Posted on

Second Sunday of Easter, April 19, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:14a, 22-32)

Peter reminds those gathered in Jerusalem that they knew of the attesting miracles that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. However, God raised him, freeing him from death itself just as David had foreseen. Jesus’ disciples are all witnesses to this fact.

Psalm (16)

In today’s Psalm, David affirms his total commitment to the Lord and rejoices in the benefits of having done so. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave.

Second Reading (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus absolutely has secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. Even though we cannot see him, this fact is a source of deep joy, even in times of trial that severely test our faith.

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

On Easter evening Jesus appears to his disciples and breathes the Holy Spirit on them, sending them into the world to continue his mission. A week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and blesses those who believe without actually seeing for themselves.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus is well attested by the personal witness of those who encountered him in risen form
  • The mission of the Church arises out of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the salvation he has accomplished
  • The resurrection of Jesus is proof that God provides victory over death itself
  • The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference to our faith

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. John 20.29

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and eternal God,
the strength of those who believe
and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Posted on

Resurrection of the Lord (Easter), April 12, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set, and Including Alternates

First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

OR

Alternate First Reading (Jeremiah 31:1-6)

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of the Lord’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion.

Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)

The Psalmist has experienced the Lord’s punishment and then, in answer to prayer, a last-minute rescue from death. The gates of righteousness are now thrown open and the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone. It is the day of the Lord’s salvation.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-4)

St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again.

OR

Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Gospel (John 20:1-18)

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple who run to see for themselves. Mary encounters the risen Lord and recognizes him when he calls her name. Told to tell the others that he will soon ascend, she does so.

OR

Alternate Gospel (Matthew 28:1-10)

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week. There an angel informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them tell the disciples to go to Galilee to meet him. Jesus himself then appears, calming their fear and sending them on their mission.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrection of Jesus has implications for all humanity as Lord of all
  • The resurrection of Jesus is a turning point in history itself
  • The resurrection of Jesus turns everything upside down.
  • The resurrection of Jesus opens the gate of life to all who would believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus and its reality is the foundation of Christian faith
  • The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the new creation

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Corinthians 5.7–8

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Lord of life and power,
through the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have overcome the old order of sin and death and have made all things new in him.
May we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
reign with him in glory,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Good Friday, April 10, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that the Lord will deliver him so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve him.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:16-25)

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both the priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result, we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus is innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • As high priest Jesus offers himself, both priest and victim.
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Philippians 2.8–9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ
was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Second Reading

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that the Lord will deliver him so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve him.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sinning. Facing death, he begged God for deliverance but, in the end, bowed to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray
  • The humanity of Christ is essential to our salvation

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Philippians 2.8–9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ
was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

Posted on

Maundy Thursday, April 9, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 12:1-4, [5-10], 11-14)

The Lord announces the last of the plagues against Egypt. He will go through the land destroying all first-born males. The Israelites are to eat a pure lamb, putting its blood on their door to ensure that they are passed over. The event is to be celebrated annually.

Psalm (116: 1-2, 12-19)

Knowing his prayers have been heard, the grateful Psalmist realizes that the best response is to orient his entire life toward the Lord, especially in giving thanks, fulfilling his vows and lifting up the cup of salvation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that it was Jesus himself who instituted the Lord’s Supper. It is to be repeated in remembrance of his death on their behalf until he comes again.

Gospel (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)

As Passover approaches Jesus realizes that his hour to die has now come. Although returning to his Father, he will be leaving behind his beloved disciples. He washes their feet, impressing upon them that loving one another will mark them as his disciples.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Passover, Jesus’s crucifixion, and the Lord’s Supper share profound connections
  • The wages of sin is death
  • Jesus fulfills not only the prophetic traditions of Israel but also its very institutions and history
  • God provides a substitute
  • Remembrance is critical to the exercise of faith

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 13.34

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God,
your Son Jesus Christ
has left to us this meal of bread and wine
in which we share his body and his blood.
May we who celebrate this sign of his great love show in our lives the fruits of his redemption; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Sixth Sunday in Lent (Liturgy of the Passion), April 5, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set, and with the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Isaiah 50:4-9a)

Isaiah envisions the Lord’s obedient Servant under assault: enduring insults, spitting and striking. He is determined not to flinch or waver from his conviction that the Lord is his help and vindication. In such light his adversaries fade into insignificance.

Psalm (31:9-16)

Under serious affliction from all those around him, the Psalmist is driven to tears, misery and extreme physical weakness. In spite of these attacks in which even his life is in danger, he remains confident that the Lord will deliver him.

Second Reading (Philippians 2:5-11)

St. Paul encourages the Philippians to be like Jesus who, although divine, humbled himself and endured a demeaning death. In the end, he was exalted by God to be Lord over all, with every knee in heaven and earth bowing before him.

Gospel (Matthew 26:14-27:66)

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ last hours, from the Last Supper through to his death, is marked by a strong sense of fulfilling God’s plan. Jesus finally submits to his destiny willingly, refusing to exercise his power as the Son of God. His innocence sharply contrasts the malice of his foes.

OR

Alternative Gospel (Mathew 27:11-54)

Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Passion, from the trial before Pilate through to his death highlights the tension and misunderstanding over his being “King of the Jews”. The jealousy of his foes and Pilate’s weakness form a stark contrast with the centurion’s recognizing him as God’s Son.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Divine vindication of the innocent may take an unexpected form
  • The servant of God is to be humbly obedient, leaving any vindication or exaltation in the hands of the Lord.
  • Obedience to God can lead to insults and even persecutions and death
  • Jesus proves himself to be the Suffering Servant of Israel’s expectations

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Philippians 2.8–9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and everliving God,
in tender love for all our human race
you sent your Son our Saviour Jesus Christ
to take our flesh
and suffer death upon a cruel cross.
May we follow the example of his great humility, and share in the glory of his resurrection;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  AMEN

 

 

 

Posted on

Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 29, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

The Lord has Ezekiel prophesy to a valley of scattered bones which then come together to form many living people again. The Lord explains that this represents how he will put his Spirit into his scattered people, bring them out of exile and restore them to the Land.

