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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Haggai 1:15b-2:9)
Haggai is given a message for the people of Judah who have returned from exile to the Holy Land: the Lord will continue to be with them and their ruined temple will rise again. More splendid even than Solomon’s temple, it will be filled with the wealth of nations.
Psalm (145:1-5, 17-21)
The Psalmist is caught up in praise as he contemplates the unsurpassed majesty and splendor of the Lord, who blesses the faithful and destroys the wicked. All flesh will someday come to worship him as well.
Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)
To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the return of Jesus and being gathered to him, Paul re-affirms that this glorious event will occur, but only after the rise of the lawless one. As the first fruits of this coming salvation, his readers are to hold fast.
Gospel (Luke 20:27-38)
Luke relates Jesus’ encounter with some Sadducees who try to make belief in the resurrection seem absurd. Jesus responds by teaching that the resurrection is a scripturally-based reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The unsurpassing glory of God brings forth our worship
- God’s salvation will be seen by all people
- God is in the resurrection business
- God will keep his promises, no matter what things look like now
- God’s future transcends our world and our expectations
Based on the Readings as Set, but with the Alternative Psalm
First Reading (Haggai 1:15b-2:9)
Haggai is given a message for the people of Judah who have returned from exile to the Holy Land: the Lord will continue to be with them and their ruined temple will rise again. More splendid even than Solomon’s temple, it will be filled with the wealth of nations.
Psalm (98)
The Psalmist calls for exuberant celebration of the great power of the Lord demonstrated in his decisive exaltation of Israel. The nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in the rejoicing of nature itself.
Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)
To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the return of Jesus and being gathered to him, Paul re-affirms that this glorious event will occur, but only after the rise of the lawless one. As the first fruits of this coming salvation, his readers are to hold fast.
Gospel (Luke 20:27-38)
Luke relates Jesus’ encounter with some Sadducees who try to make belief in the resurrection seem absurd. Jesus responds by teaching that the resurrection is a scripturally-based reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The unsurpassing glory of God brings forth our worship
- God’s salvation will be seen by all people
- God is in the resurrection business
- God will keep his promises, no matter what things look like now
- God’s future transcends our world and our expectations
Based on the Alternative Readings
First Reading (Job 19:23-27a)
In this remarkable passage Job cries out for his words of ultimate hope in the Lord to be written down. Despite his great suffering he is confident of his ultimate vindication. He says that in his own flesh he shall see God long after he has died and his body destroyed.
Psalm (17:1-9)
The Psalmist sees himself as a besieged innocent and cries out to the Lord for vindication. He is confident of being heard and ultimately finding refuge under the shadow of God’s wing.
Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17)
To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the return of Jesus and being gathered to him, Paul re-affirms that this glorious event will occur, but only after the rise of the lawless one. As the first fruits of this coming salvation, his readers are to hold fast.
Gospel (Luke 20:27-38)
Luke relates Jesus’ encounter with some Sadducees who try to make belief in the resurrection seem absurd. Jesus responds by teaching that the resurrection is a scripturally-based reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- God’s salvation will be seen by all people
- God is in the resurrection business
- God will keep his promises, no matter what things look like now
- God’s future transcends our world and our expectations
- Vengeance is mine, says the Lord