Posted on

Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

The Lord guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying the Lord who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to the next.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 8:31-38)

After Peter’s recognition of his being Messiah, Jesus teaches that he will suffer and be rejected by Jewish leaders but rise again after three days. Peter objects and rebukes him but Jesus affirms that to follow him means to lose one’s life in order to save it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
• The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
• Suffering and loss provides opportunity for God’s deliverance
• God brings new life to the dead things in our lives

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

The Lord guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying the Lord who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to the next.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and puzzling his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son, to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
• The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
• Both the Father and the Son are at the centre of faith
• Praise of God/Jesus arises even from the dead
• The blessing arising from God’s confirmation of his promises

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 29:15-28)

Jacob agrees to work seven years for his uncle Laban in order to marry his beautiful daughter Rachel. He loves Rachel, but Laban tricks him into marrying his older daughter Leah, and then agrees to let him have Rachel after seven more years of servitude.

Psalm (105:1-11, 45b)

The Psalmist exhorts Israel to live continuously in the presence of the Lord, giving thanks and praise among the nations, while seeking his strength. Remembering what he has done in the past they are to be ever mindful of his eternal covenant with the Patriarchs.

OR

Alternative Psalm for these Readings (128)

The Psalmist promises a productive life, especially in terms of a flourishing family, for those who walk with the Lord. This is expressed as the provision of many children and a life long enough to see them have children of their own.

Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)

Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active even in weak, inarticulate prayer. He points out that with God on the side of those he calls, things will work out for good in spite of current afflictions. Not even death can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus.

Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52)

Jesus outlines aspects of the Kingdom of God in simple parables: like a seed, it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast, it will permeate everything; like found treasure, it is worth our all; like a net, it will ensnare many, but the evil will be cast out at the end.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The infinitely valuable blessings of living with and for the Lord are beyond cost
  • The value of family, including the family of God (Alternative Psalm)
  • The importance of prayer and praise (Psalm as Set)
  • The unfailing purposes of God
  • The difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6.68

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

O God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (I Kings 3:5-12)

When the Lord appears to Solomon, son of David, he wisely asks for understanding in order to govern Israel. Pleased, the Lord grants him his request and also blesses him with long life, victory over his enemies and a ranking over all other rulers in history.

Psalm (119:129-136)

The Psalmist extols the wonders of God’s laws that give understanding to the simple. Expressions of his grace, they keep us on the path towards the Lord and away from evil. The Psalmist begs to know and follow them, and he mourns when they are broken.

Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)

Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active even in weak, inarticulate prayer. He points out that with God on the side of those he calls, things will work out for good in spite of current afflictions. Not even death can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus.

Gospel (Matthew 13:31-33; 44-52)

Jesus outlines aspects of the Kingdom of God in simple parables: like a seed, it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast, it will permeate everything; like found treasure, it is worth our all; like a net, it will ensnare many, but the evil will be cast out at the end.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The infinitely valuable blessings of living with and for the Lord are beyond cost
  • The unfailing purposes of God
  • The difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work
  • The importance of being led by the Lord/the Spirit/the Word
  • God’s wisdom guides the simple and the inexperienced

Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. John 6.68

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

O God,
the protector of all who trust in you,
without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us your mercy,
that with you as our ruler and guide,
we may so pass through things temporal,
that we lose not the things eternal;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

 

Posted on

Third Sunday in Lent, March 24, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 55:1-9)

Isaiah calls out to all who desire genuine life-giving sustenance to come to the Lord while he may be found and remember his covenant with David. Following in his exalted ways, not in theirs, they will receive pardon and gain a glory to which even foreigners will be drawn.

Psalm (63:1-8)

The Psalmist proclaims his desire for the God whose presence feeds his soul in the richest of feasts while he meditates upon him in the night. He will bless the Lord and cling to the one in whose steadfast love he is upheld.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

Paul warns the Corinthians to learn from the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. They had the advantage of baptism along with spiritual food and drink and yet fell into sin and even tested God. So we are not to test Christ but to withstand every testing, assured of his help.

Gospel (Luke13:1-9)

To people who assumed that fatal disasters were judgments upon those killed, Jesus points out that all need to repent or likewise perish. He then tells of a fig tree that bore no fruit and was given one last chance to receive what it needed to bear fruit before it was destroyed.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • In Christ we have all we need to flourish: he is our spiritual food
  • Now is the time to live humbly as God’s obedient people
  • Who is testing whom?
  • The need for a repentant and humble attitude
  • Never assume our superiority over others