Readings for April30,2017 Year A Third Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:14a, 36-41
  • Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel

  • Luke 24:13-35

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In the conclusion of his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, St. Peter points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that God has made him both Lord and Messiah. And they had crucified him! However, even this grievous sin can be forgiven if they repent and are baptized in his name. Three thousand are moved to do so! The Psalmist declares his love for YHWH because, when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to YHWH and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise. St. Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness something of a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth. St. Luke tells of two disillusioned disciples who leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb only to be joined by a stranger on the way. He shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. When he breaks bread with them they finally recognize that it is Jesus. Just then he vanishes and they return to tell the other disciples.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

In the conclusion of his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, St. Peter points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that God has made him both Lord and Messiah. And they had crucified him! However, even this grievous sin can be forgiven if they repent and are baptized in his name. Three thousand are moved to do so!

Psalm

The Psalmist declares his love for YHWH because, when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to YHWH and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise.

New Testament

St. Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness something of a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth.

Gospel

St. Luke tells of two disillusioned disciples who leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb only to be joined by a stranger on the way. He shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. When he breaks bread with them they finally recognize that it is Jesus. Just then he vanishes and they return to tell the other disciples.