Posted on

Second Sunday after Christmas Day, January 3, 2021

Please see Using 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 who 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 share 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 1:1-18)

John tells us that with the Word of creation taking on flesh, God himself has come among us as light and life, as grace and truth. 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

• 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
• God’s word accomplishes God’s purposes

 

 

Posted on

The First Sunday after Christmas Day, December 27, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:10-62:3)

Isaiah is caught up in rejoicing over the vindication of Israel that is surely coming. She will appear gloriously clothed in righteousness and salvation, with a new name, and as a royal crown in the hand of the Lord. All the nations will see it.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist calls upon all that composes heaven and earth, animate and inanimate, to worship the Lord in a crescendo of praise. His glory is unsurpassed, and he is raising up a mighty leader for his people.

Second Reading (Galatians 4:4-7)

Paul celebrates the fact that when the right time God sent his Son to be born under the Law in order that Gentiles might be adopted as God’s children. Recipients of the Spirit of the Son, they enjoy an intimate relationship with the Father, no longer slaves but heirs.

Gospel (Luke 2:22-40)

Simeon, a faithful Jew, recognizes the infant Jesus as Messiah and predicts that the child will be a light to the Gentiles while bringing glory to Israel and disturbing many. The prophet Anna then sees Jesus and speaks of him to those looking for God’s redemption.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Great things of God are about to happen
• The Lord is the universal God
• Gentiles are included in the salvation brought by Christ
• Rejoice!
• The Christ-event fulfills the greatest expectations of Israel
• The Christ-event divides history into before and after

 

Posted on

Christmas, December 24/25, 2020 – Propers I, II, and III

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

Please see Using 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)

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])

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

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. Her 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)

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

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 both 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)

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

Posted on

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 20, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16)

Having established his kingdom, David presumes that it would now be a good time to build a house for the Lord. Instead, the latter proposes to build a house for David, a line of descendants on the throne of Israel forever, ruling over a kingdom of lasting peace.

Psalm (Luke 1:46b-55)

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same pattern in what happened to many in Israel’s past when God acted to honour his ancient promise to Abraham’s descendants.

OR

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

After extolling the unending nature of the Lord’s love, the Psalmist celebrates the covenant made with David. Exalted to the throne of Israel and, calling the Lord “Father”, David was promised for sure that his descendants would rule forever.

Second Reading (Romans 16:25-27)

In closing his letter to the Romans Paul commends them to God. He reminds them again of his own role in revealing the mystery that Gentiles are as eligible as Jews to be part of God’s people. This exalted standing is based on the teaching of Jesus and the prophets.

Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)

Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she will bear a son to be named Jesus who will occupy the throne of David forever and even be called the Son of God. Assured that this birth will be a work of God’s Spirit, her questioning confusion becomes humble acceptance.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God is in the business of exalting the humble
• The fulfillment of prophecy in the coming of Jesus
• The unexpected nature of the Christ-event
• God directs all history to his purpose
• The two advents of our Lord
• God always honours his promises, in his own way, and in his own time

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

Isaiah is anointed by Spirit of the Lord to announce the good news to Israel that all their calamities will be reversed. As the Lord clothes them with salvation and righteousness, as his blessed people they will display his glory before the nations.

Psalm (126)

Reflecting on those blessed occasions when Yahweh had restored Israel’s fortunes in the past, the Psalmist calls upon him once again to act in like manner. Although his people have sown with tears he is confident that they shall reap in joy under the Lord’s hand.

OR

Luke 1:47-55

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same thing happening to many others as God acts to honor his age-old promise to Abraham’s descendants.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

Paul sets out how to live in order to be ready for the coming of Jesus. Live a sound and blameless life, open to the Spirit and the prophets, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness as a witness to the coming light. In response to Jewish religious authorities John denies being the Messiah or even a prophet. Rather his baptism is but preparation for a much greater individual, shortly to make his arrival.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God raises up the humble and oppressed
• Preparing for the arrival of the Lord
• The need for good news
• Confidence in God’s arrival, born of his past interventions, transforms the waiting time
• God’s people will endure suffering and trouble but are assured of ultimate relief in God’s time
• The joy of participating in the mission of God

 

 

 

Posted on

Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-11)

The Lord has Isaiah comfort his people with the good news that the time of waiting is over and he is coming in great power to set things right. A voice in the wilderness will call for preparation. Unlike humans, both the Lord and his word are utterly dependable.

Psalm (85:1-2, 8-13)

Based on the Lord’s faithfulness in the past, the Psalmist is confident of the imminent arrival of his salvation, with his glory filling the restored land. Righteousness will go before him, preparing the way for an overflowing of love, peace and faithfulness.

Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-15a)

Peter asserts that God is not bound by our concept of time. The Day of the Lord will surely come, dramatically and without warning, and usher in a whole new cosmos. Delay allows time for repentance and opportunity for holy living, hastening the Day.

Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy regarding events preceding the arrival of the Lord. John preaches a baptism of repentance, announcing the coming of one greater than him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Preparing the way of the Lord
• The coming of the Lord
• God and time
• The purpose of God’s delay
• Voices in the wilderness
• Good News and Bad News

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

First Sunday of Advent, Year B, November 29, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 64:1-9)

The Lord having hidden his face, Isaiah pleads for him to act mightily for those who wait for him. Many Israelites have taken the Lord’s silence as occasion to sin: indeed, all have done so. The prophet asks for mercy because they are God’s people, he is their father.

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

The Psalmist, aware of the Lord’s displeasure with his people, asks him three times to shine his face upon them that they might be saved. They have suffered greatly but the Lord remains in their midst and will surely respond to their calls.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

Paul is thankful for the grace of God given to the Corinthians, as seen in their speech and knowledge. Indeed, they lack no spiritual gift as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus and assured of being strengthened to the end, made blameless by a faithful God.

Gospel (Mark 13:24-37)

Jesus variously encourages his disciples to be ready for his sudden return in great power and glory after a period of earth-shaking events. Occurring within a generation these should keep everyone alert, given that his words are more fixed than the cosmos itself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The people of God are called to wait expectantly for him in troubled times
• Faithfulness in a time of waiting
• Faithfulness in the silence of God
• Waiting is difficult and dangerous for faith
• When God finally acts it will be decisive and unmistakable
• God has provided what we need to remain faithful to the end

 

Posted on

Reign of Christ, November 22, 2020

For Thanksgiving DaY (US), please see here.

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

The Lord God proclaims that he will gather the people of Israel from their places of exile like a shepherd who gathers his sheep with lavish care. Abusers of the weak will be destroyed and the nation’s relationship with God restored under David, its shepherd-king.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist exhorts the whole earth to joyful praise of the Lord, creator of all, and to come into his presence as his people, sheep of his pasture. Yahweh is good, loving and faithful across the generations.

OR

Psalm (95:1-7a)

The Psalmist invites the people of God into the joyful presence of the Lord with thanks and praise. As creator of all things, he is king over all other powers and we are his sheep, fed in his pasture.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23

Paul exults in the knowledge of God’s great power made known in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus above all other rule. He prays the Ephesians will experience it increasingly as they come to know Christ in whom their redemption is secure.

Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

Jesus teaches that he himself, like a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, will judge the nations when he returns in glory. They will be held to account for how they have treated the least of those he regards as his family.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God/Christ as shepherd-king: savior, provider, protector, judge
• The people of God as “sheep” and God/Christ as “shepherd”
• The relationship/identification of God/Christ with his people
• Trusting in the awesome power of God, creator, re-creator, king
• God/Christ as the shepherd who sets all things right
• In the presence of God/Christ

 

 

Posted on

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 15, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Judges 4:1-7)

Israel falls into sin and the Lord hands them over to a local Canaanite king. When the people call out to him, he uses the prophetess Deborah to tell the commander of Israel’s army to attack the king’s army with the assurance of victory.

Psalm (123)

In a time when Israel is suffering the scorn and contempt of the proud, the Psalmist directs his plea for relief to the one he knows has power to help. He looks to the Lord as a maid would naturally look to her mistress.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells of a man who goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing praise. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
• The importance of knowing who is in charge
• Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
• Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
• The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18)

To those who contentedly believe he will never act in judgment, the Lord spells out the coming wrath of the Day of the Lord. Widespread disobedience to divine commands will bring about worldwide distress, darkness, and destruction.

Psalm (90:1-12)

The Psalmist acknowledges the great gulf between the Lord’s mighty eternal being and us short-lived mortals. To him time is of no consideration, while humanity struggles to survive but a few passing years. His anger at our sin should inspire us to use our time wisely.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells of a man who goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing praise. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The reality and magnitude of judgment and salvation
• Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
• Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
• Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
• The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

 

Posted on

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 8, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25)

Having led Israel in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua charges the nation always to follow Yahweh and not the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Land. Joshua commits himself and his family to Yahweh and the people do so as well, Joshua sealing their commitment with a covenant.

Psalm (78:1-7)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to pay attention to things in their past in danger of becoming obscure. The nation is challenged to remember and pass on to future generations the great things Yahweh has done for them, encouraging hope and obedience.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should alwaysbe looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Our hope for the future is rooted in the past faithfulness of God
• Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
• Forewarned is forearmed
• The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Amos 5:18-24)

Amos warns his listeners not to expect that the Day of the Lord will bring them vindication and victory. Instead it will bring judgment because, in spite of their meticulous religious observances, they have neglected justice and righteousness.

Psalm (70)

The Psalmist cries out to Yahweh at his delay in coming to deliver and save. He wants his adversaries to suffer dishonor and the faithful to be vindicated. In the meantime he remains confident that Yahweh will act, but pleads for immediate relief.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
• Forewarned is forearmed
• The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return
• We ought at all times to acknowledge our sins before God, but especially so in the light of Christ’s return
• An orientation to God’s future has implications for the present