Posted on

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 16, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

With Israel about to enter the Promised Land, Moses addresses the nation for the last time. In dramatic fashion he beseeches them to follow the ways of the Lord in order to be successful in the Land. They must choose life with blessings or death with judgment.

Psalm (119:1-8)

The Psalmist affirms that blessings are in store for those who truly follow the Lord’s commandments. Strongly desiring to do so himself, he commits to understanding and keeping the divine laws. Praising God for them, he is confident of not being forsaken.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 3:1-9)

St. Paul laments that the divisions among the Corinthians reveal their immaturity in Christ. They are more “of the flesh” than “of the spirit” in following various leaders instead seeing them as humble servants of Christ, working to build up the whole church.

Gospel (Matthew 5:21-37)

Jesus calls his disciples to a way of life that understands that even the attitudes that lead to sinful action, not just sinful action itself, are liable to judgement. Sin is to be avoided at all costs. Jesus demands purity of thought and honourable behaviour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following the Lord is a serious business
  • The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart
  • Following God’s ways ultimately leads to blessing and life while disobedience ultimately leads to judgment and death
  • The Christian life is a constant struggle against our “natural” inclinations and cannot be successful without dedication and the inner work of the Holy Spirit
  • The Christian life is a matter of constantly choosing to follow the Lord
Posted on

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 8, 2019, Proper 18, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 18:1-11)

The Lord emphasizes his absolute power over Israel and the nations by comparing himself to a potter forming a pot on his wheel. He can reward them for doing good or destroy and remake them for doing evil. Take heed and repent.

Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)

The Psalmist is awestruck that the Lord knows him so intimately, even knowing what he is going to say. The Lord has been at work in him since he was in his mother’s womb, laying out a plan for his life. The thoughts of such a God are far beyond human comprehension.

Second Reading (Philemon 1:1-21)

Paul is sending back the escaped slave Onesimus to his owner Philemon with this letter. He appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, who has become like a son to Paul, as a beloved brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul trusts that Philemon will indeed do the right thing.

Gospel (Luke 14:25-33)

Jesus warns the large crowds following him of the high cost of being his disciple. They must hate their family, even life itself, in order to do so. Following him will cost them everything. He advises that they take this into account before they begin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has an absolute claim upon us and our priorities
  • The Lord has intimate knowledge of us
  • The Lord is worthy of awe and wonder
  • The family of God transcends all other human relationships
  • The Lord has high expectations of his people

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

With the people of Israel about to enter the Promised Land, Moses addresses the nation for the last time. In dramatic fashion he beseeches them to follow the ways of the Lord in order to be successful in the Land. It is up to them to choose: will it be life or death? It’s that simple.

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 (Philemon 1:1-21)

Paul is sending back the escaped slave Onesimus to his owner Philemon with this letter. He appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, who has become like a son to Paul, as a beloved brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul trusts that Philemon will indeed do the right thing.

Gospel (Luke 14:25-33)

Jesus warns the large crowds following him of the high cost of being his disciple. They must hate their family, even life itself, in order to do so. Following him will cost them everything. He advises that they take this into account before they begin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has an absolute claim upon us and our priorities
  • The family of God transcends all other human relationships
  • The Lord has high expectations of his people
  • Following the Lord is life and leads to abundant life