Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:42-47)

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to a joyful common life both at home and at the temple. The apostles perform awe-inspiring miracles and many are drawn to join the new group.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist sees the Lord as the 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 Peter 2:19-25)

Peter points Christians who suffer unjustly to the example of Jesus, their true shepherd. He suffered greatly although innocent, patiently content to trust in God while bearing their sins and freeing them to follow the paths of righteousness.

Gospel (John 10:1-10)

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 alone. Under his care the sheep enjoy abundant life. Other shepherds are pretenders to be avoided.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Human beings need caring for in a dangerous world
  • Jesus applies to himself the Old Testament roles of the Lord God
  • Christianity is a flock activity
  • Jesus is the indispensable centre of the Christian faith
  • Following the Lord means living as he commands

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord: I know my own and my own know me. John 10.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

 

Fourth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 12, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 9:36-43)

Shortly after Paul’s conversion, Peter is visiting the Christians along the Mediterranean coast.  He is called to minister in Joppa because a devoted believer named Tabitha had become sick and died. He commands her to get up and she does, causing many locals to believe in Jesus.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist sees the Lord 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 (Revelation 7:9-17)

John’s vision of heaven focusses on an uncountable number from every nation surrounding the throne of God and the Lamb with resounding praise. He is told that they are believers who have persisted through a great ordeal and now will enjoy being shepherded by the Lamb forever.

Gospel (John 10:22-30)

Jesus responds to Jewish demands for a plain declaration of his messiahship by saying that he has already done so through his deeds. Those who have not believed are not of his sheep but the latter know his voice and follow him to eternal life. No one can snatch them away.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God/Jesus as the Good Shepherd
  • The followers of the Lord can rest secure in his care
  • The power of resurrection is at work in the life of believers
  • The implications of following a Shepherd who is also the Lamb

 

 

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.