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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

 

Posted on

Third Sunday of Advent, December 13, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

Isaiah is anointed by Spirit of the Lord to announce the good news to Israel that all their calamities will be reversed. As the Lord clothes them with salvation and righteousness, as his blessed people they will display his glory before the nations.

Psalm (126)

Reflecting on those blessed occasions when Yahweh had restored Israel’s fortunes in the past, the Psalmist calls upon him once again to act in like manner. Although his people have sown with tears he is confident that they shall reap in joy under the Lord’s hand.

OR

Luke 1:47-55

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same thing happening to many others as God acts to honor his age-old promise to Abraham’s descendants.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

Paul sets out how to live in order to be ready for the coming of Jesus. Live a sound and blameless life, open to the Spirit and the prophets, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

John the Baptist appears in the wilderness as a witness to the coming light. In response to Jewish religious authorities John denies being the Messiah or even a prophet. Rather his baptism is but preparation for a much greater individual, shortly to make his arrival.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God raises up the humble and oppressed
• Preparing for the arrival of the Lord
• The need for good news
• Confidence in God’s arrival, born of his past interventions, transforms the waiting time
• God’s people will endure suffering and trouble but are assured of ultimate relief in God’s time
• The joy of participating in the mission of God