Fourth Sunday in Easter, April 22, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 4:5-12)

Peter and John are brought before the Jewish leaders and are questioned about their source of power to heal the lame man. Peter boldly tells them it was by the name of Jesus, whom they crucified but God raised up. Salvation can come by no other name.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist sees YAHWEH as a good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold.

Second Reading (1 John 3:16-24)

Genuine godly love for our needy fellow believers follows the example of Jesus who died for us. It is action that counts, not words. This demonstrates a relationship with Jesus that is confirmed by the Spirit. It is Jesus’ own commandment to love one another.

Gospel (John 10:11-18)

Jesus depicts himself as a committed shepherd who willingly dies for his sheep because he identifies so intimately with them, much as he does with his Father. Other sheep will also be gathered into the same fold to be under the same shepherd.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus leads and provides for his followers
  • Following Jesus requires a serious commitment to sacrificial love
  • Identification with Jesus, taking his name, requires the putting aside of all other ultimate commitments
  • The death of Jesus did not end his presence among his followers
  • The self-giving love of God expressed in Jesus’ death and resurrection should be evident in the common life of the Christian community

 

 

 

 

Third Sunday in Easter, April 15, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 3:12-19)

To those who had seen Peter heal a lame man near the temple, he proclaims that it was due to faith in the risen Jesus, the same one they had rejected and killed. The prophets had predicted this but if they now repented and turned to God they would be forgiven.

Psalm (4)

The Psalmist appeals to God for help, the God who has heard and answered him before. He counsels patience and trust when YAHWEH is silent, remembering how he has always abundantly provided all things necessary in the past.

Second Reading (1 John 3:1-7)

By calling us his children God shows his love for us, even though we are not yet all we shall be when we are finally in his presence. This hope leads us to purify ourselves by doing right and abiding in the sinless one, who came to take away sin.

Gospel (Luke 24:36b-48)

Jesus appears to all of his disciples after walking with two on the road to Emmaus. He offers proof that he is not a ghost and shows them how the Messiah was to suffer and be raised. They are witnesses to these things, preaching repentance among the nations.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus’ followers are to continue and expand his mission, preaching repentance and forgiveness in his name
  • Salvation and forgiveness from sin are based on the work of Christ on the Cross
  • Beyond the grave, Jesus is still present to the believer
  • The key to the interpretation of Scripture is Jesus Christ himself
  • The resurrection of Jesus is God’s ultimate answer to the prayer and patience of his people

 

Second Sunday in Easter, April 8, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 4:32-35)

God’s grace is powerfully upon the earliest group of believers as they share all things in common and sell their own possessions. The apostles oversee the distribution of the proceeds and deliver powerful witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

Psalm (133)

The Psalmist rhapsodizes over the rich experience of families living in harmony. He likens it to the copious anointing oil poured over Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first in the line of Israel’s priests. It is the blessing of life forevermore.

Second Reading (1 John 1:1-2:2)

John insists that his message is unchanged, based on a personal encounter with the risen Lord and for our mutual fellowship with both Son and Father. If we confess our sins we have pardon in Jesus, our atoning sacrifice and advocate with the Father.

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

On Easter evening Jesus appears to his disciples and breathes the Holy Spirit on them, sending them into the world to continue his mission. A week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and blesses those who believe without actually seeing themselves.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • A natural part of the new Christian reality is life in harmonious community with fellow believers
  • Grace enables harmonious living within the community of believers
  • The resurrection of Jesus is attested by the personal witness of those who encountered him in risen form
  • The resurrection of Jesus brings new and abundant life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

In two post-resurrection appearances Jesus first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side.

 

 

Resurrection of the Lord (Easter), April 1, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection. If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set and Alternates

First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter tells the Roman Cornelius 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.

Alternate First Reading (Isaiah 25:6-9)

YAHWEH promises that he will provide a sumptuous feast for all peoples on Mt. Zion, destroying the shroud of death that threatens them now. He will wipe away all tears and remove the disgrace of Israel. Their long wait for his salvation will be over.

Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)

The Psalmist has experienced YAHWEH’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 YAHWEH’S salvation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

St. Paul reminds his readers of the cornerstone of his preaching and their faith. Christ died for our sins, was buried and then raised, as Scripture predicts. He appeared to all the apostles, including Paul, the last and the least, as an example of pure grace.

Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter tells the Roman Cornelius 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 another disciple. Both race to find only the burial garments inside. Mary alone encounters the risen Lord who wants her to tell the others that he will soon be ascending. She hurries to obey.

Alternate Gospel (Mark 16:1-8)

Mary Magdalene and two other women take burial spices to anoint Jesus but find his tomb unexpectedly open. Inside, they are alarmed by a man in white who assures them that Jesus is gone to Galilee and they are to tell the disciples. Thunderstruck, they fail to do so.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The unexpected grace of God crosses all kinds of barriers
  • 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 is the foundation of Christian faith

 

 

 

 

 

 

Readings for May 28, 2017 Year A Seventh Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 1:6-14
  • Psalm 68:1-10, 32-35

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11

Gospel

  • John 17:1-11

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In Jesus’ risen presence his disciples wonder if the expected restoration of Israel’s kingdom is now imminent. Jesus instead tells them that the Holy Spirit will be coming upon them in power and they will be his witnesses even to the ends of the earth. He then ascends into a cloud while an angel informs them that he will come again in like manner. The gathered community then devotes itself to prayer. The Psalmist calls upon his people to give joyful witness to the nations concerning Yahweh who rides upon the clouds and whose power fills the sky. He gives power and strength to his people. Peter encourages Christians who are suffering for their obedience to Christ to see this as a test arising out of the predictable opposition of the devil. They are blessed in having the Spirit of glory and will be exalted by God after this time of humbling. The devil is an aggressive and dangerous adversary but his strength will be overcome by the grace of God’s restorative power. In his prayer at the end of his earthly life Jesus links his faithful work and witness to the glory it has brought to the Father. He will soon be leaving his followers who also belong to the Father and he asks that they might be protected and preserved in the same unity he enjoys with his Father.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

In Jesus’ risen presence his disciples wonder if the expected restoration of Israel’s kingdom is now imminent. Jesus instead tells them that the Holy Spirit will be coming upon them in power and they will be his witnesses even to the ends of the earth. He then ascends into a cloud while an angel informs them that he will come again in like manner. The gathered community then devotes itself to prayer.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls upon his people to give joyful witness to the nations concerning Yahweh who rides upon the clouds and whose power fills the sky. He gives power and strength to his people.

Second Reading

Peter encourages Christians who are suffering for their obedience to Christ to see this as a test arising out of the predictable opposition of the devil. They are blessed in having the Spirit of glory and will be exalted by God after this time of humbling. The devil is an aggressive and dangerous adversary but his strength will be overcome by the grace of God’s restorative power.

Gospel

In his prayer at the end of his earthly life Jesus links his faithful work and witness to the glory it has brought to the Father. He will soon be leaving his followers who also belong to the Father and he asks that they might be protected and preserved in the same unity he enjoys with his Father.

Readings for May 21, 2017 Year A Sixth Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 17:22-31
  • Psalm 66:8-20

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 3:13-22

Gospel

  • John 14:15-21

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

St. Paul invites the good citizens of Athens, a city full of idols, to consider the “unknown God” to whom one of the altars is dedicated. This God, he proclaims, is not made by human hands but is the Creator and sustainer of all. Having set a day of judgment, he now calls all peoples to turn to him because he has appointed a Judge whose universal authority he has established by raising him from the dead. The Psalmist calls upon the peoples to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider, he says, what he has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not clung to iniquity. In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of our salvation, entered through the waters of baptism. Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will send his Spirit into his disciples in order to continue their intimate fellowship and enable both love and obedience.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

St. Paul invites the good citizens of Athens, a city full of idols, to consider the “unknown God” to whom one of the altars is dedicated. This God, he proclaims, is not made by human hands but is the Creator and sustainer of all. Having set a day of judgment, he now calls all peoples to turn to him because he has appointed a Judge whose universal authority he has established by raising him from the dead.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls upon the peoples to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider, he says, what he has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not clung to iniquity.

Second Reading

In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of our salvation, entered through the waters of baptism.

Gospel

Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will send his Spirit into his disciples in order to continue their intimate fellowship and enable both love and obedience.

 

 

Readings for May 14, 2017 Year A Fifth Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 7:55-60
  • Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16

New Testament

  • ! Peter 2:2-10

Gospel

  • John 14:1-14

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

St. Stephen, about to become the first Christian martyr, sees Jesus in the heavens standing at the right hand of God and commits his spirit to him. Even as the stones from his persecutors fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the resurrected One. In time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of YAWHEH, his redeemer, his rock and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge of YAHWEH’s righteousness, faithfulness and love. St. Peter refers to Jesus as the keystone of a living temple made up of believers, themselves living stones who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They who once were aliens are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation. Jesus reassures his disciples with the rock-solid promise that, although he is leaving, he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. Startled by his claim that they already know the way, he explains that he himself is the way. He adds that they have seen the Father because the Father is in him and he is in the Father. Their task is to continue and expand the works of Jesus so that the Father may be glorified all the more.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

St. Stephen, about to become the first Christian martyr, sees Jesus in the heavens standing at the right hand of God and commits his spirit to him. Even as the stones from his persecutors fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the resurrected One.

Psalm

In time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of YAWHEH, his redeemer, his rock and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge of YAHWEH’s righteousness, faithfulness and love.

New Testament

St. Peter refers to Jesus as the keystone of a living temple made up of believers, themselves living stones who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They who once were aliens are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Gospel

Jesus reassures his disciples with the rock-solid promise that, although he is leaving, he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. Startled by his claim that they already know the way, he explains that he himself is the way. He adds that they have seen the Father because the Father is in him and he is in the Father. Their task is to continue and expand the works of Jesus so that the Father may be glorified all the more.

 

 

 

 

 

Readings for May 7, 2017 Year A Fourth Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:42-47
  • Psalm 23

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 2:19-25

Gospel

  • John 10:1-10

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to one another. The apostles themselves perform awesome miracles while everyone shares their belongings willingly, eating and worshipping joyfully in common. This deeply impresses all who see and many flock through the door into their amazing community. The Psalmist sees YHWH as a good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold. St. Peter likens Christians to strayed sheep who have returned to Jesus their true shepherd. Although innocent, he has borne their sins and freed them to follow in the paths of righteousness. If they suffer unjustly he points out that they are only following his example. In John’s Gospel Jesus refers to himself as both the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd whose voice the sheep know. They enter by him and are saved and pastured by him, and by no other. Under his care they enjoy truly abundant life.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

Old Testament

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to one another. The apostles themselves perform awesome miracles while everyone shares their belongings willingly, eating and worshipping joyfully in common. This deeply impresses all who see and many flock through the door into their amazing community.

Psalm

The Psalmist sees YHWH as a good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold.

New Testament

St. Peter likens Christians to strayed sheep who have returned to Jesus their true shepherd. Although innocent, he has borne their sins and freed them to follow in the paths of righteousness. If they suffer unjustly he points out that they are only following his example.

Gospel

In John’s Gospel Jesus refers to himself as both the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd whose voice the sheep know. They enter by him and are saved and pastured by him, and by no other. Under his care they enjoy truly abundant life.

 

 

Readings for April30,2017 Year A Third Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:14a, 36-41
  • Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 1:17-23

Gospel

  • Luke 24:13-35

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In the conclusion of his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, St. Peter points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that God has made him both Lord and Messiah. And they had crucified him! However, even this grievous sin can be forgiven if they repent and are baptized in his name. Three thousand are moved to do so! The Psalmist declares his love for YHWH because, when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to YHWH and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise. St. Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness something of a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth. St. Luke tells of two disillusioned disciples who leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb only to be joined by a stranger on the way. He shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. When he breaks bread with them they finally recognize that it is Jesus. Just then he vanishes and they return to tell the other disciples.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

In the conclusion of his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, St. Peter points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that God has made him both Lord and Messiah. And they had crucified him! However, even this grievous sin can be forgiven if they repent and are baptized in his name. Three thousand are moved to do so!

Psalm

The Psalmist declares his love for YHWH because, when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to YHWH and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise.

New Testament

St. Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness something of a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth.

Gospel

St. Luke tells of two disillusioned disciples who leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb only to be joined by a stranger on the way. He shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. When he breaks bread with them they finally recognize that it is Jesus. Just then he vanishes and they return to tell the other disciples.

 

Readings for April23,2017 Year A Second Sunday of Easter

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 2:14a, 22-32
  • Psalm 16

Second Reading

  • 1 Peter 1:3-9

Gospel

  • John 20:19-31

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Peter, in part of his Pentecost sermon to the pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem, reminds them that they were aware of the powerful signs and wonders that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. But he was proven stronger even than death when God raised him, an event David himself had predicted of the Messiah in the Psalms. Peter and the other disciples are indeed witnesses to this fact. In today’s Psalm David affirms his total commitment to YAHWEH and rejoices in the benefits of so doing. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave. In his first letter St. Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus has absolutely secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. This fact is a source of deep joy even in times of trials that test the reality of our faith. St. John tells of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. In the first appearance, on Easter evening, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his mission. In the second, one week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and then uses the opportunity to especially bless those who come to faith without seeing his risen body.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Peter, in part of his Pentecost sermon to the pilgrims and residents in Jerusalem, reminds them that they were aware of the powerful signs and wonders that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. But he was proven stronger even than death when God raised him, an event David himself had predicted of the Messiah in the Psalms. Peter and the other disciples are indeed witnesses to this fact.

Psalm

In today’s Psalm David affirms his total commitment to YAHWEH and rejoices in the benefits of so doing. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave.

New Testament

In his first letter St. Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus has absolutely secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. This fact is a source of deep joy even in times of trials that test the reality of our faith.

Gospel

St. John tells of two post-resurrection appearances of Jesus in which he first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and his side. In the first appearance, on Easter evening, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them into the world to continue his mission. In the second, one week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and then uses the opportunity to especially bless those who come to faith without seeing his risen body.