Please see How to Use Lection Connection. If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set and Alternates
First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)
Peter tells the Roman Cornelius that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.
Alternate First Reading (Isaiah 25:6-9)
YAHWEH promises that he will provide a sumptuous feast for all peoples on Mt. Zion, destroying the shroud of death that threatens them now. He will wipe away all tears and remove the disgrace of Israel. Their long wait for his salvation will be over.
Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)
The Psalmist has experienced YAHWEH’S punishment and then, in answer to prayer, a last minute rescue from death. The gates of righteousness are now thrown open and the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone. It is the day of YAHWEH’S salvation.
Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)
St. Paul reminds his readers of the cornerstone of his preaching and their faith. Christ died for our sins, was buried and then raised, as Scripture predicts. He appeared to all the apostles, including Paul, the last and the least, as an example of pure grace.
Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)
Peter tells the Roman Cornelius that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.
Gospel (John 20:1-18)
Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and another disciple. Both race to find only the burial garments inside. Mary alone encounters the risen Lord who wants her to tell the others that he will soon be ascending. She hurries to obey.
Alternate Gospel (Mark 16:1-8)
Mary Magdalene and two other women take burial spices to anoint Jesus but find his tomb unexpectedly open. Inside, they are alarmed by a man in white who assures them that Jesus is gone to Galilee and they are to tell the disciples. Thunderstruck, they fail to do so.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The unexpected grace of God crosses all kinds of barriers
- The resurrection of Jesus has implications for all humanity as Lord of all
- The resurrection of Jesus is a turning point in history itself
- The resurrection of Jesus turns everything upside down.
- The resurrection of Jesus opens the gate of life to all who would believe
- The resurrection of Jesus is the foundation of Christian faith