Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:14a, 36-41)

In his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, Peter affirms that Jesus’ resurrection means that God has made him whom they crucified both Lord and Messiah. Three thousand accept his invitation to repent of their sins and receive Christian baptism.

Psalm (116:1-4, 12-19)

The Psalmist declares his love for the Lord because when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to the Lord and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise.

Second Reading (1 Peter 1:17-23)

Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness at least partly a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth.

Gospel (Luke 24:13-35)

Two disillusioned disciples leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb and are joined by a stranger who shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. He vanishes after they recognize that it is Jesus.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus marks the critical moment in God’s plan
  • The resurrection of Jesus provides the entrance to new life for all who believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus marks the partial eruption of God’s future into our present existence
  • The resurrection of Jesus provides hope and meaning in the midst of this life

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Lord Jesus, open to us the scriptures; make our hearts burn within us while you speak. See Luke 24.32

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God,
your Son made himself known to his disciples
in the breaking of bread.
Open the eyes of our faith,
that we may see him in his redeeming work,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN