Lection Connection – Page 4

August 23, 2020

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 30, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 3:1-15)

The Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush, identifying himself as the God of his ancestors, whose name is “I AM WHO I AM”. He has heard the cry of his people and now he is sending Moses to deliver them and lead them out to the Promised Land.

Psalm (105:1-6, 23-26, 45b)

The Psalmist exhorts his readers to remember the Lord’s mighty acts. Looking to him alone, they are to make his deeds known among the nations. He caused captive Israel to increase greatly and sent Moses and Aaron to deliver them. Praise be to him!

Second Reading (Romans 12:9-21)

Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully even under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies they are to put matters into God’s hands and allow good to overcome evil.

Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)

Jesus rebukes Peter for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to preserve our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, knowing that, in the resurrection, he will abundantly reward.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

It is God who saves us, not we ourselves
Doing good will ultimately triumph over evil
Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life
Relief from suffering is in God’s hands
We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies
We need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Author and Giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us in all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 15:15-21)

Jeremiah asks the Lord that his persecutors suffer retribution. He has been faithful but his suffering is worsening, making him question. The Lord, on the other hand, encourages the prophet to rely upon him alone for restoration and deliverance.

Psalm (26:1-8)

Faithful in his walk, the Psalmist expects vindication from the Lord. He even challenges the Lord to test him in his innocence. He has not kept company with sinners, but has joined the procession to the altar in the Temple he loves because God dwells there.

Second Reading (Romans 12:9-21)

Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

It is God who saves us, not we ourselves
Doing good will ultimately triumph over evil
Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life
Relief from suffering is in God’s hands
We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies
We need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

August 17, 2020

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 23, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 1:8-2:10)

The Israelites are still in Egypt and have become so numerous that Pharaoh tries to destroy all their male infants. One is put in a basket on the Nile by his mother and then, with the help of the child’s sister, is saved by the Pharaoh’s own daughter. He is Moses.

Psalm (124)

The Psalmist encourages Israel to remember that it was the Lord alone who delivered them from the raging flood of their enemies. They escaped like a bird from a broken snare because the Lord, the creator of all, is their help.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

Paul affirms that true worship presents our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. Not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds, we act in humility and sobriety, exercising our gifts of grace for the good of the body of Christ.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

Peter identifies Jesus as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built and it will conquer hell itself. As to his identity as Messiah, the disciples are told to keep quiet.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God delivers his people from their enemies
No foe is superior to God
The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
The people of God carry out the purposes of God
The importance of humility

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
we are taught by your word
that all our doings without love are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtue;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 51:1-6)

Isaiah calls for those who seek the Lord to look back to Abraham and Sarah as our ancestors in faith. The Lord will cause the land to blossom like Eden as his rule of justice and light is extended to the nations and the present cosmos passes away.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist thanks the Lord for his faithfulness in answering his prayer for salvation. All the rulers of the earth shall praise the Lord when they see how the lowly are exalted. For these reasons he is certain the Lord will fulfill his purpose for him.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The salvation of God’s people will attract the attention of the nations
The importance for faith of looking at examples from the past
God delivers his people from their enemies
No foe is superior to God
The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
The importance of humility

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

August 10, 2020

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 16, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 45:1-15)

Joseph’s brothers, who had sold him years ago, do not recognize him as a high Egyptian official. But when he reveals himself they are filled with fear. He says that God was behind it all, sending him on ahead to save the family. Overcome, they are reconciled.

Psalm (133)

The Psalmist describes family unity as drenched in blessing, like the oil that overflowed Aaron when he was anointed high priest, or like the heavy dew on the mountains. In all these we catch a glimpse of the Lord’s blessing of eternal life.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul emphasizes that the Jewish rejection of the Gospel in no way implies that they have lost their part in God’s plan. Indeed, by showing that they too, along with Gentiles, are disobedient, they are included with his Gentile readers in the offer of God’s mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

[Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth.] Although sent only to the Jews, Jesus responds to the amazing faith of a Gentile woman and delivers her daughter from a demon.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The blessing of family unity (including the human family)
God’s providential care for his people
The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
Mercy and grace trump disobedience and sin
The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed every infirmity among the people. See Matthew 4.23

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and sent into our hearts the Spirit of your Son.
Give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service, that all people may know the glorious liberty
of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 56:1, 6-8)

Isaiah envisions the Gentiles sharing in the coming salvation of the Lord. Foreigners will come to worship on Mount Zion and the Temple will be known as a house of prayer for all nations. The Lord will gather all who have been cast out, both Jews and Gentiles.

