Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Genesis 32:22-31)
Jacob wrestles with a stranger and prevails after demanding a blessing from his opponent. The latter changes Jacob’s name to Israel, or “he who strives with God and prevails”. Jacob realizes he has been face to face with God and lived to tell about it.
Psalm (17:1-7, 15)
The Psalmist, a faithful Israelite, cries to the Lord for help. As one who has avoided wickedness and violence he appeals to the steadfast love of the Lord. Even in his current circumstances he is confident that he will see the face of God.
Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)
St. Paul yearns for his own Jewish people to come to faith in Christ and is deeply grief-stricken at their resistance to the Gospel. They are God’s chosen people and the covenant promises rightly belong to them, including Messiah, one of their own.
Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)
After the death of John the Baptist Jesus desires to be alone, but a huge crowd follows him into the wilderness. Full of compassion, he heals their sick and feeds them all by multiplying a little food into so much that that twelve basketfuls are left over.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- God provides a feast
- The love and compassion of God
- God hears and answers prayer with more than meets our need
- What it means to be an Israelite
- The various ways of receiving blessings from God/Jesus
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4.4
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry
with the bread of his life
and the word of his kingdom.
Renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your true and living bread,
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 55:1-5)
Through Isaiah the Lord is calling his people Israel to a great feast made freely available to all, promising an everlasting covenant because of his faithful love for David. The Lord will so bless them that other nations will come as well.
Psalm (145:8-9, 14-21)
The Psalmist extolls the Lord as the universal God who sustains all of creation out of his love and compassion. He upholds the fallen, answering those who call upon him in truth and bringing justice to the wicked. All humanity will come to acknowledge him as Lord.
Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)
St. Paul yearns for his own Jewish people to come to faith in Christ and is deeply grief-stricken at their resistance to the Gospel. They are God’s chosen people and the covenant promises rightly belong to them, including Messiah, one of their own.
Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)
After the death of John the Baptist Jesus desires to be alone, but a huge crowd follows him into the wilderness. Full of compassion, he heals their sick and feeds them all by multiplying a little food into so much that that twelve basketfuls are left over.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- God provides a feast
- The love and compassion of God
- God hears and answers prayer with more than meets our need
- All nations will come to the Lord
- What it means to be an Israelite
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
We do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.Matthew 4.4
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ fed the hungry
with the bread of his life
and the word of his kingdom.
Renew your people with your heavenly grace,
and in all our weakness
sustain us by your true and living bread,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN