Posted on

Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 7:55-60)

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 fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the Resurrected One.

Psalm (31:1-5, 15-16)

In a time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of the Lord, his redeemer and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge that the Lord is righteous, faithful and loving.

Second Reading (1 Peter 2:2-10)

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

Gospel (John 14:1-14)

Jesus promises his disciples that he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. He explains that he himself is the way and that he and the Father are one. In Jesus’ absence the disciples will be able to expand Jesus’ works, all to the Father’s glory.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrected Jesus is the One we must depend upon
  • We can do the works of Jesus only in his name and power
  • God is our refuge
  • Jesus shares the divine characteristics of the Father
  • Our way to the Father is through the Son

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, but by me. John 14.6

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another
and walk in the way of his commandments,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 19, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 11:1-18)

After Cornelius and his household were converted by Peter’s preaching, the Jerusalem church is concerned that he had associated with Gentiles. But they rejoice when he relates how clearly the Lord had directed him, and how the Gentiles had been given the Holy Spirit just like them.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist enthusiastically calls on all the elements of both heaven and earth to praise the Lord who has created them all, animate and inanimate together. Now he has raised up a horn for his faithful people, a mighty deliverer to save them at last.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:1-6)

As part of the final scene of John’s vision, he depicts a transformed creation in which God will dwell among all humanity as his people, in a new Jerusalem. Suffering, tears, and death will be no more. They will drink of the water of life as God brings his plan of redemption to conclusion.

Gospel (John 13:31-35)

On the night before he died, Jesus speaks to his disciples of his being glorified, and of God being glorified in him. He tells them he is going where they cannot go, but they are to love one another as he has loved them: this will show others that they do, in fact, follow him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The plan of God will be carried out
  • God is the Lord of creation and even of history itself
  • The course of redemption does not follow in an obvious or straight direction
  • Salvation has a universal scope and all aspects of life will be redeemed
  • The transcendent love of God

 

 

 

Posted on

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.