Biblical Theology – Page 3

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Job 42:1-6, 10-17)

Realizing his inadequacy in comparison to the Lord, Job admits his presumption and repents. The Lord more than restores his wealth, friends, and children as comfort for his suffering. His beautiful daughters inherit with his sons when he dies in ripe old age.

Psalm (34:1-8, [19-22])

The Psalmist calls for the Lord to be blessed and exalted because he will always save those who look to him. His angels protect them, and, though the righteous one goes through affliction, none of his bones will be broken. Evil and death await the wicked.

Second Reading (Hebrews 7:23-28)

The writer of Hebrews details the superiority of Jesus’ forever high priesthood. For all time he is able to save those who approach God through him. His sacrifice of himself, as the promised Son made perfect forever, is once for all, and for all time.

Gospel (Mark 10:46-52)

The disciples try to keep blind Bartimaeus from bothering Jesus, but he hears him anyway and calls him over. Naturally the man wants to see, and Jesus honours his faith by restoring his sight. As a result of his healing he immediately follows Jesus.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

We are not promised a life free from trouble, but we are promised that God will see us through to deliverance
God is in the restoration business for those who approach him
Whatever losses we endure are eclipsed by far by what we receive when we remain faithful to Jesus
Jesus is not aloof from our need, being himself human

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:7-9)

As a result of their pleas, the Lord promises to bring the remnant of his people back to the Land. Although now scattered widely in exile, as their Father he will lead them all straight home without stumbling, including the blind, the lame and the pregnant.

Psalm (126)

Reflecting on those blessed occasions when the Lord had restored Israel’s fortunes in the past, the Psalmist calls upon him once again to act in like manner. Although his people have sown with tears he is confident that they shall reap in joy under the Lord’s hand.

Second Reading (Hebrews 7:23-28)

Gospel (Mark 10:46-52)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

We are not promised a life free from trouble, but we are promised that God will see us through to deliverance
Those who call out to the Lord may be sure that he will respond
God is in the restoration business for those who approach him
Jesus is not aloof from our need, being himself human

October 15, 2018

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, October 21, 2018, Proper 24, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Job 38:1-7, [34-41])

The Lord answers Job, accusing him of speaking without knowledge. He charges Job to be a man and answer this: Were you there when I laid the earth’s precise foundations? Have you given wisdom to humankind? Do you control the rain or feed the wild beasts?

Psalm (104:1-9, 24, 35c)

The Psalmist blesses the Lord for his supreme majesty and creative power in establishing the secure foundations of the earth. He covered it with a great flood, but it endured and he set lasting borders for its waters. His wisdom is seen in all his works.

Second Reading (Hebrews 5:1-10)

High priests are chosen from among mortals to represent them to God and to offer sacrifices for their sins. Christ was so chosen, Son of God and priest forever. Because of his obedience through suffering he became the source of salvation for all who obey him.

Gospel (Mark 10:35-45)

James and John ask Jesus for the most prominent places in his kingdom, but he replies that these are not his to give. He then uses the opportunity to teach that, to be great, his disciples must be slaves to all, just as he came to give his life a ransom for many.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The creator has taken great care with his creation, our environment
There is a great difference between God and man: his ways are different than ours
Presumption always gets us in trouble
A little humility goes a long way

OR

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 53:4-12)

Isaiah depicts God’s innocent Servant as bearing the infirmities and sins of many, his very life as an offering for their sin, suffering death as a result. However, he will see light and find his place among the great because he was numbered among the transgressors.

Psalm (91:9-16)

The Psalmist encourages those who trust in the Lord to have a sure confidence that no harm will befall them. They will be kept safe by guardian angels and the Lord will answer their prayers. They will enjoy a long life and experience his salvation.

Second Reading (Hebrews 5:1-10)

Gospel (Mark 10:35-45)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

There is a great difference between God and man: his ways are different than ours
Presumption always gets us in trouble
Surely he will bear our sorrows and carry our diseases
Christ suffered and died for us

October 8, 2018

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, October 14, 2018, Proper 23, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Job 23:1-9, 16-17)

Job complains that God’s hand is heavy upon him and he dares to enter the dwelling of the Almighty to get his answer. Even though God is elusive even there, Job’s innocence makes him bold even though he feels he would rather hide in his terror.

Psalm (22:1-15)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist cries out at in God’s seeming absence. His ancestors were saved, but he is but a despised worm. Although tempted to give up hope, he remembers that he has always successfully depended on the Lord.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:12-16)

God’s Word is living and very sharp, penetrating into our hearts but Jesus is our great and sympathetic high priest from heaven. Like us, he has been fully tested but without sin. We can therefore boldly approach God through him for mercy and grace.

