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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 18, 2020

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 33:12-23)

The Lord promises Moses that his Presence will remain with Israel, demonstrating her unique status among the nations. In order to reassure him, the Lord grants his request to see the divine glory, but only a glimpse is allowed for his own protection.

Psalm (99)

The Psalmist begins with the affirmation of the Lord as King of all peoples, a King whose love of justice and righteousness has been displayed first of all in Israel. Three times he calls the people to worship in his holy and awesome Presence.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Paul knows his readers are among God’s chosen because his preaching of the Gospel was in the power of the Spirit and they responded with faith. Having turned from idols to become joyful examples in spite of persecution, they await Jesus’ saving return.

Gospel (Matthew 22:15-22)

Some Pharisees try to discredit Jesus by asking him about an unpopular Roman tax. He asks them whose face and caption are on the coin being used. It is the emperor’s, they admit, and fall silent when Jesus says to give to both emperor and God what is theirs.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Everything in all creation belongs to God and joins in worshipping him
  • God calls all peoples to worship him alone
  • The blessings we enjoy are intended to turn others to the Lord
  • The importance of the right attitude when confronted with the truth of God
  • To whom do we owe ultimate allegiance?
  • The holiness of God
  • The Lord is not safe, but he is good (apologies to C.S. Lewis)
  • God is sovereign over all kings and rulers
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. See Philippians 2.15, 16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and everliving God,
increase in us your gift of faith,
that forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to what is before,
we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; 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 (Isaiah 45:1-7)

The Lord describes Cyrus the Persian emperor as his anointed servant, through whom he is working on behalf of Israel. The Lord affirms his divine sovereignty over Cyrus and history itself. His actions are intended to make his unique status universally known.

Psalm (96:1-9, [10-13])

In a breathtaking affirmation of the Lord’s absolute sovereignty over all the earth, the Psalmist calls all nations to come to worship him as the only king. He is the all-powerful creator and judge, while other gods are mere idols. Nature itself joyfully worships him.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

Paul knows his readers are among God’s chosen because his preaching of the Gospel was in the power of the Spirit and they responded with faith. Having turned from idols to become joyful examples in spite of persecution, they await Jesus’ saving return.

Gospel (Matthew 22:15-22)

Some Pharisees try to discredit Jesus by asking him about an unpopular Roman tax. He asks them whose face and caption are on the coin being used. It is the emperor’s, they admit, and fall silent when Jesus says to give to both emperor and God what is theirs.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Everything in all creation belongs to God and joins in worshipping him
  • To whom do we owe ultimate allegiance?
  • God is sovereign over all earthly kings and rulers
  • God is accomplishing his purposes in history
  • Turning from idols to the living God
  • The joy of following Jesus
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)

Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life. See Philippians 2.15, 16

Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and everliving God,
increase in us your gift of faith,
that forsaking what lies behind
and reaching out to what is before,
we may run the way of your commandments and win the crown of everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  AMEN

Posted on

Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 17, 2020

Lection Connection for Ascension Day can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 17:22-31)

Paul invites Athenians to turn to the “unknown God” whose altar he found in their city. This God, he proclaims, is Creator and sustainer of all, not a mere human-made idol. He has chosen a man to judge the whole world and raised him from the dead to prove it.

Psalm (66:8-20)

The Psalmist calls upon the nations to bless the God who has tested, sustained and delivered Israel. Consider as well, he says, what the has done for me in his steadfast love! He has heard my cry because I have not walked in iniquity.

Second Reading (1 Peter 3:13-22)

In dealing with the question of suffering for doing good, St. Peter points to Jesus, the perfectly good one who suffered and died for our sins. His resurrection assures his place at God’s right hand and serves as the basis of the salvation we enter through baptism.

Gospel (John 14:15-21)

Jesus makes it clear that those who truly love him will keep his commandments. Even though he will soon be departing this life, he will give all who obey him the Spirit of truth. The Spirit will enable them to have an ongoing intimacy with him and the Father.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Those who claim to love God will seek to live by his laws
  • The evidence for God and his truth is there for those willing to see and believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus serves to authenticate his roles in the salvation of the world
  • Suffering and death find their ultimate answer in the resurrection of Jesus

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

If you love me, you will keep my word, and my Father will love you, and we will come to you. See John 14.23

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Merciful God,
you have prepared for those who love you
riches beyond imagination.
Pour into our hearts such love toward you,
that we, loving you above all things,
may obtain your promises,
which exceed all that we can desire;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN