Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
- Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13
OR
- Zechariah 9:9-12
- Psalm 145:8-14
Second Reading
- Romans 7:15-25a
Gospel
- Matthew 11:16-19,25-30
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife. 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. St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free. Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is perversely 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.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife.
Psalm
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.
Second Reading
St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free.
Gospel
Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is perversely 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.
Based on the Readings as Set but using the Alternate Psalm
Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife. 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 change. St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free. Jesus observes that no matter how God’s gracious invitation is presented, it is often deliberately and perversely 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.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife.
Psalm
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 change.
Second Reading
St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free.
Gospel
Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is perversely 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.
Based on the Alternative Readings
The prophet Zechariah characterizes Israel as “daughter Zion” and calls her to rejoice at the arrival of her king, who will bring peace to the nations as they come under his rule. Prisoners now in captivity will be set free and become prisoners of hope instead. The Psalmist describes Yahweh as abounding in steadfast love and good to all. His works declare his glory and power while his dominion is everlasting, uplifting the downtrodden. St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free. Jesus observes that no matter how God’s gracious invitation is presented, it is often deliberately and perversely 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.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
The prophet Zechariah characterizes Israel as “daughter Zion” and calls her to rejoice at the arrival of her king, who will bring peace to the nations as they come under his rule. Prisoners now in captivity will be set free and become prisoners of hope instead.
Psalm
The Psalmist describes Yahweh as abounding in steadfast love and good to all. His works declare his glory and power while his dominion is everlasting, uplifting the downtrodden.
Second Reading
St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free.
Gospel
Jesus observes that no matter how God’s gracious invitation is presented, it is often deliberately and perversely 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.