Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Genesis 22:1-14
- Psalm 13
OR
- Jeremiah 28:5-9
- Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18
Second Reading
- Romans 6:12-23
Gospel
- Matthew 10:40-42
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
After God had made it clear to Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, he commands the patriarch to sacrifice the boy in order to test his faith. At the last moment the angel of Yahweh intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute for Isaac. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience while the author emphasizes that “Yahweh will provide”. The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless he trusts in the steadfast love of Yahweh and faithfully looks forward to his salvation and bounty. St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
After God had made it clear to Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, he commands the patriarch to sacrifice the boy in order to test his faith. At the last moment the angel of Yahweh intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute for Isaac. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience while the author emphasizes that “Yahweh will provide”.
Psalm
The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless he trusts in the steadfast love of Yahweh and faithfully looks forward to his salvation and bounty.
Second Reading
St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Gospel
Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.
Based on the Alternative Readings
Jeremiah publicly confronts the false prophet Hananiah who had assured the people that peace was coming soon. He points out that genuine prophets were usually called to bear the difficult burden of announcing impending disaster because of widespread disobedience. Therefore he who brings good news instead in such circumstances was not likely from Yahweh. Only time would tell. The Psalmist is confident of Yahweh’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David to establish his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of Yahweh, from whom come all their blessings. St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
Jeremiah publicly confronts the false prophet Hananiah who had assured the people that peace was coming soon. He points out that genuine prophets were usually called to bear the difficult burden of announcing impending disaster because of widespread disobedience. Therefore he who brings good news instead in such circumstances was not likely from Yahweh. Only time would tell.
Psalm
The Psalmist is confident of Yahweh’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David to establish his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of Yahweh, from whom come all their blessings.
Second Reading
St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Gospel
Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.