Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Exodus 3:1-15)
The Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush, identifying himself as the God of his ancestors, whose name is “I AM WHO I AM”. He has heard the cry of his people and now he is sending Moses to deliver them and lead them out to the Promised Land.
Psalm (105:1-6, 23-26, 45b)
The Psalmist exhorts his readers to remember the Lord’s mighty acts. Looking to him alone, they are to make his deeds known among the nations. He caused captive Israel to increase greatly and sent Moses and Aaron to deliver them. Praise be to him!
Second Reading (Romans 12:9-21)
Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully even under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies they are to put matters into God’s hands and allow good to overcome evil.
Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)
Jesus rebukes Peter for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to preserve our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, knowing that, in the resurrection, he will abundantly reward.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- It is God who saves us, not we ourselves
- Doing good will ultimately triumph over evil
- Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life
- Relief from suffering is in God’s hands
- We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies
- We need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Author and Giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us in all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN
Based on the Alternate Readings
First Reading (Jeremiah 15:15-21)
Jeremiah asks the Lord that his persecutors suffer retribution. He has been faithful but his suffering is worsening, making him question. The Lord, on the other hand, encourages the prophet to rely upon him alone for restoration and deliverance.
Psalm (26:1-8)
Faithful in his walk, the Psalmist expects vindication from the Lord. He even challenges the Lord to test him in his innocence. He has not kept company with sinners, but has joined the procession to the altar in the Temple he loves because God dwells there.
Second Reading (Romans 12:9-21)
Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully even under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies they are to put matters into God’s hands and allow good to overcome evil.
Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)
Jesus rebukes Peter for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to preserve our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, knowing that, in the resurrection, he will abundantly reward.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- It is God who saves us, not we ourselves
- Doing good will ultimately triumph over evil
- Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life
- Relief from suffering is in God’s hands
- We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies
- We need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope to which he has called us. See Ephesians 1.17, 18
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Author and Giver of all good things,
graft in our hearts the love of your name,
increase in us true religion,
nourish us in all goodness,
and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN