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Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 12, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 25:19-34)

Isaac’s wife Rebekah proves to be barren but, after he prays, she soon conceives twin boys. The Lord informs her that, surprisingly, the older will come to serve the younger. Years later, the elder, Esau, offhandedly sells his birthright to his twin, Jacob.

Psalm (Psalm 119:105-112)

The Psalmist, although severely afflicted and under threat, declares his confidence in the word of the Lord, his heritage forever. It will light his way and provide him with life itself.

Second Reading (Romans 8:1-11)

Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the demands of the Law and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom for those who understand. Those who do not, or who wilt under persecution, or allow the cares of the world and its wealth to distract them, will wither.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following the Lord involves a struggle
  • The Word and Ways of God need to be embraced with care and followed with diligence
  • The Word of the Lord endures forever
  • The Word of the Lord will accomplish what it sets out to do, one way or the other

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face; 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 55:10-13)

Isaiah affirms that the word of the Lord is as fruitful as rain and snow, always accomplishing its purpose. He tells Israel that it will come back from exile in great joy and peace. The event will be an everlasting memorial, with creation itself transformed.

Psalm (65:[1-8], 9-13)

The Psalmist celebrates God’s active care in answering prayer, forgiving sins, living among his people and delivering them. As creator and sustainer, he is the hope of all humanity, which benefits from his watering of the earth to produce fruit in abundance.

Second Reading (Romans 8:1-11)

Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the demands of the Law and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23)

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom for those who understand. Those who do not, or who wilt under persecution, or allow the cares of the world and its wealth to distract them, will wither.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following the Lord involves a struggle
  • The Word and Ways of God need to be embraced with care and followed with diligence
  • The Word of the Lord endures forever
  • The Word of the Lord will accomplish what it sets out to do, one way or the other
  • God reaches out to all, but all do not reach out to God

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it. Deuteronomy 30.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have made us for yourself,
and our hearts are restless
until they find their rest in you.
May we find peace in your service,
and in the world to come, see you face to face; through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.  AMEN

Posted on

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 5, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67)

Abraham’s servant explains to Laban how Abraham had sent him back to Haran to find a wife for Isaac and of how he encountered his beautiful sister Rebekah. Clearly the Lord was in this, and Laban sent the willing girl with him to Canaan to be Isaac’s wife.

Psalm (45:10-17)

On the occasion of a royal wedding the Psalmist exhorts the bride to embrace her new position, one that will result in many personal blessings and universal renown.

OR

 Psalm (Song of Solomon 2:8-13)

The writer of the Song of Solomon paints a seductive picture a charming man who bids his love to come away with him. As winter is giving way to spring it is now the time for beautiful things to blossom.

Second Reading (Romans 7:15-25a)

Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while he wants to live by God’s law he is unable to do so. Instead he is a prisoner of the flesh with its inclination to sin and death, and only Christ can set him free.

Gospel (Matthew 11:16-19,25-30)

Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is often willfully rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord invites us into relationship in winsome ways, but we are still inclined to turn our backs
  • We have much to gain, including life itself, by following the Lord
  • From the outside the Christian life may seem like bondage but in reality it is the freedom to be what we were made to be
  • The Lord takes the initiative in winning us to him

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Blessed is our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has revealed these things to the simple.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ has taught us
that what we do for the least of your children
we do also for him.
Give us the will to serve others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Zechariah 9:9-12)

The prophet Zechariah characterizes Israel as “daughter Zion” and calls her to rejoice at the arrival of her king. He will bring peace to the nations as they come under his rule. Those in captivity will be set free and become prisoners of hope instead.

Psalm (145:8-14)

The Psalmist describes the Lord as abounding in steadfast love and good to all. His works declare his glory and power while under his everlasting dominion the downtrodden are lifted up.

Second Reading (Romans 7:15-25a)

Paul laments the perversity of the human condition in that while he wants to live by God’s law he is unable to do so. Instead he is a prisoner of the flesh with its inclination to sin and death, and only Christ can set him free.

Gospel (Matthew 11:16-19,25-30)

Jesus observes that no matter how God’s invitation is presented, it is often willfully rejected. He claims an exclusive authority to reveal the Father to those he chooses and, for those who accept him, he will share their heavy burdens and give them rest.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • We are all prisoners of one kind or another, to good or to evil, to God or to Satan, to the flesh or to the Spirit
  • The Lord invites us into relationship with him in winsome ways, but we are inclined to turn our backs
  • We have much to gain, including life itself, by following the Lord
  • From the outside the Christian life may seem like bondage but from the inside it is the freedom to be what we were made to be

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Blessed is our Father, Lord of heaven and earth, who has revealed these things to the simple.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ has taught us
that what we do for the least of your children
we do also for him.
Give us the will to serve others
as he was the servant of all,
who gave up his life and died for us,
but lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN