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Second Sunday of Advent, December 6, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-11)

The Lord has Isaiah comfort his people with the good news that the time of waiting is over and he is coming in great power to set things right. A voice in the wilderness will call for preparation. Unlike humans, both the Lord and his word are utterly dependable.

Psalm (85:1-2, 8-13)

Based on the Lord’s faithfulness in the past, the Psalmist is confident of the imminent arrival of his salvation, with his glory filling the restored land. Righteousness will go before him, preparing the way for an overflowing of love, peace and faithfulness.

Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-15a)

Peter asserts that God is not bound by our concept of time. The Day of the Lord will surely come, dramatically and without warning, and usher in a whole new cosmos. Delay allows time for repentance and opportunity for holy living, hastening the Day.

Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy regarding events preceding the arrival of the Lord. John preaches a baptism of repentance, announcing the coming of one greater than him who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Preparing the way of the Lord
• The coming of the Lord
• God and time
• The purpose of God’s delay
• Voices in the wilderness
• Good News and Bad News

 

 

 

 

 

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Baptism of the Lord, Year A, January 12, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 42:1-9)

The Lord will send his chosen servant to bring about universal justice. Unnoticed, a new era will dawn as he opens blind eyes and sets captives free. A covenant will be made in him, the light of the nations. All glory to the Lord who has declared it so.

Psalm (29)

The Psalmist calls all heavenly beings to worship the Lord for his glory and strength, as seen in his voice shaking the very earth itself. All in his temple cry “Glory!” to the eternal king who sits above the flood. May he bless his people with strength and peace.

Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter, his own eyes now opened, tells Gentiles associated with Cornelius that Jesus is Lord of all. While he began his mission among the Jews after John’s baptism, his resurrection shows he is Judge of all humanity and forgives anyone who believes in him.

Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17)

John the Baptist defers to Jesus as his superior, but Jesus insists on undergoing baptism to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus’ baptism culminates with his being anointed with the divine Spirit and the voice of God proclaiming him as his beloved Son.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus assumes God’s role as Judge and Redeemer
  • All that came before Jesus witnesses to him
  • Jesus’ appearance marks the beginning of the time of God’s final Salvation
  • Jesus’ baptism moves the divine plan from the old covenant to the new
  • The person of John the Baptist is important but not as great as Jesus, to whom he bore witness
  • Jesus’ messianic ministry begins after his baptism by John
  • The combination of the humble and the majestic in the life of Jesus