Gospel (Mark 10:17-31)

A rich man declines to give away all he possesses to follow Jesus and gain eternal life. Jesus points out how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom but with God anything is possible. Those who have given up much to follow Jesus shall be rewarded.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

We can boldly approach our God
The divide between God and man is bridged by the God/man Jesus.
Possessions in this life may or may not be a sign of God’s blessing
Love of possessions runs counter to our spiritual health

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Amos 5:6-7, 10-15)

The prophet Amos threatens rich people who trample the poor and refuse to listen to reproof. They shall suffer devastation and never enjoy the fancy things that they own. Be sure that the Lord will only be with those who seek good and not evil.

Psalm (90:12-17)

The Psalmist pleads with the Lord to help his people be wise in the light of time’s fleeting passage. Long afflicted, they desperately need the Lord to turn back to them. They yearn for a time of blessing that makes their troubles fade in comparison.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:12-16)

Gospel (Mark 10:17-31)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

We can boldly approach our God
Possessions in this life may or may not be a sign of God’s blessing
Love of possessions runs counter to our spiritual health
True blessing is being with the Lord and not in riches

October 1, 2018

Thanksgiving Sunday (Canada), October 7, 2018, Year B

Lections for Proper 22, Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joel 2:21-27)

The prophet Joel reveals that the whole earth, nature, and Israel are to join in celebrating a coming era of abundant harvests. Their time of punishment and failed crops is coming to an end. These events will demonstrate that the Lord alone is God.

Psalm (126)

Reflecting on those blessed occasions when Yahweh had restored Israel’s fortunes in the past, the Psalmist calls upon him once again to act in like manner. Although his people have sown with tears he is confident that they shall reap in joy under Yahweh’s hand.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Speaking as the apostle to the Gentiles, St. Paul encourages prayers and thanksgivings to be made for everyone, including those with power to protect the church. It is God’s desire that all be saved through the mediation of Christ Jesus, the ransom for all.

Gospel (Matthew 6:25-33)

Jesus says that instead of striving and worrying over the necessities of life, his disciples are to seek God’s kingdom above all else. God marvelously provides for all his creation and we can trust him to provide for us, as we are the most valuable of his creatures.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Giving thanks for God’s provision for the necessities of life
God is still at work in creation and through people
God turns around our disobedience, tears, and worry and brings joy instead
The welfare of humankind is God’s primary focus

October 1, 2018

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 7, 2018, Proper 22, Year B

Lections for Canadian Thanksgiving can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Job 1:1, 2:1-10)

Job, although not an Israelite or living in Israel, is a righteous man whom Satan afflicts with awful sores in order to turn him against the Lord. His wife wants him to curse God and die but he remains steadfast that we must accept both good and bad from the Lord.

Psalm (26)

The Psalmist asserts his integrity before the Lord and is willing to undergo testing in order to prove it. He proclaims his innocence and refuses to associate with evil people. He pleads not to be swept away in judgment with the sinners and hypocrites.

Second Reading (Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12)

The writer states that God’s final word is to us is Jesus, his Son and heir. Superior even to angels, he has accomplished salvation for all people and, as man, fulfilling their status over all creation. Through his suffering he sanctified them to be his brothers and sisters.

Gospel (Mark 10:2-16)

Jesus bases his teaching about divorce on the creation account, showing that marriage joins a man and a woman in one flesh. Divorce separates what God has joined and violates his intent. He also says that God’s kingdom can only be entered like a child.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

We do not always fulfill our purpose in marriage
We can rarely perceive God’s purpose in innocent suffering
Human beings are valued by God over all other earthly creatures
With the coming of Jesus we have entered the new and final phase of revelation in God’s plan to restore creation

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 2:18-24)

Realizing that the newly created man needed a partner and helper, the Lord God created a woman out of the man’s rib. Accordingly, the man named her Woman and we are told that this is why a man leaves his parents to become one flesh with his wife.

Psalm (8)

The Lord is altogether majestic using even children to thwart those who oppose him. He made humankind lower than the angels, crowned them with glory and honour and gave them dominion over the creation. This, too, demonstrates his majesty.

Second Reading (Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12)

Gospel (Mark 10:2-16)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Marriage is a profound union of man and woman for their mutual benefit
Children have a special place in God’s salvation
With the coming of Jesus we have entered the new and final phase of revelation in God’s plan to restore the creation
God’s design is for our benefit

September 24, 2018

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 30, 2018, Proper 21, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22)

While in Persian exile, the Israelite Mordecai, father of Queen Esther, had overheard a plot to assassinate her husband, King Ahasuerus. A grateful king grants her wish to save the Jews and executes their enemy Haman, thus originating their feast called Purim.

Psalm (124)

The Psalmist celebrates how, if the Lord had not been on their side, the enemies of Israel would have destroyed them completely. Now they freely acknowledge that their help is his name alone, the creator of all.

Second Reading (James 5:13-20)

James encourages his readers to be people of prayer and praise: prayer when they are suffering and praise when they are happy. Sins can be forgiven through the powerful instrument of prayer. To bring a sinner back to the truth will save him from death.

Gospel (Mark 9:38-50)

Jesus teaches that anyone who is not against him and his disciples is for them. Anyone who helps a “little” follower of his will be rewarded while a hinderer will be severely punished. Hell is to be avoided at all costs while we are to be at peace with one another.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The enemies of God are in dangerous territory because he is on the side of his people, both big and small
Sin is a very serious matter and should be avoided at all costs
God can use anyone for his purposes
The believer is to be dependent upon God alone

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29)

Moses complains to the Lord that the obstinate nation is too heavy for him. The Lord puts a portion of his Spirit on 70 elders to assist him. When two who were absent begin to prophesy as well, Moses wishes the Spirit could come on all God’s people.

Psalm (19:7-14)

The Law of God is perfect and revives the soul. His precepts are much more valuable than pure gold. Following them has its own reward and keeps us from sin, even if unknown to ourselves. Both our thoughts and words need to be in tune with God.

Second Reading (James 5:13-20)

Gospel (Mark 9:38-50)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Our entire life, inner and outer, needs to be submitted to God and lived in his will
Sin is a very serious matter and should be avoided at all costs
God will provide
We need God’s presence to do God’s work

September 17, 2018

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 23, 2018, Proper 20, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Proverbs 31:10-31)

The writer details the qualities of a good wife who provides for her family wisely and generously, while supporting the poor. Her husband, children and community all praise her good works. Her obedience to the Lord is better than mere charm and beauty.

Psalm (1)

The Psalmist likens a person who obeys God’s laws to a tree planted by a river, always flourishing. Unlike sinners and scoffers who come and go with the wind, they are happy and content in the knowledge that the Lord watches over them as they walk in his way.

Second Reading (James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a)

Godly wisdom shows in one’s good works that, done in gentleness, promote harmony and peace. False wisdom gives rein to our inner cravings for things, resulting in conflict. Resist these and the devil behind them will flee as you look to God for your needs.

Gospel (Mark 9:30-37)

On the way through Galilee Jesus again tells his disciples that he will be betrayed, die and rise again in three days. Still not understanding, they are afraid and soon fall into arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus them that the humble servant shall be first.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

God honours the simple fulfilment of our calling
Trusting the Lord is the way to contentment and stability
Going our own way leads to trouble
Good works are good
Serving others is serving yourself

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 11:18-20)

The Lord informs Jeremiah of a plot against him. Like a lamb led to the slaughter, he had no idea of their scheme to make him and his memory disappear from the face of the earth. The prophet, trusting in the Lord, invokes divine vengeance upon them.

Psalm (54)

The Psalmist calls upon the Lord to hear his prayer and vindicate him against those who have risen up against him. He knows that the Lord will do this, and he will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving for his victory over his enemies.

Second Reading (James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a)

Gospel (Mark 9:30-37)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Going our own way leads to trouble
Peace comes from leaving retribution and revenge to the Lord
We can expect opposition when we decide to follow Jesus
Opposition to God’s way arises both within and from without

September 10, 2018

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 16, 2018, Proper 19, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Proverbs 1:20-33)

Wisdom calls out to both the simple and the scoffer to listen to her or find themselves in ruin and unable to save themselves from circumstances of their own making. Those who take Wisdom to heart, who fear the Lord, will find security and peace.

Psalm (19)

Even though the creation itself cannot speak it does declare God’s word. Like the sun revives the earth each day, the Law of God joyfully revives the soul. Following it has its own rewards. Our thoughts, as well as our words, need to be in tune with God’s ways.

Second Reading (James 3:1-12)

James warns that teachers should take care because they will be held to a higher standard. The tongue, although small, can be the spark that sets off a poisonous fire. If it utters both blesses and curses it is only reflecting the unperfected heart of the speaker.

Gospel (Mark 8:27-38)

In response to Jesus’ question, Peter identifies him as the Messiah. Jesus then says that he will suffer, die, and then rise again. Peter strongly objects, but Jesus emphasizes that God’s way is that both he and his followers are to lose their lives in order to save them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The way of God, although contrary to human inclinations, leads to life and peace
Be careful little tongue what you say
What we say reflects who we are
True faithfulness is more than skin deep

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 50:4-9a)

Isaiah speaks of the servant of the Lord, a teacher whose word sustains the weary and is determined to accomplish his appointed task in spite of suffering. He knows the Lord is near to help and no one has grounds to say that he is guilty of anything wrong.

Psalm (116:1-9)

The Psalmist speaks of having called to the Lord in a life-threatening crisis and being delivered from death. The Lord protects those who simply trust in him and delivers them from death, enabling them to walk before him among the living.

Second Reading (James 3:1-12)

Gospel (Mark 8:27-38)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The way of God, although contrary to human inclinations, leads to life and peace
God will sustain the faithful, even through death itself
Be careful little tongue what you say
The call to teach the Word of God is both scary and rewarding

September 3, 2018

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 9, 2018, Proper 18, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23)

The writer sets out reasons for the rich to treat the poor with respect and dignity. In the end, both rich and poor are God’s creatures and a good name is far better than merely being rich. The Lord is on the side of the poor, defending them against injustice.

Psalm (125)

The Psalmist declares that the Lord surrounds his people like the unmoveable mountains that surround Jerusalem. Wickedness is to be banished from the Land and goodness rewarded. Evildoers will ultimately be expelled and Israel will be at peace.

Second Reading (James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17)

James challenges his readers to realize that loving their neighbour is inconsistent with favouritism toward the rich. The rich are the oppressors of the faithful while it is the poor who are rich in faith and deserve honour. Real faith produces good works, not just words.

Gospel (Mark 7:24-37)

Jesus hesitates to help a Gentile woman but then responds to her persistence and humility by healing her demon-possessed daughter. In another Gentile area he opens a man’s ears and loosens his tongue, to the astonishment and admiration of all.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Being rich is not a clear sign of God’s blessing
True riches are found in one’s faith in the God of both rich and poor
The poor have a special place in God’s heart
The love of God crosses barriers: rich and poor; Jew and Gentile
Actions speak louder than words

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 35:4-7a)

Describing a future time of redemption, Isaiah speaks of a terrible recompense for evildoers. But at that time the blind will see, the deaf hear, the lame walk, the speech-impaired speak, as the wilderness is transformed by freshly abundant water.

Psalm (146)

The Psalmist encourages a life of praise to the Lord who keeps faith forever, unlike mortals whose help comes to an end. Creator of all, he provides food to the hungry, justice for the oppressed and recompense for the wicked. His reign is without end.

Second Reading (James 2:1-10, [11-13], 14-17)

James challenges his readers to realize that loving their neighbour is inconsistent with favouritism toward the rich. The rich are oppressors of the faithful while the poor are rich in faith and deserve honour. Real faith produces good works, not just words.

Gospel (Mark 7:24-37)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The Kingdom of God involves remarkable transformations back to the way things ought to be
The poor have a special place in God’s heart
The love of God crosses barriers: rich and poor; Jew and Gentile
Actions speak louder than words

August 27, 2018

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 2, 2018, Proper 17, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Song of Solomon 2:8-13)

A woman rapturously describes the arrival of her true love at her window. He calls for her to get up and go with him, now that spring has come and the flowers have risen. It is the time for love.

Psalm (45:1-2, 6-9)

The king is addressed in exuberant terms: handsome, graceful, blessed, and even as God. He rules in equity and righteousness, uniquely anointed by God. Instruments play in his fragrant palaces, serenading his splendid Queen and her royal attendants.

Second Reading (James 1:17-27)

James points out that God has given Christians birth by the word of truth. We should not be just hearers who walk away unmoved, but doers of the word. Blessed in their so doing, authentic believers guard their own tongue while caring for the needy.

Gospel (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

Jesus accuses some Jewish leaders of hypocrisy because they are so focused on external matters that they have neglected defilement arising in the heart. They have put human traditions over God’s word, thereby missing the true source of sin within each person.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart
Our outward manner should reflect our inner person
Authentic faith leads to authentic action
Doing the word is true listening

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 4:1-2, 6-9)

As they are about to enter the Promised Land, Moses charges the Israelites to keep the commandments he has given and pass them along unimpaired to their children. Doing so will impress the nations with their wisdom and the closeness of their God.

Psalm (15)

The Psalmist affirms that only those who live righteously can dwell in the Presence of the Lord. They speak the truth and do no evil, despising evil doers and honoring those who keep their word. They do not lend at interest or take bribes to pervert justice.

Second Reading (James 1:17-27)

James points out that God has given Christians birth by the word of truth. We should not be just hearers who walk away unmoved, but doers of the word. Blessed in their doing, authentic believers guard their own tongue while caring for the needy.

Gospel (Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23)

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

Following the word of God leads to wisdom and closeness with him
Our outward manner should reflect our inner person
Authentic faith leads to authentic action
Doing the word is true listening