Day of Pentecost, June 9, 2019, Year C

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Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:1-21)

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Their room is overwhelmed by wind and fire and they begin to proclaim God’s power in the languages of astonished foreign pilgrims. Peter explains this as the arrival of the age to come.

Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)

The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading (Romans 8:14-17)

Paul identifies the Holy Spirit as the one who connects us so intimately to Christ that we share in being God’s children and heirs with him of the glory to come. Led by the Spirit, we are no longer slaves but adopted children, bearing the confirming inner witness of his Spirit.

Gospel (John 14:8-17 [25-27])

Just before he dies Jesus teaches that his works show that he and the Father are one. In fact, those who love him and follow him will actually do more, receiving all they ask in his name. Given the Spirit of truth to remind them of his teaching, they will enjoy his unique peace.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
  • The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable and extend the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
  • The Holy Spirit is Christ-with-us and in us
  • The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Genesis 11:1-9)

Not long after creation humans have one language but they make a prideful attempt to build a great tower in Babel in order to reach all the way to heaven. The Lord is upset and causes them to speak in different tongues to frustrate their efforts and scatter them over the earth.

Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)

The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading (Acts 2:1-21)

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Their room is overwhelmed by wind and fire and they begin to proclaim God’s power in the languages of astonished foreign pilgrims. Peter explains this as the arrival of the age to come.

Gospel (John 14:8-17 [25-27])

Just before he dies Jesus teaches that his works show that he and the Father are one. In fact, those who love him and follow him will actually do more, receiving all they ask in his name. Given the Spirit of truth to remind them of his teaching, they will enjoy his unique peace.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
  • The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
  • The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus
  • The disunity of humanity expressed in language, is no barrier to the Gospel

 

 

 

Ascension Sunday, Year C, June 2, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 1:1-11)

After his resurrection Jesus teaches his disciples about the kingdom of God for forty days. Telling them to wait for the baptism in the Holy Spirit to enable them to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth, he is lifted up into a cloud with a promise that he will return in the same way.

Psalm (47)

Having subdued the whole earth through his people Israel, the Lord has ascended to his throne with thunderous acclamation. The nations are now included in his people, exalting him as their king and joining in joyful praise.

OR

Alternate Psalm (93)

The Lord is the everlasting and universal king of creation, his creation. He is far more majestic than even the awesome thunder of the heavens or the crashing waves of the sea. His laws are sure and his house is holy.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Having heard of the faith and love of the Ephesians, Paul gives thanks and prays that they will know the rich hope to which they are called. God, whose power raised Jesus from the dead and seated him on high over all other authorities, will do this. He is the head of his body, the church.

Gospel (Luke 24:44-53)

In his last resurrection appearance Jesus shows his disciples how the Scriptures predicted his suffering and rising. Witnesses to this, they are to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in his name even to the ends of the earth. With that he blesses them and ascends into heaven.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The ascension of Jesus to the Father marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his ministry extended through the church
  • The ascension of Jesus reveals his true position as the authoritative Son of God
  • Jesus’ followers are to carry the gospel of his kingdom to all the earth and all its inhabitants
  • Jesus ascends to the place of God as universal king over all the nations

 

 

 

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 26, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 16:9-15)

In response to a vision, Paul and the missionary party, now including Luke, make their way to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Lydia, a God-fearing Gentile businesswoman, believes Paul’s message concerning Jesus and is converted. She then invites the group to stay at her home.

Psalm (67)

The Psalmist suggests that the abundant blessings of God upon his people Israel will lead to him being known throughout the nations and praise erupting from every corner. All the peoples will honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in the land of Israel.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5)

John sees the New Jerusalem in its perfect purity, inhabited by the redeemed of all the nations. Constantly lighted solely by the very Presence of God and the Lamb, through its streets flows the river of life. It waters the tree of life with its leaves for the healing of the nations.

Gospel (John 14:23-29)

The night before he died Jesus tells his disciples that those who truly love him will keep his word, a word that is also the Father’s. He promises them the Holy Spirit to help them in this and gives them his own unique peace to comfort them in his absence as they trust in his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations will be an essential part of what God has in store for Israel and Jerusalem
  • The word of God is powerful, able to bring new life
  • God/Jesus will direct the mission of his church
  • What happens in Jerusalem does not stay in Jerusalem

Based on the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Acts 16:9-15)

In response to a vision, Paul and the missionary party, now including Luke, make their way to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Lydia, a God-fearing Gentile businesswoman, believes Paul’s message concerning Jesus and is converted. She then invites the group to stay at her home.

Psalm (67)

The Psalmist suggests that the abundant blessings of God upon his people Israel will lead to him being known throughout the nations and praise erupting from every corner. All the peoples will honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in the land of Israel.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5)

John sees the New Jerusalem in its perfect purity, inhabited by the redeemed of all the nations. Constantly lighted soley by the very Presence of God and the Lamb, through its streets flows the river of life. It waters the tree of life with its leaves for the healing of the nations.

Gospel (John 5:1-9)

Once, while Jesus is in Jerusalem on a sabbath for a Jewish feast, he encounters a long-term invalid. Because of his infirmity and a lack of assistance, he had been unable to benefit from some local healing waters. With a word Jesus heals him and he immediately begins to walk.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations will be an essential part of what God has in store for Israel and Jerusalem
  • The true waters of healing are provided by our Saviour
  • The word of God is powerful, able to bring new life
  • What happens in Jerusalem does not stay in Jerusalem

 

 

Third Sunday in Lent, March 24, 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 55:1-9)

Isaiah calls out to all who desire genuine life-giving sustenance to come to the Lord while he may be found and remember his covenant with David. Following in his exalted ways, not in theirs, they will receive pardon and gain a glory to which even foreigners will be drawn.

Psalm (63:1-8)

The Psalmist proclaims his desire for the God whose presence feeds his soul in the richest of feasts while he meditates upon him in the night. He will bless the Lord and cling to the one in whose steadfast love he is upheld.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

Paul warns the Corinthians to learn from the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. They had the advantage of baptism along with spiritual food and drink and yet fell into sin and even tested God. So we are not to test Christ but to withstand every testing, assured of his help.

Gospel (Luke13:1-9)

To people who assumed that fatal disasters were judgments upon those killed, Jesus points out that all need to repent or likewise perish. He then tells of a fig tree that bore no fruit and was given one last chance to receive what it needed to bear fruit before it was destroyed.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • In Christ we have all we need to flourish: he is our spiritual food
  • Now is the time to live humbly as God’s obedient people
  • Who is testing whom?
  • The need for a repentant and humble attitude
  • Never assume our superiority over others

 

 

Second Sunday in Lent, March 17, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 13:31-35)

On his way to Jerusalem, some Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod. Calling him a fox, Jesus has a message for him. His current ministry is drawing toward a tragic end in that city that has killed the prophets, a city for which he has only a deep desire to save from destruction.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • God is yearning to protect us
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til its over

 

Based on the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a])

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. Jesus then delivers a boy from a demon after his disciples could not. All are amazed at the goodness of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til it’s over
  • The Lord reveals what we need to know just when we need to know it

Baptism of the Lord, January 13, 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 43:1-7)

After informing Israel that her exile was the result of disobedience, Isaiah now reassures her she will pass through these menacing waters because the Lord has created and redeemed her. Giving the nations in exchange, he will gather home her offspring, all those called by his name.

Psalm (29)

The Psalmist calls all heavenly beings to worship Yahweh for his glory and strength, demonstrated by his voice shaking the very earth. All in his temple cry “Glory!” to the eternal king who sits above the flood. May he bless his people with strength and peace.

Second Reading (Acts 8:14-17)

The Apostles in Jerusalem hear that the Word of God had been accepted outside of the Holy Land in Samaria. They send Peter and John to this group who had only been baptized in water and when the Apostles lay hands upon them, they receive the Holy Spirit for the first time.

Gospel (Luke 3:15-17, 21-22)

John the Baptist raises expectations in the people that he might be the Messiah, but he claims that a much greater one is coming who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and with fire. Upon Jesus himself being baptized, a heavenly voice proclaims him as the beloved Son of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The waters of baptism are both disturbing and assuring
  • Jesus identifies with the historical experience of Israel
  • What Jesus brings overflows the expectations of Israel
  • The God of all creation has acted definitively in the arrival of the Christ
  • Christian baptism has both inner and outer dimensions

 

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?

 

 

 

 

First Sunday after Christmas, December 30, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 2:18-20, 36)

Hannah made young Samuel a new sacred robe each year and brought it to him in Jerusalem when she and her husband went to the yearly sacrifice. Eli the priest would bless her and pray that she might have more children. Meanwhile, Samuel grew physically, socially and spiritually.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist enthusiastically calls on all the elements of both heaven and earth to praise the Lord who has created them all, animate and inanimate together. Now he has raised up a horn for his faithful people, a mighty deliverer to save them at last.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:12-17)

Paul instructs the Christians at Colossae in how to live together harmoniously as God’s beloved and chosen people. Led by deep concern for others and shunning self-interest, they are to instruct and discipline one another in the word of Christ, always giving thanks to the Father.

Gospel (Luke 2:41-52)

Every year Jesus and his parents go to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover. At age twelve he goes missing and they find him in the temple maturely engaging Israel’s teachers and claiming that it is his Father’s house. He returns with them where he grows physically, socially and spiritually.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Youth is not a barrier to being used by God
  • We should be open to instruction from one another in the Word of God
  • The Lord is in his house
  • The importance of a loving family life, natural and supernatural

Nativity of the Lord – Proper III, December 25, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:7-10)

Jerusalem’s watchmen, seeing the Lord return with salvation for the ruined city, are exhorted to call her to joyful celebration.  All nations will observe her people comforted and redeemed as the Lord acts in sovereign power.

Psalm (98)

All nature is called loudly to celebrate the coming victory of the Lord on behalf of Israel. Every nation will observe the powerful vindication of his people, aware that he will act fairly and rightly as universal judge.

Second Reading (Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12])

The author celebrates the fact that God has spoken through his Son, who, reflecting him perfectly, is both creator and heir of all things. Much superior to the worshipping angels at his birth, he has made purification for our sins and his kingdom is never ending.

Gospel (John 1:1-14)

St. John tells us that with the Word of creation taking on flesh, God himself has come among us as light and life. John the Baptist serves as its witness but not all to whom the Word is sent receive him. Believers, conversely, are born of God and made his children.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Creation, all over again/All things made new
  • Announcing/giving witness to the Word
  • The difference made by God’s arrival: it’s like night and day
  • Celebrating new birth
  • The universal significance of the coming of God’s salvation
  • The nations will be aware of the coming of God’s salvation