Psalm (67)

The Palmist urges God to so abundantly bless Israel that he will be known throughout the nations, with praise erupting from every direction. May all the peoples honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in Israel.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The blessing of family unity (including the human family)
God’s providential care for his people
The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
Mercy and grace trump disobedience and sin
The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart
All have sinned and come short of the glory of God

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom and healed every infirmity among the people. See Matthew 4.23

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

August 3, 2020

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 9, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28)

Joseph’s brothers are jealous of him because he is their father’s favourite, and when he joins them far from home, they conspire to kill him. But Reuben prevents the bloodshed, and Judah convinces them to sell the boy to a caravan on its way to Egypt.

Psalm (105:1-6, 16-22, 45b)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to praise and thank the Lord for his wonderful works. They are to exalt him among the nations, especially recalling how he sent Joseph to Egypt long ahead of his family and put him in a position to help them at just the right time.

Second Reading (Romans 10:5-15)

Paul contrasts righteousness through obeying the law with the simple act of believing in the risen Jesus and confessing him as Lord. Salvation comes to all who so believe and not just Jews. Proclaimers of Christ must be sent out so that all have a chance to hear.

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

Jesus sends the disciples ahead by boat but walks out to them on the waves during a storm. Jesus commands Peter to come to him but has to save him after he starts to sink in fear and unbelief. Calm descends, and the disciples worship Jesus as the Son of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God always prepares the way for his salvation
The Lord saves those who look/call out to him
The awesome God who directs history and has power over nature
The nations are included in God’s offer of salvation
simple faith in God/Jesus is required of us
the Lord shows up at just the right time

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

I wait for the Lord; in his word is my hope. Psalm 130.4

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you sent your Holy Spirit
to be the life and light of your Church.
Open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in love, joy, and peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (1 Kings 19:9-18)

Elijah, on the run from Queen Jezebel who is angry at his defeat of her prophets, hides in a cave and, feeling abandoned, complains to the Lord. The latter reveals himself, instructing the prophet and assuring him of victory and the presence of many faithful.

Psalm (85:8-13)

The Psalmist is confident that the Lord will hear and speak peace to all those who truly turn to him. Indeed, in his coming salvation the Land will be richly blessed as “steadfast love and faithfulness” meet, and “righteousness and peace” kiss each other.

Second Reading (Romans 10:5-15)

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The Lord saves those who look/call out to him
The nations are included in God’s offer of salvation
simple faith in God/Jesus is required of us
the Lord shows up at just the right time
Faith has its ups and downs but God is faithful throughout

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

I wait for the Lord; in his word is my hope. Psalm 130.4

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

July 27, 2020

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 2, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 32:22-31)

Jacob wrestles with a stranger and prevails after demanding a blessing from his opponent. The latter changes Jacob’s name to Israel, or “he who strives with God and prevails”. Jacob realizes he has been face to face with God and lived to tell about it.

Psalm (17:1-7, 15)

The Psalmist, a faithful Israelite, cries to the Lord for help. As one who has avoided wickedness and violence he appeals to the steadfast love of the Lord. Even in his current circumstances he is confident that he will see the face of God.

Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)

St. Paul yearns for his own Jewish people to come to faith in Christ and is deeply grief-stricken at their resistance to the Gospel. They are God’s chosen people and the covenant promises rightly belong to them, including Messiah, one of their own.

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

After the death of John the Baptist Jesus desires to be alone, but a huge crowd follows him into the wilderness. Full of compassion, he heals their sick and feeds them all by multiplying a little food into so much that that twelve basketfuls are left over.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God provides a feast
The love and compassion of God
God hears and answers prayer with more than meets our need
What it means to be an Israelite
The various ways of receiving blessings from God/Jesus

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4.4

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry
with the bread of his life
and the word of his kingdom.
Renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your true and living bread,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 55:1-5)

Through Isaiah the Lord is calling his people Israel to a great feast made freely available to all, promising an everlasting covenant because of his faithful love for David. The Lord will so bless them that other nations will come as well.

Psalm (145:8-9, 14-21)

The Psalmist extolls the Lord as the universal God who sustains all of creation out of his love and compassion. He upholds the fallen, answering those who call upon him in truth and bringing justice to the wicked. All humanity will come to acknowledge him as Lord.

Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God provides a feast
The love and compassion of God
God hears and answers prayer with more than meets our need
All nations will come to the Lord
What it means to be an Israelite

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.Matthew 4.4

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

July 20, 2020

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 29:15-28)

Jacob agrees to work seven years for his uncle Laban in order to marry his beautiful daughter Rachel. He loves Rachel, but Laban tricks him into marrying his older daughter Leah, and then agrees to let him have Rachel after seven more years of servitude.

Psalm (105:1-11, 45b)

The Psalmist exhorts Israel to live continuously in the presence of the Lord, giving thanks and praise among the nations, while seeking his strength. Remembering what he has done in the past they are to be ever mindful of his eternal covenant with the Patriarchs.

OR

Alternative Psalm for these Readings (128)

The Psalmist promises a productive life, especially in terms of a flourishing family, for those who walk with the Lord. This is expressed as the provision of many children and a life long enough to see them have children of their own.

Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)

Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active even in weak, inarticulate prayer. He points out that with God on the side of those he calls, things will work out for good in spite of current afflictions. Not even death can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus.

Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52)

Jesus outlines aspects of the Kingdom of God in simple parables: like a seed, it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast, it will permeate everything; like found treasure, it is worth our all; like a net, it will ensnare many, but the evil will be cast out at the end.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The infinitely valuable blessings of living with and for the Lord are beyond cost
The value of family, including the family of God (Alternative Psalm)
The importance of prayer and praise (Psalm as Set)
The unfailing purposes of God
The difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6.68

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

O God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (I Kings 3:5-12)

When the Lord appears to Solomon, son of David, he wisely asks for understanding in order to govern Israel. Pleased, the Lord grants him his request and also blesses him with long life, victory over his enemies and a ranking over all other rulers in history.

Psalm (119:129-136)

The Psalmist extols the wonders of God’s laws that give understanding to the simple. Expressions of his grace, they keep us on the path towards the Lord and away from evil. The Psalmist begs to know and follow them, and he mourns when they are broken.

Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)

Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The infinitely valuable blessings of living with and for the Lord are beyond cost
The unfailing purposes of God
The difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work
The importance of being led by the Lord/the Spirit/the Word
God’s wisdom guides the simple and the inexperienced

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6.68

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

July 13, 2020

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 19, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 28:10-19a)

Jacob dreams that where he is sleeping there is a ladder with angels moving between earth and heaven. The Lord gives him the same promise he made to Abraham and vows not to leave him until it is fulfilled. Awestruck, Jacob calls the place the “house of God”.

Psalm (139:1-12, 23-24)

The Psalmist, awestruck that the Lord knows him intimately wherever he might be, invites divine examination to expose his every wickedness and lead him in the everlasting way under his divine protection.

Second Reading (Romans 8:12-25)

Paul writes that living by the flesh brings death while living by the Spirit brings life, including adoption as God’s children to be heirs of his new creation. Present suffering cannot compare to this coming glory for those bearing the first fruits of the Spirit.

Gospel (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

Jesus tells about a farmer who sowed seed on his land only to discover that an enemy had sowed weeds. To preserve the grain, he put off weeding until harvest. Similarly, Jesus says, both evil and righteous folk will share the kingdom until judgment at the end.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The way of the Lord versus the way of the world
A new world is coming for the faithful
Awe at the presence of God
Justice will prevail in spite of current circumstances
The promises of God are sure
The inheritors of God’s promises are under his care and already enjoying his presence

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

My word shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55.11

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence.
Give us pure hearts and constant wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 44:6-8)

In asserting his uniqueness as the one and only God, the Lord challenges other so-called gods to prove themselves by predicting the future as he has done. Israel, witnessing this truth repeatedly, has every reason to trust in him and to not fear current circumstances.

Psalm (86:11-17)

The Psalmist pleads with the Lord for an undivided heart, serving and glorifying him alone. Having been delivered before through the steadfast love of the Lord, he asks for deliverance from the ungodly who now threaten his very life.

Second Reading (Romans 8:12-25)

Gospel (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The way of the Lord versus the way of the world
A new world is coming for the faithful
Justice will prevail in spite of current circumstances
The Lord our God is a jealous God
We can trust in the Lord on the basis of his historical acts of salvation

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

My word shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55.11

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

July 6, 2020

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 12, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 25:19-34)

Isaac’s wife Rebekah proves to be barren but, after he prays, she soon conceives twin boys. The Lord informs her that, surprisingly, the older will come to serve the younger. Years later, the elder, Esau, offhandedly sells his birthright to his twin, Jacob.

Psalm (Psalm 119:105-112)

The Psalmist, although severely afflicted and under threat, declares his confidence in the word of the Lord, his heritage forever. It will light his way and provide him with life itself.

Second Reading (Romans 8:1-11)

Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the demands of the Law and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom for those who understand. Those who do not, or who wilt under persecution, or allow the cares of the world and its wealth to distract them, will wither.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Following the Lord involves a struggle
The Word and Ways of God need to be embraced with care and followed with diligence
The Word of the Lord endures forever
The Word of the Lord will accomplish what it sets out to do, one way or the other

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 55:10-13)

Isaiah affirms that the word of the Lord is as fruitful as rain and snow, always accomplishing its purpose. He tells Israel that it will come back from exile in great joy and peace. The event will be an everlasting memorial, with creation itself transformed.

