Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 17, 2019, Proper 28, Year C

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Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 65:17-25)

The Lord describes his coming salvation for Israel in terms of a new heaven and a new earth. It will be so blessed that there will be only joy and delight, no weeping or mourning. Each life will be fully lived and even wild animals will be at peace.

Psalm Substitute (Isaiah 12)

The Psalm, taken from Isaiah as well, celebrates the coming day of God’s salvation as an occasion for thanksgiving and joy to be known throughout the earth. The greatness of the Lord will be seen to be with his people.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to put up with idlers. They are to follow his own industrious example by not being a burden to anyone. He exhorts those who are lazy meekly to earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. After a time of severe persecution, false messiahs will arise during worldwide turmoil. He assures his disciples of his help and that no final harm will come to them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The future of salvation is tied to that of the people of Israel
  • God’s ultimate salvation is a worldwide event
  • Until the final resolution of all things, Christians can expect conflict and struggle to mark their lives
  • God’s final salvation will transcend all the ambiguities and difficulties of this life

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Malachi 4:1-2a)

The prophet Malachi uses the image of burning stubble to convey the devastating judgment of the Lord upon the disobedient. However, upon those who honour him, the healing sun of righteousness will rise.

Psalm (98)

The Psalmist calls for exuberant praise to the Lord because of his decisive lifting up of Israel. All the nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in rejoicing along with nature itself. The Lord will be the righteous judge of the whole earth.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to put up with idlers. They are to follow his own industrious example by not being a burden to anyone. He exhorts those who are lazy meekly to earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. After a time of severe persecution, false messiahs will arise during worldwide turmoil. He assures his disciples of his help and that no final harm will come to them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The future of salvation is tied to that of the people of Israel
  • God’s ultimate salvation is a worldwide event
  • Until the final resolution of all things, Christians can expect conflict and struggle to mark their lives
  • The judge of all the earth will be the only One who is perfectly qualified to do so and we can trust absolutely that he will do the right thing