Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021

 

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Kings 2:1-12)

The young prophet Elisha refuses to let Elijah, his mentor, pass from this world until he is promised a double portion of his spirit. Elijah makes this promise and then is taken into heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot and horses of fire.

Psalm (50:1-6)

The Lord, the righteous judge, shines out of Zion and summons the entire earth before him. He appears in a consuming fire in the midst of a powerful whirlwind, executing justice for his people.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

For Paul, the gospel he proclaims is a brilliant light in the darkness, reflecting the glory of God seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Paul points, not to himself, but to Jesus Christ as Lord. Those whose minds are blinded by the god of this age are unable to see this light.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and thereby disturbing his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son, to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God is on the side of light and against darkness
• God’s word is good news and glorious light
• Jesus reveals the glory of God in his own being
• In the presence of God there is revelation of truth
• Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity
• Jesus, as the light of the world, outshines all who came before and should be seen above all others

 

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, January 31, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)
The Lord, given Israel’s reluctance to encounter him directly like they recently did at Sinai, will provide them with prophets like Moses to mediate his word. Those who hear it will be under a serious obligation to obey and woe betide the false prophet.

Psalm (111)
The works of the Lord incite the Psalmist to praise because they reveal his merciful and majestic nature and provide for the material and spiritual well being of his people. True wisdom begins with this realization and leads to unending praise.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)
St. Paul turns to the issue of eating meat that had been offered to idols. Those mature in faith can see that such meat is merely food but they should not exercise their freedom to eat if it leads weaker Christians to partake in something they still consider wrong.

Gospel (Mark 1:21-28)
Jesus astounds his listeners at Capernaum by teaching with unique authority. When he casts out an unclean spirit from a man after it had recognized him as the One God had sent to destroy his kind, everyone is even more amazed and his fame spreads.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God’s (Christ’s) works reveal who he is
• By various means God makes his will known to humanity
• No other spiritual power can stand against the one true God
• The true prophet speaks with God’s authority
• That there is only one God has implications for the way we live