Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Genesis 21:8-21)
After Isaac the son of promise is born, Sarah wants Abraham to get rid of Hagar and her son Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. He agrees only after God assures him that they would prosper. God then saves them from certain death after hearing their cries in the desert.
Psalm (Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17)
In a time of great need the Psalmist pleads with the Lord for deliverance, confident of the steadfast love of the one true God for all those who cry out to him, even if they are of humble origin.
Second Reading (Romans 6:1b-11)
Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through baptism into his death and resurrection: our old self dies and we are raised to new life. Now alive to God and dead to sin, we are enabled to walk in newness of life.
Gospel (Matthew 10:24-39)
Jesus warns that his followers will come under persecution for making his message known. They are not to fear, as his Father cares for even the tiniest bird that falls. Obeying Jesus is costly, even cutting across family lines, but brings life beyond death.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The Lord provides for those participating in his mission
- The Lord is ever attentive to the cries of his faithful people
- Walking in obedient witness does bring its difficulties but God is with us
- Being united with Christ commits us to a life patterned on his
- Commitment to Jesus takes precedence over all other commitments, even family ones
SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)
The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord; and you also are witnesses. John 15.26, 27
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)
O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. AMEN
Based on the Alternate Readings
First Reading (Jeremiah 20:7-13)
Jeremiah complains to the Lord because he has been persecuted by his fellow Israelites for delivering an unwelcome divine word. As a prophet, Jeremiah realizes he has had no choice and comes to realize that the Lord is with him and will prevail.
Psalm (69:7-10 [11-15], 16-18)
The Psalmist recounts the negative things that have happened to him because of his faithfulness to the Lord, including the estrangement of his family. At the same time, he is prayerfully trusting in the steadfast love of the Lord for deliverance.
Second Reading (Romans 6:1b-11)
Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through baptism into his death and resurrection: our old self dies and we are raised to new life. Now alive to God and dead to sin, we are enabled to walk in newness of life.
Gospel (Matthew 10:24-39)
Jesus warns that his followers will come under persecution for making his message known. They are not to fear, as his Father cares for even the tiniest bird that falls. Obeying Jesus is costly, even cutting across family lines, but brings life beyond death.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The Lord provides for those participating in his mission
- The Lord is ever attentive to the cries of his faithful people
- Walking in obedient witness does bring its difficulties but God is with us
- Being united with Christ commits us to a life patterned upon his
- Commitment to Jesus takes precedence over all other commitments, even family ones
SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)
The Spirit of truth will bear witness to me, says the Lord; and you also are witnesses. John 15.26, 27
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)
O God our defender,
storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair,
deliver your sons and daughters from fear,
and preserve us all from unbelief;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and ever. AMEN