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Nativity of the Lord – Proper 1, December 25, 2017, Year B

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Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Isaiah, writing at the darkest point in Israel’s history, sets forth a bright vision in which the nation’s fortunes are miraculously reversed. A son is born to the throne of David who will exercise his power wisely, ruling forever over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness. This is the great desire of YAHWEH.

Psalm (96)

The Psalmist calls the nations to abandon their idols and come to worship YAHWEH in a song. He is coming to judge the peoples fairly and bringing salvation with him. As a result even nature will join in a universal outpouring of praise.

Second Reading (Titus 2:11-14)

St. Paul declares that through the death of Jesus Christ God’s grace bringing salvation to all has come into a world opposed to him. This same grace is preparing us to live godly lives as we await his final appearing at the end of the age.

Gospel (Luke 2:1-20)

St. Luke tells how Jesus was born in the line and city of David to the praise of angels. They appear to a band of humble shepherds, directing them to a simple manger. There they encounter the tiny Messiah whose coming had stirred the angels to light up the nighttime sky.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • Hoping in God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • Nothing can frustrate the plan of God
  • The Light shines in darkness

 

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16)

Having established his kingdom, David presumes that it would now be a good time to build a house for Yahweh. Instead, Yahweh proposes to build a house for David, a line of descendants on the throne of Israel forever, ruling over a kingdom of lasting peace.

Psalm (Luke 1:46b-55)

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same thing happening to many others as God acts to honor his age-old promise to Abraham’s descendants.

OR

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

After extolling the unending nature of Yahweh’s love, the Psalmist celebrates the Davidic covenant. Exalted to the throne of Israel and, calling Yahweh “Father”, David was firmly promised that his descendants would rule forever.

Second Reading (Romans 16:25-27)

In closing his letter to the Romans St. Paul commends them to God. Paul reminds them again of his role in revealing the mystery that Gentiles are as eligible as Jews to be included in God’s people. This exalted standing is based on the teaching of Jesus and the prophets.

Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)

Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she will bear a son named Jesus who will occupy the throne of David forever and even be called the Son of God. She is assured that this birth will be a work of God’s Spirit, transforming her questioning confusion into humble acceptance.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is in the business of exalting the humble
  • The fulfillment of prophecy in the coming of Jesus
  • The unexpected nature of the Christ-event
  • God directs history to his purpose
  • The two advents of our Lord

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

Isaiah has been anointed by Yahweh’s Spirit to announce the good news to Israel that all the calamities that have befallen them will be reversed. As Yahweh clothes them with salvation and righteousness, as his blessed people they will display his glory before the nations.

Psalm (126)

Reflecting on those blessed occasions when Yahweh had restored Israel’s fortunes in the past, the Psalmist calls upon him once again to act in like manner. Although his people have sown with tears he is confident that they shall reap in joy under Yahweh’s hand.

OR

Luke 1:47-55

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same thing happening to many others as God acts to honor his age-old promise to Abraham’s descendants.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

St. Paul sets out how to live in order to be ready for the coming of Jesus. Live a sound and blameless life, open to the Spirit and the prophets, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

John starts his Gospel with the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness as a witness to the light that is coming. In response to the questioning of the Jewish religious authorities he denies being the Messiah or even a prophet. Rather his baptism is preparation for a much greater individual who will shortly make his presence felt.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God raises up the humble and oppressed
  • Preparing for the arrival of the Lord
  • The need for good news
  • Confidence in God’s arrival transforms the waiting time
  • God’s people will endure suffering and trouble but are assured of ultimate relief in God’s time
  • The joy of participating in the mission of God

 

 

 

 

Posted on

First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 64:1-9)

Yahweh having hidden his face, Isaiah pleads for him to act mightily for those who wait for him. Many Israelites have taken Yahweh’s silence as occasion to sin: indeed all have fallen into iniquity. The prophet asks for mercy because they are his people and he is their father.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

The Psalmist, aware of Yahweh’s displeasure with his people, asks him three times to shine his face upon them that they might be saved. They have suffered greatly but Yahweh remains in their midst and will surely respond to their calls on his name.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

St. Paul is thankful for the grace of God given to the Corinthians as evidenced in their speech and knowledge. Indeed, they lack no spiritual gift as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus and are assured of being strengthened to the end, made blameless by the God who is faithful.

Gospel (Mark 13:24-37)

In various ways Jesus encourages his disciples to be ready for his sudden return in great power and glory after a period of earth shaking events. These will occur within a generation and should serve to keep everyone alert, given that his words are more solid than the cosmos itself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The people of God are called to wait expectantly for him in troubled times
  • Faithfulness in a time of waiting
  • Faithfulness in the silence of God
  • Waiting is difficult and dangerous
  • When God finally acts it will be decisive and unmistakable
  • God has provided what we need to remain faithful to the end
Posted on

Reign of Christ, Nov. 26, 2017, Proper 29, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

The Lord God proclaims that he will gather the people of Israel together from their places of exile like a shepherd who gathers his sheep and provides them with lavish care. Those who have abused the weak will be destroyed and the nation’s relationship with God will be restored under David as its shepherd-king.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist exhorts the whole earth to joyful praise of Yahweh, creator of all, and to come into his presence as his people, sheep of his pasture. Yahweh is good, loving and faithful across the generations.

OR

Psalm (95:1-7a)

The Psalmist invites the people of God into the joyful presence of Yahweh with thanks and praise. As creator of all things he is king over all other powers and we are his sheep, fed in his pasture.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)

St. Paul is caught up in the knowledge of God’s great power made known in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to a place above all other rule and authority. He prays that the Ephesians will experience this power more and more as they come to know Christ in whom their hope for redemption is secure.

Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

Using the image of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, Jesus teaches that he himself will occupy a throne of solemn judgment when he returns in great glory. All the nations will be held to account for how they have treated the least of those whom he identifies as extensions of himself, his family.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God/Christ as shepherd-king: savior, provider, protector, judge
  • The people of God as “sheep” and God/Christ as “shepherd”
  • The relationship/identification of God/Christ with his people
  • Trusting in the awesome power of God, creator, re-creator, king
  • God/Christ as the shepherd who sets all things right
  • In the presence of God/Christ

 

 

Posted on

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 19, 2017, Proper 28, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for Thanksgiving Day, November 23, can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Judges 4:1-7)

In the repeated pattern recorded in the book of Judges, Israel falls into sin and Yahweh hands them over to a local Canaanite king. When the people call out to Yahweh he uses the prophetess Deborah to tell the commander of Israel’s army to attack the king’s army with the assurance of victory.

Psalm (123)

In a time when Israel is suffering the scorn and contempt of the proud, the Psalmist directs his plea for relief to the one he knows has power to help. He looks to Yahweh as a maid would naturally look to her mistress.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • The importance of knowing who is in charge
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18)

To those who contentedly believe he will never act in judgment, Yahweh spells out the coming wrath of the Day of the LORD that is at hand. Widespread disobedience to divine commands will bring about worldwide distress, darkness, and destruction.

Psalm (90:1-12)

The Psalmist acknowledges the great gulf between Yahweh’s mighty eternal being and us short-lived mortals. To Yahweh time is of no consideration while humanity struggles to survive but a few passing years. His anger at our sin should inspire us to use our time wisely.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The reality and magnitude of judgment and salvation
  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

 

 

 

Posted on

Thanksgiving Day, November 23. 2017, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 8:7-18)

Moses warns the Israelites not to forget Yahweh when they occupy Canaan and begin to enjoy the extreme fruitfulness of the Land. It was Yahweh who not only brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness but who also gives them the strength to work the land and acquire great wealth. They owe it all to him.

Psalm (65)

The Palmist calls for praise to the God who answers prayer and forgives sins. Those among whom he dwells are blessed indeed, but, as he is the hope of the ends of the earth, all flesh will come to him. As creator he continues to provide the resources for the enormous bounty of the earth, eliciting joy from the whole realm of nature.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

One of St. Paul’s major projects was the collection and delivery of funds from the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Here he encourages the Corinthians to give cheerfully and generously remembering that their blessings have comes from God in the first place. Indeed, their giving will generate further blessing for themselves as well as thanksgiving to God from both Paul and the recipients.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Ten lepers approach Jesus for healing as he makes his way down to Jerusalem. He tells them to show themselves to the priests whose task it is to determine if those with communicable diseases are well enough to re-enter society. On their way they are all healed but only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus and praise God. It amazes Jesus that only one out of ten had come back and he sends him on his way with a commendation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • All that we have, including possessions and abilities, comes from God
  • Giving thanks is not to be taken for granted but needs to be encouraged
  • Failing to give thanks is often an act of forgetfulness
  • God has already done so much for us that thanksgiving is always called for
  • Thanksgiving for blessings, especially when tangibly expressed, brings blessings in turn
  • You can’t out-give God

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 12, 2017, Proper 27, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25)

Having led Israel in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua charges the nation always to follow Yahweh and not the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Land. Joshua commits himself and his family to Yahweh and the people do so as well, Joshua sealing their commitment with a covenant.

Psalm (78:1-7)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to pay attention to things in their past in danger of becoming obscure. The nation is challenged to remember and pass on to future generations the great things Yahweh has done for them, encouraging hope and obedience.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our hope for the future is rooted in the past faithfulness of God
  • Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
  • Forewarned is forearmed
  • The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Amos 5:18-24)

Amos warns his listeners not to expect that the Day of the Lord will bring them vindication and victory. Instead it will bring judgment because, in spite of their meticulous religious observances, they have neglected justice and righteousness.

Psalm (70)

The Psalmist cries out to Yahweh at his delay in coming to deliver and save. He wants his adversaries to suffer dishonor and the faithful to be vindicated. In the meantime he remains confident that Yahweh will act, but pleads for immediate relief.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
  • Forewarned is forearmed
  • The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return
  • We ought at all times to acknowledge our sins before God, but especially so in the light of Christ’s return
  • An orientation to God’s future has implications for the present

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, November 5, 2017, Proper 26, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for All Saints Day can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 3:7-17)

On Yahweh’s word Joshua orders the ark of the covenant into the Jordan and the people pass over on dry ground into the Promised Land. This demonstrates that Yahweh is with Joshua in the same way he was with Moses, authenticating him as the new leader of Israel.

Psalm (107:1-7, 33-37)

The Psalmist calls for thanks to be given to Yahweh for his steadfast love as shown in his redeeming those who cry out to him in the midst of serious trouble. He gathers them to safety and satisfies their thirst and hunger by his power to change even the natural environment to their advantage.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13)

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his conduct among them as a herald of the Gospel. Instead of being a burden, he supported himself while treating them with honesty, respect and concern. He gives thanks that they responded by accepting God’s word into their lives.

Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12)

Jesus acknowledges the value of the teaching of the rabbis but warns his listeners not to follow their example. Their concern is to be seen as pious and to enjoy their exalted place in society. He urges his followers instead to consider themselves students, children, and servants, predicting the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has power over nature, human and otherwise
  • Humility has its rewards
  • God does not overlook the needy
  • True spiritual leadership requires humility and integrity

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Micah 3:5-12)

Yahweh is going to withhold his revelations from those prophets who predict good things for those who feed them and evil things for those who do not. By the Spirit Micah determines to speak the truth of coming judgment to the leaders of Israel who are corrupt at every level.

Psalm (Psalm 43)

The Psalmist calls upon God for vindication against the deceitful and unjust who have oppressed him. He is confident that, if led by God’s light and truth, he will once again offer praise in the sanctuary.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:9-13)

St. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his conduct among them as a herald of the Gospel. Instead of being a burden, he supported himself while treating them with honesty, respect and concern. He gives thanks that they responded by accepting God’s word into their lives.

Gospel (Matthew 23:1-12)

Jesus acknowledges the value of the teaching of the rabbis but warns his listeners not to follow their example. Their concern is to be seen as pious and to enjoy their exalted place in society. He urges his followers instead to consider themselves students, children, and servants, predicting the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • True spiritual leadership requires humility and integrity
  • The easy but spiritually dangerous path of fulfilling societal expectations
  • God will judge his servants who abuse their calling

 

 

 

Posted on

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, October 29, 2017, Proper 25, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for All Saints Day can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 34:1-12)

Moses ascends Mt. Pisgah and Yahweh shows him the entire sweep of the Promised Land to which he has been leading the people through the wilderness. He will never enter it. Instead he dies there on the mountain, an old but still vigorous man. He leaves an imposing legacy for his chosen successor Joshua to emulate as he takes Israel into the Land.

Psalm (90:1-6, 13-17)

The Psalmist celebrates Yahweh as Israel’s refuge, the creator in charge of all life and whose plans are not swept away with the passage of time. He then pleads for Yahweh’s help in the present distress of the nation and enable their efforts to bear fruit. His appeal is based on Yahweh’s steadfast love for his people.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

St. Paul, in spite of opposition, is confident of being entrusted with the Gospel by God himself and reminds the Thessalonians how he had brought the message to them with gentle integrity. Because they were precious to him, he gave his very self along with the Gospel and it has borne fruit in their lives.

Gospel (Matthew 22:34-46)

The Sadducees test Jesus by asking him to name the greatest of God’s laws. He responds by reciting those he says underlie them all: first to love God, and second to love one’s neighbor. Then he leads them to ponder how in the Scriptures David can possibly call his own son “Lord”. This mystery serves to silence them and no one ever dares to test him again.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The cost and benefits of godly leadership
  • The role of opposition and testing in our Christian lives
  • The importance and satisfaction of bearing fruit in our lives
  • The various faces of loving one’s neighbor

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18)

Yahweh has Moses set before the Israelites their basic obligation as the “people of God” to be holy, just as he is holy. He goes on to spell out the fuller implications of what this means for their relationships with their neighbors, loving them as much as themselves.

Psalm (1)

This Psalm, standing at the head of the Psalms, spells out the two paths available for human beings: the way of Yahweh or the way of sinners. Conforming to the Law results in a blessed and stable life in companionship with God. Disobedience to the Law results in judgment and instability in isolation from God.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 2:1-8)

St. Paul, in spite of opposition, is confident of being entrusted with the Gospel by God himself and reminds the Thessalonians how he had brought the message to them with gentle integrity. Because they were precious to him, he gave his very self along with the Gospel and it has borne fruit in their lives.

Gospel (Matthew 22:34-46)

The Sadducees test Jesus by asking him to name the greatest of God’s laws. He responds by reciting those he says underlie them all: first to love God, and second to love one’s neighbor. Then he leads them to ponder how in the Scriptures David can possibly call his own son “Lord”. This mystery serves to silence them and no one ever dares to test him again.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Two opposed ways to live
  • The cost and benefits of godly leadership
  • The various faces of loving one’s neighbor