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Readings for June18, 2017 Year A Second Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7) or Exodus 19:2-8a
  • Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19 or Psalm 100

Second Reading

  • Romans 5:1-8

Gospel

  • Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23)

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YHWH appears to Abraham as he is being hospitable to three strangers. One of them states that Abraham’s wife Sarah will bear a son. Sarah secretly laughs at this idea because she is barren and far too old. (In due course Sarah does have a son and Abraham ironically names him Isaac, or “laughter”. Sarah acknowledges that YHWH has indeed brought her laughter at the last.) The Psalmist rejoices in YHWH who has set him free and saved him. Although he cannot possibly repay the debt he will fulfill his vows in the presence of YHWH’s people. St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Yahweh appears to Abraham as he is being hospitable to three strangers. One of them states that Abraham’s wife Sarah will bear a son. Sarah secretly laughs at this idea because she is barren and far too old. (In due course Sarah does have a son and Abraham ironically names him Isaac, or “laughter”. Sarah acknowledges that Yahweh has indeed brought her laughter at the last.)

Psalm

The Psalmist rejoices in Yahweh who has set him free and saved him. Although he cannot possibly repay the debt he will fulfill his vows in the presence of Yahweh’s people.

Second Reading

St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

Based on the Alternative Readings

Meeting with Yahweh on the mountain, Moses is told to remind the people of how Yahweh 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. They promise as one to obey. The Psalmist calls upon the whole earth to rejoice in worshipping Yahweh who has made us and called us to be his people. He is the God who is good and whose love endures forever. St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit. In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

 As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Meeting with Yahweh on the mountain, Moses is told to remind the people of how Yahweh 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. They promise as one to obey.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls upon the whole earth to rejoice in worshipping Yahweh who has made us and called us to be his people. He is the God who is good and whose love endures forever.

Second Reading

St. Paul reminds the Romans that, having obtained peace with God through faith in Jesus Christ, they now have hope of sharing in his glory. Even their sufferings, by producing endurance and character, have contributed to this hope. Furthermore, God’s love is already abundantly theirs through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

In order to meet the overwhelming needs of the people of Israel Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his healing and preaching mission. (He instructs them to be totally dependent on others to provide both food and shelter. While they are like sheep among wolves the Holy Spirit will give them words to say when opposed by the authorities.)

 

 

 

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Readings for June11, 2017 Year A Trinity Sunday

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 1:1-2:4a
  • Psalm 8

Second Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Gospel

  • Matthew 28:16-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish. The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor. St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish.

Psalm

The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor.

Second Reading

St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.

 

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Readings for June 4, 2017 Year A Day of Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:1-21 or Numbers 11:24-30
  • Psalm 104:24-34, 35b

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13 or Acts 21:1-21

Gospel

  • John 20:19-23 or John 7:37-39

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

On the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus was crucified, his followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as promised. The place they are gathered is overwhelmed by the sound of a powerful wind while tongues of fire rest on each person and they begin to speak in other languages. Foreign Jews, in Jerusalem on pilgrimage, hear them and are astonished to learn of God’s power in their own language. Peter assures them that they are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy about the expected age to come. The Psalm celebrates the wisdom of Yahweh in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise. St. Paul emphasizes that, while there is a wide variety of spiritual gifts, services, and activities, they all come from the one Lord and are for the common good. Just as our bodies are made up of very different parts, so the Spirit orders such variety into a unified whole. St. John tells of the initial post-resurrection appearance of Jesus on Easter evening in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. Finally, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his work of the forgiveness of sins.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

On the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus was crucified, his followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as promised. The place they are gathered is overwhelmed by the sound of a powerful wind while tongues of fire rest on each person and they begin to speak in other languages. Foreign Jews, in Jerusalem on pilgrimage, hear them and are astonished to learn of God’s power in their own language. Peter assures them that they are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy about the expected age to come.

