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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (1 Kings19:1-4, [5-7] 8-15a)
Queen Jezebel threatens the life of Elijah, the prophet of the Lord who had just bested and destroyed the prophets of Baal, her god. Elijah flees to the desert but falls into depression. The Lord comes to him at Sinai in the silence after earthquake and fire.
Psalms (42 and 43)
In spite of despairing in the seeming absence of God and being oppressed by his enemies, the Psalmist finds refuge in his memory of past encounters with the Lord. He knows that he will be vindicated in the end and again rejoice in divine help.
Second Reading (Galatians 3:23-29)
Before Christ came the way to God was by means of law but now it is by means of faith. Law imprisons but faith, by joining us to Christ, enables us to share in being children of God. All other distinctions such as race, gender or social status, no longer apply.
Gospel (Luke 8:26-39)
Venturing into Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a man totally possessed by demons. Jesus sovereignly casts them out into a herd of swine, who drown themselves. The local people are filled with fear and Jesus departs, leaving the healed man to bear witness.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Christ always leaves a witness
- The Lord is superior to all who are opposed to him
- The Lord is sovereign over all the world and all powers
- God’s children are never in foreign territory
- Opposition to God, while powerful, is unable to stand in his way
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (Isaiah 65:1-9)
Isaiah expresses his frustration at being rebuffed by the people of Israel who were following other gods and foreign religious practices. The Lord declares that they will be punished, but, for the sake of his servant, restored instead of destroyed.
Psalm (22:19-28)
Under vicious attack from his enemies, the Psalmist cries out to the Lord for help. He remains confident of a favourable response because of previous deliverances. All the earth will turn to the Lord and worship him because he rules supreme over the earth.
Second Reading (Galatians 3:23-29)
Before Christ the way to God was by means of law but now it is by means of faith. Law imprisons but faith, by joining us to Christ, enables us to share in being children of God. All other distinctions such as race, gender or social status, no longer apply.
Gospel (Luke 8:26-39)
Venturing into Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a man totally possessed by demons. Jesus sovereignly casts them out into a herd of swine, who drown themselves. The local people are filled with fear and Jesus departs, leaving the healed man to bear witness.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Christ always leaves a witness
- The Lord is superior to all who are opposed to him
- The Lord is sovereign over all the world and all powers
- God’s children are never in foreign territory
- Opposition to God, while powerful, is unable to stand in his way
- We cannot earn our salvation