Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- Acts 17:22-31
- Psalm 66:8-20
Second Reading
- 1 Peter 3:13-22
Gospel
- John 14:15-21
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
St. Paul invites the good citizens of Athens, a city full of idols, to consider the “unknown God” to whom one of the altars is dedicated. This God, he proclaims, is not made by human hands but is the Creator and sustainer of all. Having set a day of judgment, he now calls all peoples to turn to him because he has appointed a Judge whose universal authority he has established by raising him from the dead. The Psalmist calls upon the peoples to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider, he says, what he has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not clung to iniquity. In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of our salvation, entered through the waters of baptism. Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will send his Spirit into his disciples in order to continue their intimate fellowship and enable both love and obedience.
As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use
First Reading
St. Paul invites the good citizens of Athens, a city full of idols, to consider the “unknown God” to whom one of the altars is dedicated. This God, he proclaims, is not made by human hands but is the Creator and sustainer of all. Having set a day of judgment, he now calls all peoples to turn to him because he has appointed a Judge whose universal authority he has established by raising him from the dead.
Psalm
The Psalmist calls upon the peoples to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider, he says, what he has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not clung to iniquity.
Second Reading
In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of our salvation, entered through the waters of baptism.
Gospel
Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will send his Spirit into his disciples in order to continue their intimate fellowship and enable both love and obedience.