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Baptism of the Lord (First Sunday after Epiphany), January 10, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 1:1-5)

In the beginning, God commands light to burst upon the formless earth and the dark waters of the deep where God’s wind was moving. He declares the light good and names it “day” and the darkness “light”, evening and morning forming the first day.

Psalm (29)

The Psalmist calls all heavenly beings to worship Yahweh for his glory and strength, seen in his voice shaking the earth. 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 19:1-7)

When Paul first arrives at Ephesus, he encounters a group of disciples who have been baptized into John’s baptism. He explains that John encouraged faith in Jesus and when they were baptized in Jesus’ name, they received the Holy Spirit.

Gospel (Mark 1:4-11)

John appears in the wilderness baptizing throngs for the forgiveness of sins. He points to another who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. When he baptizes Jesus, the Holy Spirit descends and a heavenly voice declares him “my Son with whom I am well-pleased.”

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The Holy Spirit as creator
• Water and the Holy Spirit
• The awesome creative power of God
• God speaks and things happen
• Jesus is the one, and no other

 

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Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen, about to become the first Christian martyr, sees Jesus in the heavens standing at the right hand of God and commits his spirit to him. Even as the stones fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the Resurrected One.

Psalm (31:1-5, 15-16)

In a time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of the Lord, his redeemer and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge that the Lord is righteous, faithful and loving.

Second Reading (1 Peter 2:2-10)

Peter refers to Jesus as the keystone of the living temple made up of believers, living stones who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They who were once but aliens are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Gospel (John 14:1-14)

Jesus promises his disciples that he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. He explains that he himself is the way and that he and the Father are one. In Jesus’ absence the disciples will be able to expand Jesus’ works, all to the Father’s glory.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrected Jesus is the One we must depend upon
  • We can do the works of Jesus only in his name and power
  • God is our refuge
  • Jesus shares the divine characteristics of the Father
  • Our way to the Father is through the Son

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, but by me. John 14.6

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another
and walk in the way of his commandments,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN