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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, August 4, 2019, Proper 13, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Hosea 11:1-11)

Depicting Israel as a wayward son, the Lord recalls how he has tenderly cared for the nation and still cares for it. Although judgment is rightly coming upon Israel he cannot abandon them to absolute destruction. Someday they will return to the land and to the Lord.

Psalm (107:1-9, 43)

The Psalmist celebrates the steadfast love of the Lord for his people. He has redeemed them from exile and restored them to the land in spite of their wandering astray. Having had their needs supplied, he calls the nation to remember and give thanks.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-11)

Paul writes that Christians have been raised with Christ and spells out the implications of this fact. We are to live a life rooted in heavenly values, not in earthly ones. Having new selves, no worldly religious, social or national divisions apply to those who are one in Christ.

Gospel (Luke 12:13-21)

When a man wants Jesus to take his side in an inheritance dispute, Jesus uses the opportunity to warn against greed. He tells of a man who gloried in his rich harvest and assumed he was set for life but died instead. We are to be rich toward God rather than store up earthly treasure.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • You can’t out-love God
  • Our eyes are to be focussed on things above, where our priorities should lie
  • In the midst of death, we are in life
  • God’s care for his people is expressed in judgment and redemption
  • The Lord expects us to live different lives from those who do not serve him, and he holds us to account

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23)

Contemplating the fact that we all must die, the Teacher is struck by the futility of a life that is spent pursuing things that we cannot take with us when we go. Instead, others will enjoy the fruit of our labour, knowledge and wisdom. Even worrying about these things is futile.

Psalm (49:1-12)

In light of the fact that we all die, the Psalmist points out that wealth cannot save us from this fate, nor can wisdom. All humankind, rich and poor, wise and foolish, will go to the grave, leaving everything behind. Why then fear those who persecute us? They too will die.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-11)

Paul writes that Christians have been raised with Christ and spells out the implications of this fact. We are to live a life rooted in heavenly values, not in earthly ones. Having new selves, no worldly religious, social or national divisions apply to those who are one in Christ.

Gospel (Luke 12:13-21)

When a man wants Jesus to take his side in an inheritance dispute, Jesus uses the opportunity to warn against greed. He tells of a man who gloried in his rich harvest and assumed he was set for life but died instead. We are to be rich toward God rather than store up earthly treasure.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • In the midst of life, we are in death
  • In the midst of death, we are in life
  • A life centred on what this world has to offer is ultimately futile
  • Our eyes are to be focussed on things above, where our priorities should lie.
  • The Lord expects us to live different lives from those who do not serve him, and he holds us to account

 

 

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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, July 15, 2018, Proper 10, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19)

David and his men joyfully move the ark which the Lord inhabits from the countryside into Jerusalem. His wife Michal sees him dancing with abandon and despises him. But David makes his offerings, blesses the people and distributes food to them.

Psalm (24)

The Psalmist exhorts the city gates to open themselves to the King of Glory, the Lord strong and mighty, creator and possessor of all the earth. Only those with clean hearts and hands are fit to stand in his awesome presence and receive his blessing.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Paul joyfully recites the many blessings we have as people who have been made partakers in what Christ has done. We are: blameless, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven and participants in God’s great future. And the Spirit within is the guarantee.

Gospel (Mark 6:14-29)

King Herod is afraid that the miracle-working Jesus may be John the Baptist risen from the dead. He had arrested John because of his preaching that Herod’s marriage was illegitimate. His angry wife then cunningly overcame his reluctance to execute John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Earthly rulers are subject to the King of Heaven and should act accordingly
  • Many are the blessings of the redeemed
  • It is critically important to be open to what God is doing
  • The joy of the Lord is my strength

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Amos 7:7-15)

Through the use of a plum line the Lord reveals to Amos that he is going to hold Israel and its king accountable for going astray. An angry priest informs on him to the king and tries to banish him from the realm. Amos replies that he is but humbly obeying the Lord.

Psalm (85:8-13)

The Psalmist paints a beautiful picture of what it is like when the Lord’s people turn their hearts to him. His great salvation will come with abundant good gifts. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet while righteousness and peace will kiss.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Paul joyfully recites the many blessings we have as people who have been made partakers in what Christ has done. We are: blameless, chosen, adopted, redeemed, forgiven and participants in God’s great future. And the Spirit within is the guarantee.

Gospel (Mark 6:14-29)

King Herod is afraid that the miracle-working Jesus may be John the Baptist risen from the dead. He had arrested John because of his preaching that Herod’s marriage was illegitimate. His angry wife then cunningly overcame his reluctance to execute John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Earthly rulers are subject to the King of Heaven and should act accordingly
  • Many are the blessings of the redeemed
  • It is critically important to be open to what God is doing
  • The Lord desires a whole-hearted commitment

 

 

 

Posted on

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost July 30, 2017, Proper 12, Year A

There has been small changes to the format for Lection Connection. Please  review these changes at How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 29:15-28)

Jacob, sent by his mother Rebekah to seek a wife among her relatives back in Haran, agrees to work seven years for his uncle Laban in order to marry his beautiful daughter Rachel. He loves Rachel so much that the years of waiting seem as nothing. However, Laban tricks him into marrying his older daughter Leah instead, and then agrees to let him have Rachel in exchange for another seven years of servitude.

Psalm (105:1-11, 45b)

The Psalmist exhorts the people to live continuously in the presence of Yahweh, giving thanks and praise, seeking his strength. Remembering what he has done in the past and his eternal covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, they are called to a life of obedience.

OR

Alternative Psalm for these Readings (Psalm 128)

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

Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)

St. Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active in our prayer, even if we don’t know what to pray. He points out that the God who cannot fail is working for all those he has called into the new family of his Son. Therefore, in spite of current severe afflictions all things will work out for those who bear his Son’s image. In spite of everything we remain victorious because nothing, including death itself, can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

In a series of simple parables Jesus outlines various aspects of the Kingdom of God: like a seed it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast it will permeate into everything; like hidden treasure or a fantastic pearl it is worth our all; like a fishnet it will take in a great variety of persons but not all will pass judgment; like the good master of a household, a leader will draw on both old and new wisdom.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • the blessings of living with and for the Lord
  • the value of family, including the family of God (Alternative Psalm)
  • the surpassing value of following the Lord
  • 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

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (I Kings 3:5-12)

When Yahweh appears to the young man Solomon, son of the great king David, knowing he is just a beginner, he wisely asks for understanding in order to govern God’s chosen people Israel. A pleased Yahweh grants him his request as well as blessing him with long life, victory over his enemies and a uniquely high status among rulers for all time.

Psalm (119:129-136)

The Psalmist extols the wonders of Yahweh’s laws that give light and understanding to the simple. They are an expression of his grace and keep us on the right path towards Yahweh and away from evil. Help us to know them and follow them and even mourn when they are neglected.

Second Reading (Romans 8:26-39)

St. Paul teaches that the Holy Spirit is active in our prayer, even if we don’t know what to pray. He points out that the God who cannot fail is working for all those he has called into the new family of his Son. Therefore, in spite of current severe afflictions all things will work out for those who bear his Son’s image. In spite of everything we remain victorious because nothing, including death itself, can separate us from his great love in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

In a series of simple parables Jesus outlines various aspects of the Kingdom of God: like a seed it will begin tiny and end up huge; like yeast it will permeate into everything; like hidden treasure or a fantastic pearl it is worth our all; like a fishnet it will take in a great variety of persons but not all will pass judgment; like the good master of a household, a leader will draw on both old and new wisdom.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • led by the Lord/the Spirit/the Word
  • the unfailing purposes of God
  • the way of the Lord versus the way of the world
  • a new world coming for the faithful
  • the difference between the end and the beginning of God’s work
  • God guides the simple and the inexperienced through his wisdom