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Good Friday, April 10, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that the Lord will deliver him so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve him.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:16-25)

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both the priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result, we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus is innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • As high priest Jesus offers himself, both priest and victim.
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Philippians 2.8–9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ
was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Second Reading

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that the Lord will deliver him so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve him.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sinning. Facing death, he begged God for deliverance but, in the end, bowed to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray
  • The humanity of Christ is essential to our salvation

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ became obedient unto death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name which is above every name. Philippians 2.8–9

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
look graciously, we pray, on this your family,
for whom our Lord Jesus Christ
was willing to be betrayed
and given into the hands of sinners,
and to suffer death upon the cross;
who now lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN

Posted on

Good Friday, April 19, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve the Lord.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:16-25)

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result, we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • As high priest Jesus offers himself, both priest and victim.
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray

 

 

 

 

Based on the Alternate Second Reading

 

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve the Lord.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death, he begged God to save him but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

 

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray
  • The humanity of Christ is our salvation

 

Posted on

The Epiphany, January 6, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use 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, a dramatic change is coming. The glory of the Lord will so shine upon them that the nations will be attracted and bring gifts, including gold and frankincense, to a joyfully reunited and thriving Israel.

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 the 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 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?

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Good Friday, March 30, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

YAHWEH tells of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve YAHWEH.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:16-25)

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result, we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Alternate Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death, he begged God to save him but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • As high priest Jesus offers himself, both priest and victim.
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray

Based on the Alternate Second Reading

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

YAHWEH tells of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve YAHWEH.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death, he begged God to save him but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray
  • The humanity of Christ is our salvation
Posted on

Readings for Holy Week and Easter Year A

The Lection Connection posts for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter – Resurrection of the Lord have all been posted. Please follow the links below to see the individual Lection Connection posts for the upcoming week:

Readings for April 9, 2017 Year A Liturgy of the Passion

Readings for April 13, 2017 Year A Maundy Thursday

Readings for April 14, 2017 Year A Good Friday

Readings for April 16, 2017 Year A Resurrection of the Lord

 

Posted on

Readings for April14,2017 Year A Good Friday

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 52:13-53:12
  • Psalm 22

Second Reading

  • Hebrews 10:16-25 or Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9

Gospel

  • John 18:1-19:42

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph. The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead. The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds. John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

Old Testament

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph.

Psalm

The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead.

New Testament

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Gospel

John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.

Based on the Alternative Readings

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph. The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead. The writer of Hebrews exults in having such an approachable high priest as Jesus who is able to sympathize with us, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death he pleaded for God to save but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation. John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

Old Testament

YAHWEH speaks of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. But like a sacrificial lamb he will bear the transgressions of many, suffering in silence on their behalf and making them whole. Although assigned to the grave, in the end he will find vindication, exaltation and triumph.

Psalm

The Psalmist is in despair because of his enemies, feeling as if surrounded by bulls or lions about to charge and God is nowhere to be seen! While he melts with fear they already cast lots for his clothes. However, at the same time he expresses a final confidence that YAHWEH does see and will act, resulting in praise resounding from all the nations and even the dead.

New Testament

The writer of Hebrews exults in having such an approachable high priest as Jesus who is able to sympathize with us, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death he pleaded for God to save but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel

John’s account of the Passion stresses fulfillments of both Scripture and Jesus’ own words to show that God is in control of these events. Jesus is arrested and faces two Jewish authorities as well as Pilate. In bitter irony Peter denies him three times. In an effort to get to the truth Pilate questions a reluctant Jesus about the charge that he claims to be a king. Satisfied that Jesus is innocent of any crime against Rome he tries to release him after a good flogging but the crowd threatens to smear him as no friend of Caesar if he does so. He gives in and Jesus is crucified, the soldiers casting lots for his tunic. Pilate makes it known that it is Jesus’ claim to be king of the Jews that has condemned him. Jesus gives up his life and is buried nearby in a garden tomb.