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The Epiphany, January 6, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 60:1-6)

Isaiah informs Israel that, while things are indeed dark at present, the glory of the Lord will one day shine upon them. Indeed, the nations will be attracted and bring gifts, including gold and frankincense, to a joyfully reunited and thriving nation.

Psalm (72:1-7, 10-14)

The Psalm is a prayer for the king, that he may rule in justice and righteousness, defending the poor and crushing the oppressor. May the kings of the nations bring him tribute and gifts, bowing down and serving him. May he live forever!

Second Reading (Ephesians 3:1-12)

St. Paul speaks of the mystery, now revealed especially in his own apostleship, of how Gentiles are to be included in the people of God. This was always God’s purpose in sending Jesus, to whom anyone at all can come simply by faith.

Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12)

Scholars from the East tell King Herod of another king whose birth was marked by a star. Following it to Bethlehem, they find and worship the child, giving him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Warned in a dream, they avoid a jealous Herod and start home.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations come to the King bearing gifts (no nation left behind)
  • The inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God
  • The time of fulfillment is breaking upon us with the birth of Jesus
  • The sheer enormity of the Christ-event
  • Gifts for a King?
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Transfiguration Sunday, Year A, February 23, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 24:12-18)

The Lord calls Moses and Joshua up Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments in the form of stone tablets. For six days all the people can see the glory-cloud covering the mountain. Then Moses alone is summoned into the divine presence at its fiery centre.

Psalm (2)

The Psalmist mocks the nations who imagine they can threaten the king of Israel whom the Lord has set upon his holy hill as his newly begotten son. As such, he will surely conquer and rule over the nations, who are exhorted to serve such an awesome God.

Alternative Psalm (99)

The Lord is the holy and exalted king over all the earth. Resident in Mount Zion, he has executed righteousness and justice for everyone to see. His laws were given through his servants who met with him in the pillar of cloud. All are to worship him on his mountain.

Second Reading (2 Peter 1:16-21)

Peter stresses that the power and glory of Jesus is no myth because he himself was one of the eyewitnesses to the Transfiguration. He exults in this event as a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy, which always is to be regarded as God’s own word.

 Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9)

After teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up onto a mountain where his appearance is transformed in brilliant light. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, a heavenly voice clarifies that Jesus, as God’s son, deserves our full attention.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus reveals the power and glory of God in his own being
  • Divine revelation is given by God to his chosen recipients
  • Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity
  • Jesus, as the Son of God, completes and supersedes all who came before
  • Mountain-top experiences with the Lord are important