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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 14, 2019, Proper 10, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 7:7-17)

Jeroboam, the king of northern Israel receives a message from the Lord through the prophet Amos. The king and the nation have strayed far from the commandments of God and will soon lose their land and go into exile in a foreign country. The indictment is not well received.

Psalm (82)

God is pictured presiding in his divine council and indicting those in earth who abuse the poor and lowly who should be granted justice and deliverance instead. The oppressors are walking in darkness, thinking highly of themselves in spite of the fact that they are mere mortals.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.

Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a despised Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
  • Disobedience to God has serious consequences
  • The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
  • Self-deception is a dangerous thing

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:9-14)

Just before he dies, Moses charges the Israelites to keep God’s commandments and flourish as a result. These are not beyond their reach, being already in their mouths and hearts. But they must be observed.

Psalm (25:1-10)

The Psalmist turns to the Lord for protection, asking for knowledge of his ways and to be led in his truth. He acknowledges his sin and makes his appeal based only on God’s mercy and love. He is the one who leads humble sinners in his blessed ways as they keep faith with him.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.

Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a detested Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
  • The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
  • Self-deception is a dangerous thing
  • God makes his ways known to us if we are open and humble before him

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 24, 2018, Proper 7, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 17:[1a, 4-11, 19-23], 32-49)

After the giant Philistine, Goliath, challenges the army of Israel, the youthful David faces him with only his sling and a trust in the Lord who had saved him before. Goliath’s subsequent death sends a clear message to the whole earth that there is a God in Israel.

Psalm (9)

The Psalmist praises the God of Israel as an unfailing stronghold for those in trouble, even at the gates of death. The nations have forgotten the needy and have fallen into their own pit as a result. They are but mere mortals who cannot escape his judgment.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

Paul claims that the day of salvation has arrived and now is the right moment to respond. Things are extremely urgent and Paul is doing everything he can to make this abundantly clear to everyone, in spite of mistreatment and misunderstanding.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

As Jesus sleeps in a boat his disciples are terrified by a sudden and furious storm that threatens to sink them all. Waking Jesus, they are awestruck as he simply commands the wind and the waves to cease and they do so immediately. “Who is this?”, they ask.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Truly desperate circumstances provide an opportunity to see God at work.
  • Truly desperate circumstances provide a true test of faith
  • God helps those who can’t help themselves
  • Past experience of God’s salvation leads to more expectant faith

Based on the First Alternative Readings

First Reading (1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16)

After killing Goliath David meets with Saul, whose son Jonathan makes a brotherly pact with him. Saul sets him over the army after he proves himself and then, in a moment of madness tries to kill him. The Lord is with Israel’s new hero and no longer with Saul.

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 (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

Paul claims that the day of salvation has arrived and now is the right moment to respond. Things are extremely urgent and Paul is doing everything he can to make this abundantly clear to everyone, in spite of mistreatment and misunderstanding.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

As Jesus sleeps in a boat his disciples are terrified by a sudden and furious storm that threatens to sink them all. Waking Jesus, they are awestruck as he merely commands the wind and the waves to cease and they do so immediately. “Who is this?”, they ask.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Trouble awaits those who dare to join the family of God
  • God can save us from serious trouble and danger
  • God can lead us into serious trouble or danger, but always under his protection
  • Realizing the urgency of the moment we are in

Based on the Second Alternative Readings

First Reading (Job 38:1-11)

The Lord challenges Job’s demand for an answer as to why he is so afflicted. Out of the whirlwind the Lord asserts his absolute right to do as he pleases. He, certainly not Job, is the all-powerful creator of the earth, laying its foundations and limiting its cloudy seas.

Psalm (107:1-3, 23-32)

The Psalmist urges praise to the Lord for his enduring love and amazing works in saving those in trouble. He even rescued those in peril on the sea when life-threatening storms arose at his command. When they called out to him he calmed both water and wind.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

Paul claims that the day of salvation has arrived and now is the right moment to respond. Things are extremely urgent and Paul is doing everything he can to make this abundantly clear to everyone, in spite of mistreatment and misunderstanding.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

As Jesus sleeps in a boat his disciples are terrified by a sudden and furious storm that threatens to sink them all. Waking Jesus, they are awestruck as he merely commands the wind and the waves to cease and they do so immediately. “Who is this?”, they ask.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The power of God surpasses that of the most awesome powers of nature
  • God can save us from serious trouble and danger
  • God is beyond our ability to fully understand
  • Chaos exists in defiance of the peace of God’s created order

 

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Readings for July 9, 2017 Year A Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67
  • Psalm 45:10-17 or Song of Solomon 2:8-13

OR

  • Zechariah 9:9-12
  • Psalm 145:8-14

Second Reading

  • Romans 7:15-25a

Gospel

  • Matthew 11:16-19,25-30

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife. On the occasion of a royal wedding the Psalmist exhorts the bride to embrace her new position, one that will result in many personal blessings and universal renown. St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free. Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is perversely rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife.

Psalm

On the occasion of a royal wedding the Psalmist exhorts the bride to embrace her new position, one that will result in many personal blessings and universal renown.

Second Reading

St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free.

Gospel

Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is perversely rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

Based on the Readings as Set but using the Alternate Psalm

Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife. The writer of the Song of Solomon paints a seductive picture a charming man who bids his love to come away with him. As winter is giving way to spring it is now the time for change. St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free. Jesus observes that no matter how God’s gracious invitation is presented, it is often deliberately and perversely rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Abraham’s servant encountered the beautiful Rebekah at a distant well in his master’s former homeland. He then introduces himself to her brother Laban, a cousin of Abraham, explaining that he is on a quest to find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. His account shows that Yahweh is clearly directing the process and Rebekah accepts the invitation to go with him and become Isaac’s wife.

Psalm

The writer of the Song of Solomon paints a seductive picture a charming man who bids his love to come away with him. As winter is giving way to spring it is now the time for change.

Second Reading

St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free.

Gospel

Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is perversely rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

Based on the Alternative Readings

The prophet Zechariah characterizes Israel as “daughter Zion” and calls her to rejoice at the arrival of her king, who will bring peace to the nations as they come under his rule. Prisoners now in captivity will be set free and become prisoners of hope instead. The Psalmist describes Yahweh as abounding in steadfast love and good to all. His works declare his glory and power while his dominion is everlasting, uplifting the downtrodden. St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free. Jesus observes that no matter how God’s gracious invitation is presented, it is often deliberately and perversely rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

The prophet Zechariah characterizes Israel as “daughter Zion” and calls her to rejoice at the arrival of her king, who will bring peace to the nations as they come under his rule. Prisoners now in captivity will be set free and become prisoners of hope instead.

Psalm

The Psalmist describes Yahweh as abounding in steadfast love and good to all. His works declare his glory and power while his dominion is everlasting, uplifting the downtrodden.

Second Reading

St. Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while we want to live by God’s law we seem unable to do so. Instead we are prisoners of the flesh, the inclination to sin, and only Christ can set us free.

Gospel

Jesus observes that no matter how God’s gracious invitation is presented, it is often deliberately and perversely rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.