Psalm

The Psalm celebrates the wisdom of Yahweh in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading

St. Paul emphasizes that, while there is a wide variety of spiritual gifts, services, and activities, they all come from the one Lord and are for the common good. Just as our bodies are made up of very different parts, so the Spirit orders such variety into a unified whole.

Gospel

St. John tells of the initial post-resurrection appearance of Jesus on Easter evening in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. Finally, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his work of the forgiveness of sins.

Based on the Alternative Readings (Using the second choice in each case)

In order to share the burden of leadership for the people of Israel in the wilderness, Yahweh bestows some of the Spirit Moses had been given on seventy elders gathered separately from the main camp. They begin to prophesy and when two who had remained in the camp do the same Moses comes under criticism. He responds by saying he wishes all of God’s people were given the Spirit. The Psalm celebrates the wisdom of Yahweh in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise. On the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus was crucified, his followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as promised. The place they are gathered is overwhelmed by the sound of a powerful wind while tongues of fire rest on each person and they begin to speak in other languages. Foreign Jews, in Jerusalem on pilgrimage, hear them and are astonished to learn of God’s power in their own language. Peter assures them that they are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy about the expected age to come. Part of the celebration of the Feast of the Tabernacles Jesus attended involved the joyful pouring of pure water on the Temple altar. He uses this opportunity to invite anyone who thirsts to come to him and have rivers of water flow out of them. He is describing the work of the Holy Spirit in each believer.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

In order to share the burden of leadership for the people of Israel in the wilderness, Yahweh bestows some of the Spirit Moses had been given on seventy elders gathered separately from the main camp. They begin to prophesy and when two who had remained in the camp do the same Moses comes under criticism. He responds by saying he wishes all of God’s people were given the Spirit.

Psalm

The Psalm celebrates the wisdom of Yahweh in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading

On the Day of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus was crucified, his followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as promised. The place they are gathered is overwhelmed by the sound of a powerful wind while tongues of fire rest on each person and they begin to speak in other languages. Foreign Jews, in Jerusalem on pilgrimage, hear them and are astonished to learn of God’s power in their own language. Peter assures them that they are witnessing the fulfillment of prophecy about the expected age to come.

Gospel

Part of the celebration of the Feast of the Tabernacles Jesus attended involved the joyful pouring of pure water on the Temple altar. He uses this opportunity to invite anyone who thirsts to come to him and have rivers of water flow out of them. He is describing the work of the Holy Spirit in each believer.

 

 

 

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Readings for May 28, 2017 Year A Seventh Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 1:6-14
  • Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Gospel

  • John 17:1-11

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In Jesus’ risen presence his disciples wonder if the expected restoration of Israel’s kingdom is now imminent. Jesus instead tells them that the Holy Spirit will be coming upon them in power and they will be his witnesses even to the ends of the earth. He then ascends into a cloud while an angel informs them that he will come again in like manner. The gathered community then devotes itself to prayer. The Psalmist calls upon his people to give joyful witness to the nations concerning Yahweh who rides upon the clouds and whose power fills the sky. He gives power and strength to his people. Peter encourages Christians who are suffering for their obedience to Christ to see this as a test arising out of the predictable opposition of the devil. They are blessed in having the Spirit of glory and will be exalted by God after this time of humbling. The devil is an aggressive and dangerous adversary but his strength will be overcome by the grace of God’s restorative power. In his prayer at the end of his earthly life Jesus links his faithful work and witness to the glory it has brought to the Father. He will soon be leaving his followers who also belong to the Father and he asks that they might be protected and preserved in the same unity he enjoys with his Father.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

In Jesus’ risen presence his disciples wonder if the expected restoration of Israel’s kingdom is now imminent. Jesus instead tells them that the Holy Spirit will be coming upon them in power and they will be his witnesses even to the ends of the earth. He then ascends into a cloud while an angel informs them that he will come again in like manner. The gathered community then devotes itself to prayer.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls upon his people to give joyful witness to the nations concerning Yahweh who rides upon the clouds and whose power fills the sky. He gives power and strength to his people.

Second Reading

Peter encourages Christians who are suffering for their obedience to Christ to see this as a test arising out of the predictable opposition of the devil. They are blessed in having the Spirit of glory and will be exalted by God after this time of humbling. The devil is an aggressive and dangerous adversary but his strength will be overcome by the grace of God’s restorative power.

Gospel

In his prayer at the end of his earthly life Jesus links his faithful work and witness to the glory it has brought to the Father. He will soon be leaving his followers who also belong to the Father and he asks that they might be protected and preserved in the same unity he enjoys with his Father.

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Readings for May 21, 2017 Year A Sixth Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 17:22-31
  • Psalm 66:8-20

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 3:13-22

Gospel

  • John 14:15-21

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

St. Paul invites the good citizens of Athens, a city full of idols, to consider the “unknown God” to whom one of the altars is dedicated. This God, he proclaims, is not made by human hands but is the Creator and sustainer of all. Having set a day of judgment, he now calls all peoples to turn to him because he has appointed a Judge whose universal authority he has established by raising him from the dead. The Psalmist calls upon the peoples to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider, he says, what he has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not clung to iniquity. In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of our salvation, entered through the waters of baptism. Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will send his Spirit into his disciples in order to continue their intimate fellowship and enable both love and obedience.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

St. Paul invites the good citizens of Athens, a city full of idols, to consider the “unknown God” to whom one of the altars is dedicated. This God, he proclaims, is not made by human hands but is the Creator and sustainer of all. Having set a day of judgment, he now calls all peoples to turn to him because he has appointed a Judge whose universal authority he has established by raising him from the dead.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls upon the peoples to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider, he says, what he has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not clung to iniquity.

Second Reading

In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of our salvation, entered through the waters of baptism.

Gospel

Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will send his Spirit into his disciples in order to continue their intimate fellowship and enable both love and obedience.

 

 

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Readings for May 7, 2017 Year A Fourth Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:42-47
  • Psalm 23

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 2:19-25

Gospel

  • John 10:1-10

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to one another. The apostles themselves perform awesome miracles while everyone shares their belongings willingly, eating and worshipping joyfully in common. This deeply impresses all who see and many flock through the door into their amazing community. The Psalmist sees YHWH as a good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold. St. Peter likens Christians to strayed sheep who have returned to Jesus their true shepherd. Although innocent, he has borne their sins and freed them to follow in the paths of righteousness. If they suffer unjustly he points out that they are only following his example. In John’s Gospel Jesus refers to himself as both the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd whose voice the sheep know. They enter by him and are saved and pastured by him, and by no other. Under his care they enjoy truly abundant life.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

Old Testament

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to one another. The apostles themselves perform awesome miracles while everyone shares their belongings willingly, eating and worshipping joyfully in common. This deeply impresses all who see and many flock through the door into their amazing community.

Psalm

The Psalmist sees YHWH as a good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold.

New Testament

St. Peter likens Christians to strayed sheep who have returned to Jesus their true shepherd. Although innocent, he has borne their sins and freed them to follow in the paths of righteousness. If they suffer unjustly he points out that they are only following his example.

Gospel

In John’s Gospel Jesus refers to himself as both the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd whose voice the sheep know. They enter by him and are saved and pastured by him, and by no other. Under his care they enjoy truly abundant life.

 

 

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Readings for April30,2017 Year A Third Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:14a, 36-41
  • Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel

  • Luke 24:13-35

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In the conclusion of his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, St. Peter points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that God has made him both Lord and Messiah. And they had crucified him! However, even this grievous sin can be forgiven if they repent and are baptized in his name. Three thousand are moved to do so! The Psalmist declares his love for YHWH because, when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to YHWH and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise. St. Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness something of a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth. St. Luke tells of two disillusioned disciples who leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb only to be joined by a stranger on the way. He shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. When he breaks bread with them they finally recognize that it is Jesus. Just then he vanishes and they return to tell the other disciples.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

In the conclusion of his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, St. Peter points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that God has made him both Lord and Messiah. And they had crucified him! However, even this grievous sin can be forgiven if they repent and are baptized in his name. Three thousand are moved to do so!

Psalm

The Psalmist declares his love for YHWH because, when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to YHWH and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise.

New Testament

St. Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness something of a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth.

Gospel

St. Luke tells of two disillusioned disciples who leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb only to be joined by a stranger on the way. He shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. When he breaks bread with them they finally recognize that it is Jesus. Just then he vanishes and they return to tell the other disciples.

 

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Readings for April23,2017 Year A Second Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:14a, 22-32
  • Psalm 16

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel

  • John 20:19-31

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Peter, in part of his Pentecost sermon to the pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem, reminds them that they were aware of the powerful signs and wonders that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. But he was proven stronger even than death when God raised him, an event David himself had predicted of the Messiah in the Psalms. Peter and the other disciples are indeed witnesses to this fact. In today’s Psalm David affirms his total commitment to YAHWEH and rejoices in the benefits of so doing. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave. In his first letter St. Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus has absolutely secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. This fact is a source of deep joy even in times of trials that test the reality of our faith. St. John tells of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. In the first appearance, on Easter evening, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his mission. In the second, one week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and then uses the opportunity to especially bless those who come to faith without seeing his risen body.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Peter, in part of his Pentecost sermon to the pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem, reminds them that they were aware of the powerful signs and wonders that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. But he was proven stronger even than death when God raised him, an event David himself had predicted of the Messiah in the Psalms. Peter and the other disciples are indeed witnesses to this fact.

Psalm

In today’s Psalm David affirms his total commitment to YAHWEH and rejoices in the benefits of so doing. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave.

New Testament

In his first letter St. Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus has absolutely secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. This fact is a source of deep joy even in times of trials that test the reality of our faith.

Gospel

St. John tells of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. In the first appearance, on Easter evening, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his mission. In the second, one week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and then uses the opportunity to especially bless those who come to faith without seeing his risen body.

 

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Readings for Holy Week and Easter Year A

The Lection Connection posts for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter – Resurrection of the Lord have all been posted. Please follow the links below to see the individual Lection Connection posts for the upcoming week:

Readings for April 9, 2017 Year A Liturgy of the Passion

Readings for April 13, 2017 Year A Maundy Thursday

Readings for April 14, 2017 Year A Good Friday

Readings for April 16, 2017 Year A Resurrection of the Lord

 

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Readings for April16,2017 Year A Resurrection of the Lord

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 10: 34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6
  • Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Second Reading

  • Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10: 34-43

Gospel

  • John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation. The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation. St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again. John tells how Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple. They run to see and find only the death garments lying there. After they go home, Mary encounters the risen Lord, recognizing him only when he calls her name. She is told to tell the others that he will soon be ascending to the Father. She hurries to obey.

As Introductions

First Reading

The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Psalm

The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation.

New Testament

St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again.

Gospel

John tells how Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple. They run to see and find only the death garments lying there. After they go home, Mary encounters the risen Lord, recognizing him only when he calls her name. She is told to tell the others that he will soon be ascending to the Father. She hurries to obey.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of YAHWEH’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion. The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation. The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation. Matthew relates how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. They encounter an angel in dazzling white who informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they will meet him. Jesus himself then greets the Marys and they fall before him in worship. Jesus tells them not to fear and to continue on their way with the angel’s message.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of YAHWEH’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion.

Psalm

The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation.

New Testament

The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Gospel

Matthew relates how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. They encounter an angel in dazzling white who informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they will meet him. Jesus himself then greets the Marys and they fall before him in worship. Jesus tells them not to fear and to continue on their way with the angel’s message.