Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set, and Including Alternates
First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)
Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.
OR
Alternate First Reading (Jeremiah 31:1-6)
Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of the Lord’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion.
Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)
The Psalmist has experienced the Lord’s punishment and then, in answer to prayer, a last-minute rescue from death. The gates of righteousness are now thrown open and the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone. It is the day of the Lord’s salvation.
Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-4)
St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again.
OR
Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)
Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.
Gospel (John 20:1-18)
Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple who run to see for themselves. Mary encounters the risen Lord and recognizes him when he calls her name. Told to tell the others that he will soon ascend, she does so.
OR
Alternate Gospel (Matthew 28:1-10)
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week. There an angel informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them tell the disciples to go to Galilee to meet him. Jesus himself then appears, calming their fear and sending them on their mission.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The resurrection of Jesus has implications for all humanity as Lord of all
- The resurrection of Jesus is a turning point in history itself
- The resurrection of Jesus turns everything upside down.
- The resurrection of Jesus opens the gate of life to all who would believe
- The resurrection of Jesus and its reality is the foundation of Christian faith
- The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the new creation
SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)
Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Corinthians 5.7–8
COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)
Lord of life and power,
through the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have overcome the old order of sin and death and have made all things new in him.
May we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
reign with him in glory,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN