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Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 24, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jonah 3:1-5, 10)

The Lord comes to Jonah again, sending him to the great foreign city of Nineveh to warn its inhabitants of impending judgment. He does so and they sincerely repent, causing God to spare them.

Psalm (62:5-12)

The Psalmist puts his hope in God alone, the rock upon whom he rests for salvation and refuge. Other humans are of no help and riches, ill-gotten or not, provide false confidence. Only God has the power to make things right.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Because God’s future is fast arriving, says St. Paul to the Christians at Corinth, they should live accordingly. All their normal relationships, losses, successes, all their buying and selling, should not distract them from the urgency of the times.

Gospel (Mark 1:14-20)

Jesus begins his public ministry with the announcement that the long-awaited time has arrived, issuing a call to repent and believe the good news that the kingdom of God is near. Simon, James and John respond immediately to his invitation to follow him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The call to repentance is an expression of God’s mercy entrusted to his servants
• The call to follow Jesus interrupts our patterns of living
• The urgency of the Gospel resets our priorities
• There is nothing more important than being in relationship with God and in tune with his activity

 

 

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Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 18, 2019, Proper 15, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 5:1-7)

The Lord is bewildered by his beloved Israel, his vineyard, which has produced only wild grapes in spite of his faithful attention. As a result, he will give it up to be laid waste and become overgrown with weeds. He expected justice and righteousness from them but got the opposite.

Psalm (80:1-2, 8-19)

The Psalmist implores Israel’s Shepherd to come and save her just like a farmer would save a luxuriant vine over which he has faithfully toiled. Why is he allowing it to be attacked and destroyed? Surely if he rescues them they will be faithful to him in the future.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

The writer recounts the story of Israel’s flight from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land as a story of faith. Her history has been full of faith-filled men and women, including Jesus, who died without seeing what God had promised. Like them, we should press on in the life of faith.

Gospel (Luke 12:49-56)

Jesus, filled with anguish over what is going to happen to him, warns that he is bringing fire and division to the earth. Even families will be divided against one another and he wonders why it is that the crowds hearing him cannot see that these things are about to take place.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even God wonders at our faithlessness
  • God’s judgment, while deserved, is intended to result in changed behaviour on our part
  • It is difficult to be faithful when faithfulness does not seem to be rewarded
  • God cares deeply for those he disciplines

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:23-29)

Because he sees everything, the Lord wonders why false prophets dare to speak lies designed to draw his people away from him. Indeed, let them speak, but also let others speak his true word! Only it has any real power and so is readily distinguished from false dreams and visions.

Psalm (82)

The Psalmist pictures the Lord as the divine judge rendering his verdict upon those responsible for administering justice upon the earth. They have failed in their responsibility to protect the weak and needy and so it is time for God himself to come in judgment.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

The writer recounts the story of Israel’s flight from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land as a story of faith. Her history has been full of faith-filled men and women, including Jesus, who died without seeing what God had promised. Like them, we should press on in the life of faith.

Gospel (Luke 12:49-56)

Jesus, filled with anguish over what is going to happen to him, warns that he is bringing fire and division to the earth. Even families will be divided against one another and he wonders why it is that the crowds hearing him cannot see that these things are about to take place.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even God wonders at our faithlessness
  • God’s judgment, while deserved, is intended to result in changed behaviour on our part
  • It is difficult to be faithful when faithfulness does not seem to be rewarded
  • From God’s divine perspective all of humanity and all of human history is present: nothing escapes his view