Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Genesis 1:1-2:4a
- Psalm 8
Second Reading
- 2 Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel
- Matthew 28:16-20
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish. The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor. St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish.
Psalm
The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor.
Second Reading
St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
Gospel
Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.