Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Acts 7:55-60
- Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
New Testament
- ! Peter 2:2-10
Gospel
- John 14:1-14
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
St. Stephen, about to become the first Christian martyr, sees Jesus in the heavens standing at the right hand of God and commits his spirit to him. Even as the stones from his persecutors fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the resurrected One. In time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of YAWHEH, his redeemer, his rock and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge of YAHWEH’s righteousness, faithfulness and love. St. Peter refers to Jesus as the keystone of a living temple made up of believers, themselves living stones who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They who once were aliens are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Jesus reassures his disciples with the rock-solid promise that, although he is leaving, he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. Startled by his claim that they already know the way, he explains that he himself is the way. He adds that they have seen the Father because the Father is in him and he is in the Father. Their task is to continue and expand the works of Jesus so that the Father may be glorified all the more.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
St. Stephen, about to become the first Christian martyr, sees Jesus in the heavens standing at the right hand of God and commits his spirit to him. Even as the stones from his persecutors fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the resurrected One.
Psalm
In time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of YAWHEH, his redeemer, his rock and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge of YAHWEH’s righteousness, faithfulness and love.
New Testament
St. Peter refers to Jesus as the keystone of a living temple made up of believers, themselves living stones who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They who once were aliens are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation.
Gospel
Jesus reassures his disciples with the rock-solid promise that, although he is leaving, he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. Startled by his claim that they already know the way, he explains that he himself is the way. He adds that they have seen the Father because the Father is in him and he is in the Father. Their task is to continue and expand the works of Jesus so that the Father may be glorified all the more.