Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 23, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 1:8-2:10)

The Israelites are still in Egypt and have become so numerous that Pharaoh tries to destroy all their male infants. One is put in a basket on the Nile by his mother and then, with the help of the child’s sister, is saved by the Pharaoh’s own daughter. He is Moses.

Psalm (124)

The Psalmist encourages Israel to remember that it was the Lord alone who delivered them from the raging flood of their enemies. They escaped like a bird from a broken snare because the Lord, the creator of all, is their help.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

Paul affirms that true worship presents our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. Not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds, we act in humility and sobriety, exercising our gifts of grace for the good of the body of Christ.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

Peter identifies Jesus as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built and it will conquer hell itself. As to his identity as Messiah, the disciples are told to keep quiet.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God delivers his people from their enemies
  • No foe is superior to God
  • The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
  • The people of God carry out the purposes of God
  • The importance of humility

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
we are taught by your word
that all our doings without love are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtue;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 51:1-6)

Isaiah calls for those who seek the Lord to look back to Abraham and Sarah as our ancestors in faith. The Lord will cause the land to blossom like Eden as his rule of justice and light is extended to the nations and the present cosmos passes away.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist thanks the Lord for his faithfulness in answering his prayer for salvation. All the rulers of the earth shall praise the Lord when they see how the lowly are exalted. For these reasons he is certain the Lord will fulfill his purpose for him.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

Paul affirms that true worship presents our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. Not conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds, we act in humility and sobriety, exercising our gifts of grace for the good of the body of Christ.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

Peter identifies Jesus as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built and it will conquer hell itself. As to his identity as Messiah, the disciples are told to keep quiet.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The salvation of God’s people will attract the attention of the nations
  • The importance for faith of looking at examples from the past
  • God delivers his people from their enemies
  • No foe is superior to God
  • The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
  • The importance of humility

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16.16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
we are taught by your word
that all our doings without love are worth nothing. Send your Holy Spirit and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of love,
the true bond of peace and of all virtue;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, June 28, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 22:1-14)

After promising Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, God commands the patriarch to sacrifice his son. At the last moment an angel intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience.

Psalm (13)

The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless, he trusts in the steadfast love of the Lord and looks forward to rejoicing at his salvation by a gracious God.

Second Reading (Romans 6:12-23)

Paul clarifies that we are not free to sin simply because we are no longer under the law. Having died to sin and to the death it brings, we have received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In response, our freedom is guided by an obedience from within.

Gospel (Matthew 10:40-42)

Having warned his disciples that following him would engender fierce opposition, Jesus also assures them of welcome and assistance from others. Such persons would actually be welcoming him and would not go unrewarded even for minor acts of kindness.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The promises of God are sure
  • Even when things are going badly, God is at work making a way
  • Present circumstances do not dictate the final end of things
  • Following the Lord is not an easy path
  • The gift of a relationship with God in Christ brings with it both struggle and victory

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1 Peter 2.9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have taught us through your Son
that love fulfils the law.
May we love you with all our heart,
all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and may we love our neighbour as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 28:5-9)

Jeremiah publicly confronts a false prophet who had proclaimed that peace was coming soon. Genuine prophets are usually called to announce impending disaster when there is widespread disobedience. Predicting peace in such times is not likely inspired by God.

Psalm (Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18)

The Psalmist is confident of the Lord’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David establishing his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of the Lord, from whom all blessings come.

Second Reading (Romans 6:12-23)

Paul clarifies that we are not free to sin simply because we are no longer under the law. Having died to sin and to the death it brings, we have received the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. In response, our freedom is guided by an obedience from within.

Gospel (Matthew 10:40-42)

Having warned his disciples that following him would engender fierce opposition, Jesus also assures them of welcome and assistance from others. Such persons would actually be welcoming him and would not go unrewarded even for minor acts of kindness.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The promises of God are sure
  • Even when things are going badly, God is at work making a way
  • Following the Lord is not an easy path
  • The gift of a relationship with God in Christ brings with it both struggle and victory
  • The faithful can exult in having God’s eye upon them in all circumstances

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
1 Peter 2.9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have taught us through your Son
that love fulfils the law.
May we love you with all our heart,
all our soul, all our mind, and all our strength, and may we love our neighbour as ourselves; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 14, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-15 [21:1-7])

The Lord appears to Abraham in the form of three strangers who state that his wife Sarah will bear a son. The elderly and barren Sarah laughs at the idea [but later has a son, Isaac, or, “laughter”, who she knows comes from the Lord].

Psalm (116:1-2, 12-19)

The Psalmist rejoices in the Lord who has heard his cry and blessed him, setting him free and saving him. Although he cannot possibly repay the debt he will fulfil his vows in the presence of God’s people.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-8)

Having obtained peace with God through faith in Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners, we now have hope of sharing in his glory. By producing character, our sufferings add to this hope and, with the Spirit, God’s love is poured into our hearts.

Gospel (Matthew 9:35-10:8 [9-23])

Overwhelmed by the needs of so many, Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his mission. [They are to be totally dependent on others for their needs. Although sheep among wolves, the Spirit will enable them to stand up to opposing authorities.]

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord will provide what we truly need to fulfill our calling
  • God will answer our prayers in his way and in his time, but he will answer them
  • God is present with us in various ways
  • The Lord partners with the faithful in the fulfilment of his plans
  • The Lord gives us a lot more than we could ever deserve

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1.15

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Exodus 19:2-8a)

The Lord tells Moses to remind the people of how he has carried them out of bondage in Egypt on eagles’ wings. In response they are to keep his covenant and be a priestly kingdom, his treasured possession out of all the nations. As one, they promise to obey.

Psalm (Psalm 100)

The Psalmist calls upon the whole earth to rejoice in worshipping the Lord who has made us and called us to be his people. He is altogether good and faithfull, his love endures forever.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-8)

Having obtained peace with God through faith in Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners, we now have hope of sharing in his glory. By producing character, our sufferings add to this hope and, with the Spirit, God’s love is poured into our hearts.

Gospel (Matthew 9:35-10:8 [9-23])

Overwhelmed by the needs of so many, Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his mission. [They are to be totally dependent on others for their needs. Although sheep among wolves, the Spirit will enable them to stand up to opposing authorities.]

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord will provide what we truly need to fulfill our calling
  • God is present with us in various ways
  • The Lord partners with the faithful in the fulfilment of his plans
  • The Lord gives us a lot more than we could ever deserve
  • It is the Lord who saves us, we are unable to save ourselves
  • In responding to God’s great salvation, we are to serve him with all our hearts

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1.15

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2019, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)

The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.

Psalm (146:5-10)

The Psalmist declares happy all those whose hope is in the Lord because he will keep faith forever. He is the almighty creator and the one who lifts up all who are oppressed and brings down all who are wicked. He will reign in Zion forever.

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
  • The way to exaltation is through humility
  • Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
  • Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
  • Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will

 

Based on the Alternative “Psalm”

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)

The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.

Alternative “Psalm” (Luke 1:46b-55)

In Mary’s Song, the Virgin praises God for raising her to become the mother of the Lord. She proclaims this to be part of the divine pattern of lifting up the humble and humbling the proud, as was promised in the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants.

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
  • The way to exaltation is through humility
  • Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
  • Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
  • Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will

Second Sunday in Lent, March 17, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 13:31-35)

On his way to Jerusalem, some Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod. Calling him a fox, Jesus has a message for him. His current ministry is drawing toward a tragic end in that city that has killed the prophets, a city for which he has only a deep desire to save from destruction.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • God is yearning to protect us
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til its over

 

Based on the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a])

Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son, to whom all should listen. Jesus then delivers a boy from a demon after his disciples could not. All are amazed at the goodness of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til it’s over
  • The Lord reveals what we need to know just when we need to know it