 10-16)

The Psalmist, speaking for the Lord, recites Israel’s refusal to obey the Lord. In spite of his bringing them out of Egypt into the Promised Land they prefer their own ways to his. He yearns for his people to repent so that he can deliver them and pour abundant blessings upon them.

Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)

The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.

Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)

A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
  • Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
  • Vanity, vanity, all is vanity

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Proverbs 25:6-7)

The writer advises that a person should not presume a position among the great because it is better to be invited to come forward than to be embarrassed by being shown a lesser place.

Psalm (112)

The Psalmist notes that those who fear the Lord will be among the great and prosperous in the Land. They give light to others by their gracious conduct, generosity to those in need, and righteous conduct. Secure in the Lord, they provoke the envy of the wicked in their vain desires.

Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)

The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.

Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)

A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
  • Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
  • Vanity, vanity, all is vanity