Psalm (65:[1-8], 9-13)

The Psalmist celebrates God’s active care in answering prayer, forgiving sins, living among his people and delivering them. As creator and sustainer, he is the hope of all humanity, which benefits from his watering of the earth to produce fruit in abundance.

Second Reading (Romans 8:1-11)

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Following the Lord involves a struggle
The Word and Ways of God need to be embraced with care and followed with diligence
The Word of the Lord endures forever
The Word of the Lord will accomplish what it sets out to do, one way or the other
God reaches out to all, but all do not reach out to God

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

June 29, 2020

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 5, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67)

Abraham’s servant explains to Laban how Abraham had sent him back to Haran to find a wife for Isaac and of how he encountered his beautiful sister Rebekah. Clearly the Lord was in this, and Laban sent the willing girl with him to Canaan to be Isaac’s wife.

Psalm (45:10-17)

On the occasion of a royal wedding the Psalmist exhorts the bride to embrace her new position, one that will result in many personal blessings and universal renown.

OR

Psalm (Song of Solomon 2:8-13)

The writer of the Song of Solomon paints a seductive picture a charming man who bids his love to come away with him. As winter is giving way to spring it is now the time for beautiful things to blossom.

Second Reading (Romans 7:15-25a)

Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while he wants to live by God’s law he is unable to do so. Instead he is a prisoner of the flesh with its inclination to sin and death, and only Christ can set him free.

Gospel (Matthew 11:16-19,25-30)

Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is often willfully rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The Lord invites us into relationship in winsome ways, but we are still inclined to turn our backs
We have much to gain, including life itself, by following the Lord
From the outside the Christian life may seem like bondage but in reality it is the freedom to be what we were made to be
The Lord takes the initiative in winning us to him

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Blessed is our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has revealed these things to the simple.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ has taught us
that what we do for the least of your children
we do also for him.
Give us the will to serve others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Zechariah 9:9-12)

The prophet Zechariah characterizes Israel as “daughter Zion” and calls her to rejoice at the arrival of her king. He will bring peace to the nations as they come under his rule. Those in captivity will be set free and become prisoners of hope instead.

Psalm (145:8-14)

The Psalmist describes the Lord as abounding in steadfast love and good to all. His works declare his glory and power while under his everlasting dominion the downtrodden are lifted up.

Second Reading (Romans 7:15-25a)

Gospel (Matthew 11:16-19,25-30)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

We are all prisoners of one kind or another, to good or to evil, to God or to Satan, to the flesh or to the Spirit
The Lord invites us into relationship with him in winsome ways, but we are inclined to turn our backs
We have much to gain, including life itself, by following the Lord
From the outside the Christian life may seem like bondage but from the inside it is the freedom to be what we were made to be

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Blessed is our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has revealed these things to the simple.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

June 22, 2020

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 22:1-14)

After promising Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, God commands the patriarch to sacrifice his son. At the last moment an angel intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience.

Psalm (13)

The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless, he trusts in the steadfast love of the Lord and looks forward to rejoicing at his salvation by a gracious God.

Second Reading (Romans 6:12-23)

Paul clarifies that we are not free to sin simply because we are no longer under the law. Having died to sin and to the death it brings, we have received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In response, our freedom is guided by an obedience from within.

Gospel (Matthew 10:40-42)

Having warned his disciples that following him would engender fierce opposition, Jesus also assures them of welcome and assistance from others. Such persons would actually be welcoming him and would not go unrewarded even for minor acts of kindness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The promises of God are sure
Even when things are going badly, God is at work making a way
Present circumstances do not dictate the final end of things
Following the Lord is not an easy path
The gift of a relationship with God in Christ brings with it both struggle and victory

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1 Peter 2.9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have taught us through your Son
that love fulfils the law.
May we love you with all our heart,
all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and may we love our neighbour as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 28:5-9)

Jeremiah publicly confronts a false prophet who had proclaimed that peace was coming soon. Genuine prophets are usually called to announce impending disaster when there is widespread disobedience. Predicting peace in such times is not likely inspired by God.

Psalm (Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18)

The Psalmist is confident of the Lord’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David establishing his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of the Lord, from whom all blessings come.

Second Reading (Romans 6:12-23)

Gospel (Matthew 10:40-42)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The promises of God are sure
Even when things are going badly, God is at work making a way
Following the Lord is not an easy path
The gift of a relationship with God in Christ brings with it both struggle and victory
The faithful can exult in having God’s eye upon them in all circumstances

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1 Peter 2.9