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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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First Sunday of Advent, December 1, 2019, Year A

For Thanksgiving (US), see here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 2:1-5)

Isaiah envisions the exaltation of Jerusalem and its temple, resulting in the nations being attracted to God’s word. The LORD will act as judge between the nations, resulting in an everlasting and universal peace. Israel is then urged to follow the beneficial way of God.

Psalm (Psalm 122)

The Psalmist joyfully anticipates going to the house of the Lord within the walls of Jerusalem. The eternal city is the very centre of divine worship and the place of kingly judgment. The Psalmist ends with an exhortation to pray for its peace.

Second Reading (Romans 13:11-14)

St. Paul reminds the Christians at Rome that, as the night is almost over, they should cast off the works of darkness and live as in the day. That means to live honourably, allowing Jesus to shape their conduct and turning away from the works of the flesh.

Gospel (Matthew 24:36-44)

Jesus likens the suddenness of his second coming to the days of Noah when judgment took away those who were not ready. When he comes, many will also be so taken in the midst of daily routines. We are to be ready for the Son of Man to arrive at any time.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The anticipation of the return of Christ should positively affect the way we live
  • Jesus will be coming as Judge of all the earth
  • God’s ways are always a light unto our path: follow them
  • The ways of the world are dark and destructive: the only truly effective antidote is to walk in the light of the Gospel
  • The return of Christ is but the dawning of the eternal Kingdom of God