Psalm (130)

The Psalmist expresses his conviction that the Lord will indeed forgive his sins and, in spite of present troubles, he waits in hope for this to happen. He exhorts all Israel similarly to trust in the Lord’s steadfast love and promise of redemption.

Second Reading (Romans 8:6-11)

Paul urges us not to set our minds on the sinful “flesh” which is opposed to God and subject to death. Instead, we should embrace the Holy Spirit who is in each believer imparting Christ’s righteousness and a present share in resurrection life.

Gospel (John 11:1-45)

Jesus deliberately delays going to heal Lazarus, who then dies. He is able to point one sister, Martha, to the resurrection but Mary is upset with him. Weeping at the tomb and praying for God’s glory and human faith to increase, he then brings Lazarus back to life.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus is the source of new life, both for this life and the next
  • In the light of the resurrection, we can see that physical and spiritual death are not the final word
  • Our present life often seems to bring only death, but Christ is already at work in us and in the world, bringing everlasting life
  • Holiness and righteousness are the result of resurrection life at work in God’s people

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11.25, 26

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son came into the world
to free us all from sin and death.
Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit,
that we may be raised to new life in Christ,
and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 22, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

After Saul had failed as the first king of Israel, the Lord sends Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. To everyone’s surprise, the Lord, who sees the heart, selects David the shepherd boy. Samuel anoints him and he is filled with the Spirit.

Psalm (23)

David likens his relationship with the Lord to a sheep who trusts that the shepherd knows what he is doing in spite of appearances. He provides water, food and shelter, even in circumstances that a sheep would see as extremely threatening.

Second Reading (Ephesians 5:8-14)

Paul asserts that, in the Lord, Christians have become light, bearing fruit which is good, right and true. They now oppose and shun the darkness and its useless works from which they have come. Christ is the light who makes all this happen.

Gospel (John 9:1-41)

In healing a man born blind Jesus shows that he is the light of the world. The man’s physical and spiritual darkness is dispersed while the Pharisees, who should recognize Messiah, heighten their opposition. Jesus says he has come to expose all to the light.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus is the light of the world, not just part of it
  • We need to see with the eyes of faith
  • Our judgment needs to go beyond superficial appearances
  • God is interested in the attitudes of our hearts more than he is in how things (or we} look to others
  • When Jesus comes into our lives, we see things differently
  • What does it mean to be “light”?

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; those who follow me will have the light of life. John 8.12

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
through the waters of baptism
your Son has made us children of light.
May we ever walk in his light
and show forth your glory in the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Posted on

Third Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 15, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 17:1-7)

After Israel’s miraculous escape from Egypt at the hand of the Lord, the people bitterly complain to Moses that they will die because there is no water in the wilderness. The Lord commands Moses to strike a rock in order to provide life-giving water for them.

Psalm (95)

The Psalmist calls the people to worship the Lord with thanksgiving because of who he is and what he has done. He warns them not to be like their ancestors who tested the Lord by complaining in the wilderness and were denied entrance into the Promised Land.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-11)

St. Paul marvels at the grace of God who saved us through Christ while we were still weak sinners and his enemies. This is a work of the Holy Spirit who enables our sufferings to create, in turn, endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint.

Gospel (John 4:5-42)

In Samaria Jesus offers a woman water that produces eternal life, although he knows she is a sinner from a despised race. Astonished at his insight, she goes home to share her experience. Saying true food is doing God’s work, Jesus remains there to preach.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord saves us in spite of our unworthiness (grace)
  • Jesus is the only source of eternal life, the font of every blessing
  • We are made right with God to live right with God (and our neighbours)
  • God has done so much for us we are without excuse for not serving him with all our hearts

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
whose Son Jesus Christ gives the water of eternal life, may we always thirst for you,
the spring of life and source of goodness;
through him who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN.

Posted on

Second Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 8, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set, and with Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Genesis 12:1-4a)

After the Lord had frustrated the building of the Tower of Babel, he speaks to Abram in Haran. He tells him to leave his country and go to another where he would become a great nation that will be a blessing to all the peoples of the earth.

Psalm (121)

The Psalmist draws our attention to the fact that it is only the Lord who is our genuine help. As both creator and ever-present one, he protects and keeps us from all evil and danger.

Second Reading (Romans 4:1-5; 13-17)

Paul sees grace at work in the great promises that God made to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. Righteousness and justification come by faith alone, not by works of the law. As such, they are guaranteed on the basis of God’s grace, not our performance.

Gospel (John 3:1-17)

Jesus tells Nicodemus that we need to be born again in order to enter God’s kingdom. This is a mysterious work of the Spirit in those who simply put their trust in the word and work of Jesus, the one sent from heaven for the salvation of the whole world.

OR

Alternative Gospel: Matthew 17:1-9

After teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up onto a mountain where his appearance is transformed in brilliant light. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, a heavenly voice clarifies that Jesus, as God’s son, deserves our full attention.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The critical role of faith in our relationship with God
  • The wonderful nature of grace in contrast to the futility of relying upon our own efforts to reach up to God
  • The centrality of Christ to the gospel
  • The continuity of the story of grace
  • The message of the gospel is intended for the whole of humanity

 

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
whose Son was revealed in majesty
before he suffered death upon the cross,
give us faith to perceive his glory,
that being strengthened by his grace
we may be changed into his likeness, from glory to glory; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN.