Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Genesis 28:10-19a)
Jacob dreams that where he is sleeping there is a ladder with angels moving between earth and heaven. The Lord gives him the same promise he made to Abraham and vows not to leave him until it is fulfilled. Awestruck, Jacob calls the place the “house of God”.
Psalm (139:1-12, 23-24)
The Psalmist, awestruck that the Lord knows him intimately wherever he might be, invites divine examination to expose his every wickedness and lead him in the everlasting way under his divine protection.
Second Reading (Romans 8:12-25)
Paul writes that living by the flesh brings death while living by the Spirit brings life, including adoption as God’s children to be heirs of his new creation. Present suffering cannot compare to this coming glory for those bearing the first fruits of the Spirit.
Gospel (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Jesus tells about a farmer who sowed seed on his land only to discover that an enemy had sowed weeds. To preserve the grain, he put off weeding until harvest. Similarly, Jesus says, both evil and righteous folk will share the kingdom until judgment at the end.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The way of the Lord versus the way of the world
- A new world is coming for the faithful
- Awe at the presence of God
- Justice will prevail in spite of current circumstances
- The promises of God are sure
- The inheritors of God’s promises are under his care and already enjoying his presence
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
My word shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55.11
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Almighty God,
your Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence.
Give us pure hearts and constant wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN
Based on the Alternate Readings
First Reading (Isaiah 44:6-8)
In asserting his uniqueness as the one and only God, the Lord challenges other so-called gods to prove themselves by predicting the future as he has done. Israel, witnessing this truth repeatedly, has every reason to trust in him and to not fear current circumstances.
Psalm (86:11-17)
The Psalmist pleads with the Lord for an undivided heart, serving and glorifying him alone. Having been delivered before through the steadfast love of the Lord, he asks for deliverance from the ungodly who now threaten his very life.
Second Reading (Romans 8:12-25)
Paul writes that living by the flesh brings death while living by the Spirit brings life, including adoption as God’s children to be heirs of his new creation. Present suffering cannot compare to this coming glory for those bearing the first fruits of the Spirit.
Gospel (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
Jesus tells about a farmer who sowed seed on his land only to discover that an enemy had sowed weeds. To preserve the grain, he put off weeding until harvest. Similarly, Jesus says, both evil and righteous folk will share the kingdom until judgment at the end.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The way of the Lord versus the way of the world
- A new world is coming for the faithful
- Justice will prevail in spite of current circumstances
- The Lord our God is a jealous God
- We can trust in the Lord on the basis of his historical acts of salvation
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
My word shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. Isaiah 55.11
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Almighty God,
your Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence.
Give us pure hearts and constant wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN