Posted on

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, September 1, 2019, Proper 17, Year C

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Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 2:4-13)

Through Jeremiah the Lord charges Israel with gross unfaithfulness. In spite of many blessings at God’s hand, they have become as worthless as the idols to which they have turned. The Lord is outraged that they have forsaken him, the true God, for useless figments of their imagination.

Psalm (81:1, 10-16)

The Psalmist, speaking for the Lord, recites Israel’s refusal to obey the Lord. In spite of his bringing them out of Egypt into the Promised Land they prefer their own ways to his. He yearns for his people to repent so that he can deliver them and pour abundant blessings upon them.

Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)

The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.

Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)

A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
  • Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
  • Vanity, vanity, all is vanity

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Proverbs 25:6-7)

The writer advises that a person should not presume a position among the great because it is better to be invited to come forward than to be embarrassed by being shown a lesser place.

Psalm (112)

The Psalmist notes that those who fear the Lord will be among the great and prosperous in the Land. They give light to others by their gracious conduct, generosity to those in need, and righteous conduct. Secure in the Lord, they provoke the envy of the wicked in their vain desires.

Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)

The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.

Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)

A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
  • Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
  • Vanity, vanity, all is vanity

 

 

 

Posted on

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 25, 2019, Proper 16, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 1:4-10)

Jeremiah is only a boy when the Lord tells him that he is to be to be a prophet to the nations. In fact, he is told that he had been chosen for this intimidating task before birth. Now he is being placed over the nations, having been entrusted with the all-powerful Word of the living God.

Psalm (71:1-6)

Recognizing that God is his fortress and his rock, the Psalmist appeals for divine rescue from the wicked. He declares that he has relied upon the Lord his entire life, even from the day of his birth.

Second Reading (Hebrews 12: 18-29)

The author contrasts the admittedly awesome and terrifying establishment of the Old Covenant under Moses with the much greater aspects of the New, mediated by Jesus. The old regime is giving way to an unshakeable new kingdom, worthy of our total reverence and devotion.

Gospel (Luke 13:10-17)

When Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years, the synagogue leaders object because it is done on a sabbath. But Jesus rebukes them, observing that even they would untie and care for mere beasts on a sabbath, while he has freed a fellow Israelite from her pain.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The kingdom of God coming through Jesus builds on but supersedes all that came before
  • While the Lord is always with us, he acts according to his own timing
  • Nothing is beyond the power of the Lord to enable and deliver us
  • Through Christ we have entered into the ultimate stage of redemption

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 58:9b-14)

Isaiah tells the nation that treating others with compassion and fairness is the path back into the Lord’s favour and blessing. This would include observing the sabbath as a delight rather than out of self-interest. In this way they would be both physically and spiritually revived.

Psalm (103:1-8)

The Psalmist calls upon the people to bless the Lord for all he has done for them by forgiving them and granting them fruitful and healthy lives. He has revealed himself through Moses and given them his law. His love and attention have been lavished upon them and they lack nothing.

Second Reading (Hebrews 12: 18-29)

The author contrasts the admittedly awesome and terrifying establishment of the Old Covenant under Moses with the much greater aspects of the New, mediated by Jesus. The old regime is giving way to an unshakeable new kingdom, worthy of our total reverence and devotion.

Gospel (Luke 13:10-17)

When Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years, the synagogue leaders object because it is done on a sabbath. But Jesus rebukes them, observing that even they would untie and care for mere beasts on a sabbath, while he has freed a fellow Israelite from her pain.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The kingdom of God coming through Jesus builds on but supersedes all that came before
  • God’s rules are intended for our flourishing, not merely as obligations to obey
  • Nothing is beyond the power of the Lord to enable and deliver us
  • Through Christ we have entered into the ultimate stage of redemption
  • We should be deeply grateful for all we have received from the Lord

 

Posted on

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 18, 2019, Proper 15, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 5:1-7)

The Lord is bewildered by his beloved Israel, his vineyard, which has produced only wild grapes in spite of his faithful attention. As a result, he will give it up to be laid waste and become overgrown with weeds. He expected justice and righteousness from them but got the opposite.

Psalm (80:1-2, 8-19)

The Psalmist implores Israel’s Shepherd to come and save her just like a farmer would save a luxuriant vine over which he has faithfully toiled. Why is he allowing it to be attacked and destroyed? Surely if he rescues them they will be faithful to him in the future.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

The writer recounts the story of Israel’s flight from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land as a story of faith. Her history has been full of faith-filled men and women, including Jesus, who died without seeing what God had promised. Like them, we should press on in the life of faith.

Gospel (Luke 12:49-56)

Jesus, filled with anguish over what is going to happen to him, warns that he is bringing fire and division to the earth. Even families will be divided against one another and he wonders why it is that the crowds hearing him cannot see that these things are about to take place.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even God wonders at our faithlessness
  • God’s judgment, while deserved, is intended to result in changed behaviour on our part
  • It is difficult to be faithful when faithfulness does not seem to be rewarded
  • God cares deeply for those he disciplines

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:23-29)

Because he sees everything, the Lord wonders why false prophets dare to speak lies designed to draw his people away from him. Indeed, let them speak, but also let others speak his true word! Only it has any real power and so is readily distinguished from false dreams and visions.

Psalm (82)

The Psalmist pictures the Lord as the divine judge rendering his verdict upon those responsible for administering justice upon the earth. They have failed in their responsibility to protect the weak and needy and so it is time for God himself to come in judgment.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

The writer recounts the story of Israel’s flight from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land as a story of faith. Her history has been full of faith-filled men and women, including Jesus, who died without seeing what God had promised. Like them, we should press on in the life of faith.

Gospel (Luke 12:49-56)

Jesus, filled with anguish over what is going to happen to him, warns that he is bringing fire and division to the earth. Even families will be divided against one another and he wonders why it is that the crowds hearing him cannot see that these things are about to take place.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even God wonders at our faithlessness
  • God’s judgment, while deserved, is intended to result in changed behaviour on our part
  • It is difficult to be faithful when faithfulness does not seem to be rewarded
  • From God’s divine perspective all of humanity and all of human history is present: nothing escapes his view

 

 

Posted on

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, August 11, 2019, Proper 14, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 1;1, 10-20)

Isaiah depicts wayward Judah to be as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah. The religious observances of the people actually give offence to God because of their evil lifestyles. The Lord is especially upset with the lack of justice in the land, but if they reform, blessings will follow.

Psalm (50:1-8, 22-23)

The awesome God of all the earth comes before his covenant people, calling them to hear his judgment upon them. Although they have offered many ritual sacrifices, they have actually forgotten their God and not followed his commandments. To please him, this needs to change.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)

The writer uses Old Testament examples to show that true faith is the conviction that things promised by God are sure. He relates how Abraham never possessed the land but still trusted God’s word that he would. So also, people of faith look for the city of God as a certainty.

Gospel (Luke 12:32-40)

Jesus tells his disciples to give top priority to matters of the kingdom they are inheriting. They are to be ready for his return at any moment, like slaves preparing for the arrival of an absent master. Such readiness will result in a very pleased master who will actually serve them instead.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Faith, by keeping its eyes upon the sure promises of God, leads us to act accordingly
  • In order to please him, God’s people need to be obedient, not just participants in religious ceremonies
  • The life of faith is a matter of setting proper priorities
  • When things look bleak, even impossible, always trust God to keep his word

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-6)

The Lord appears to Abram and affirms his care for him. Abram is concerned that one of his slaves is going to inherit everything he has, but the Lord declares that he will have his own son and countless descendants. Because Abram believes this, he is counted righteous.

Psalm (33:12-22)

Although the Lord is over all the inhabitants of the earth, his eye is especially attentive to his covenant people. He is the one who is able to help them in every kind of need and keep them alive in threatening times. The result is a nation happy and secure in his steadfast love.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16)

The writer uses Old Testament examples to show that true faith is the conviction that things promised by God are sure. He relates how Abraham never possessed the land but still trusted God’s word that he would. So also, people of faith look for the city of God as a certainty.

Gospel (Luke 12:32-40)

Jesus tells his disciples to give top priority to matters of the kingdom they are inheriting. They are to be ready for his return at any moment, like slaves preparing for the arrival of an absent master. Such readiness will result in a very pleased master who will actually serve them instead.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • True faith is not primarily a matter of religious ritual, but of trust
  • Faith, by keeping its eyes upon the promises of God, leads us to act accordingly
  • The life of faith is a matter of setting proper priorities
  • When things look bleak, even impossible, always trust God to keep his word

 

 

Posted on

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost, August 4, 2019, Proper 13, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Hosea 11:1-11)

Depicting Israel as a wayward son, the Lord recalls how he has tenderly cared for the nation and still cares for it. Although judgment is rightly coming upon Israel he cannot abandon them to absolute destruction. Someday they will return to the land and to the Lord.

Psalm (107:1-9, 43)

The Psalmist celebrates the steadfast love of the Lord for his people. He has redeemed them from exile and restored them to the land in spite of their wandering astray. Having had their needs supplied, he calls the nation to remember and give thanks.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-11)

Paul writes that Christians have been raised with Christ and spells out the implications of this fact. We are to live a life rooted in heavenly values, not in earthly ones. Having new selves, no worldly religious, social or national divisions apply to those who are one in Christ.

Gospel (Luke 12:13-21)

When a man wants Jesus to take his side in an inheritance dispute, Jesus uses the opportunity to warn against greed. He tells of a man who gloried in his rich harvest and assumed he was set for life but died instead. We are to be rich toward God rather than store up earthly treasure.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • You can’t out-love God
  • Our eyes are to be focussed on things above, where our priorities should lie
  • In the midst of death, we are in life
  • God’s care for his people is expressed in judgment and redemption
  • The Lord expects us to live different lives from those who do not serve him, and he holds us to account

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12-14; 2:18-23)

Contemplating the fact that we all must die, the Teacher is struck by the futility of a life that is spent pursuing things that we cannot take with us when we go. Instead, others will enjoy the fruit of our labour, knowledge and wisdom. Even worrying about these things is futile.

Psalm (49:1-12)

In light of the fact that we all die, the Psalmist points out that wealth cannot save us from this fate, nor can wisdom. All humankind, rich and poor, wise and foolish, will go to the grave, leaving everything behind. Why then fear those who persecute us? They too will die.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-11)

Paul writes that Christians have been raised with Christ and spells out the implications of this fact. We are to live a life rooted in heavenly values, not in earthly ones. Having new selves, no worldly religious, social or national divisions apply to those who are one in Christ.

Gospel (Luke 12:13-21)

When a man wants Jesus to take his side in an inheritance dispute, Jesus uses the opportunity to warn against greed. He tells of a man who gloried in his rich harvest and assumed he was set for life but died instead. We are to be rich toward God rather than store up earthly treasure.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • In the midst of life, we are in death
  • In the midst of death, we are in life
  • A life centred on what this world has to offer is ultimately futile
  • Our eyes are to be focussed on things above, where our priorities should lie.
  • The Lord expects us to live different lives from those who do not serve him, and he holds us to account

 

 

Posted on

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 28, 2019, Proper 12, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Hosea 1:2-10)

The Lord commands Hosea to marry a prostitute as a way of dramatizing Israel’s waywardness. The names that the Lord gives to their children indicate that severe judgment is coming. Even so, the nation will eventually be blessed and the relationship restored.

Psalm (85)

Based on previous restorations granted to Israel, the Psalmist intercedes for the nation in its current situation of need. He is confident the Lord will turn to them again in his unshakable love and faithfulness. The land will flourish in righteousness and peace once again.

Second Reading (Colossians 2: 6-15, [16-19])

Paul pleads with the Colossians to remain steadfast in Christ who is superior to any other source of spiritual truth and power. Identified with him through baptismal faith, they share in his triumph over sin, death and the law. They should ignore anyone who says anything else.

Gospel (Luke 11:1-13)

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by example and instruction. He provides them with a model prayer to follow and encourages persistence. He promises them that such prayer will succeed because God is more prepared to bless than any human fathers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The need for constancy in our relationship with God
  • God is the same yesterday, today and forever
  • The predisposition of the Lord to remain faithful and to bless
  • Even in judgment there is hope for mercy
  • There is always room for prayer

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis18:20-32)

During Abraham’s encounter with the three visitors, the Lord indicates that Sodom’s extreme wickedness must be dealt with. Abraham manages to negotiate the number of righteous inhabitants for whom the Lord would be willing to spare the city from fifty down to ten.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist is thankful for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. His word is heard by all the kings of the earth, who praise him as well. In spite of his greatness he favours the lowly over the proud. In troubled times, the Psalmist is confident of the Lord’s protection and purpose for him.

Second Reading (Colossians 2: 6-15, [16-19])

Paul pleads with the Colossians to remain steadfast in Christ who is superior to any other source of spiritual truth and power. Identified with him through baptismal faith, they share in his triumph over sin, death and the law. They should ignore anyone who says anything else.

Gospel (Luke 11:1-13)

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by example and instruction. He provides them with a model prayer to follow and encourages persistence. He promises them that such prayer will succeed because God is more prepared to bless than any human fathers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord enters into genuine relationships with humankind in spite of his infinite superiority
  • The predisposition of the Lord to remain faithful and to bless
  • Even in judgment there is hope for mercy
  • There is always room for prayer
  • Never give up on God

 

 

 

Posted on

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 21, 2019, Proper 11, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 8:1-12)

Through the image of a basket of ripe fruit, the Lord shows Amos that Israel is about to be consumed. Eager only for profit, they have been cheating in business and abusing the poor. A time of bitter mourning is coming, a time in which the word of the Lord cannot be found.

Psalm (52)

For those who boast of their misdeeds, the Psalmist has a warning: the Lord will take action against them. The upright, trusting in God for their security, will be vindicated at the downfall of the wicked. God’s actions show him to be faithful and good, worthy to be praised.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus teach instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Better to trust in God than simply be content with doing good

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-10a)

The Lord comes to Abraham in the form of three men whom he invites to share in his hospitality. He waits on them while his wife Sarah prepares a meal in the tent. Waiting for them to finish, he is told by one that by the time he returned the barren Sarah would have a son.

Psalm (15)

The Psalmist insists that, in order to remain in relationship with the Lord, a person must lead an upright life. Their actions should support others, their word is to be their bond and their money is to be held lightly. This is the path to a settled and secure life.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Practicing hospitality is good; listening to God is better

 

 

Posted on

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 14, 2019, Proper 10, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 7:7-17)

Jeroboam, the king of northern Israel receives a message from the Lord through the prophet Amos. The king and the nation have strayed far from the commandments of God and will soon lose their land and go into exile in a foreign country. The indictment is not well received.

Psalm (82)

God is pictured presiding in his divine council and indicting those in earth who abuse the poor and lowly who should be granted justice and deliverance instead. The oppressors are walking in darkness, thinking highly of themselves in spite of the fact that they are mere mortals.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.

Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a despised Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
  • Disobedience to God has serious consequences
  • The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
  • Self-deception is a dangerous thing

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:9-14)

Just before he dies, Moses charges the Israelites to keep God’s commandments and flourish as a result. These are not beyond their reach, being already in their mouths and hearts. But they must be observed.

Psalm (25:1-10)

The Psalmist turns to the Lord for protection, asking for knowledge of his ways and to be led in his truth. He acknowledges his sin and makes his appeal based only on God’s mercy and love. He is the one who leads humble sinners in his blessed ways as they keep faith with him.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.

Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a detested Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
  • The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
  • Self-deception is a dangerous thing
  • God makes his ways known to us if we are open and humble before him

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 7, 2019, Proper 9, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 5:1-14)

A captive Israeli girl informs her master Naaman, commander of Aram’s army, that there is a prophet back home who can cure his leprosy. He finds Elisha who tells him to wash in the Jordan to be healed. At first he refuses, but his servants convince him to try and he is healed.

Psalm (30)

Because the Lord healed him in the past, the Psalmist invites others to join him in praise and thanksgiving. When he had been confident in his prosperity, adversity had brought him low. But Yahweh heard his cry and turned his mourning into joy.

Second Reading (Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16)

Paul directs the Galatians to restore sinners among them with humility, keeping in mind their own weaknesses. In this attitude they are to care for one another, doing what is right in the Spirit. They are to boast only in the Cross of Christ, who gathers all peoples into a new creation.

Gospel (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Jesus sends out seventy disciples into all the towns he is going to as his representatives and as agents of the incoming kingdom of God. They rejoice in their power over the demonic forces of Satan, but Jesus tells them that just being accepted in heaven is more important than even this.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • There are varieties of healings but only one God
  • All of us represent the Lord to others
  • Using spiritual power with humility and care
  • A little humility goes a long way

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 66:10-14)

Isaiah looks forward to a time when Jerusalem becomes the nurturing mother of God’s people. The prosperity of the nations shall be hers while her people are comforted. Then Israel will be glad and flourish and it will be known that her great God is surely with them.

Psalm (66:1-9)

The Psalmist calls the whole earth to praise the God of Israel who rescued her through the Red Sea and across the Jordan river. His power is without limit and his shaken adversaries humbly bow low before him in acknowledgement.

Second Reading (Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16)

Paul directs the Galatians to restore sinners among them with humility, keeping in mind their own weaknesses. In this attitude they are to care for one another, doing what is right in the Spirit. They are to boast only in the Cross of Christ, who gathers all peoples into a new creation.

Gospel (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Jesus sends out seventy disciples into all the towns he is going to as his representatives and as agents of the incoming kingdom of God. They rejoice in their power over the demonic forces of Satan, but Jesus tells them that just being accepted in heaven is more important than even this.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our weaknesses and defeats offer opportunity for God’s power to be known
  • Using spiritual power with humility and care
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • God is in the business of putting things right

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 30, 2019, Proper 8, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14)

As Elijah nears the end of his life, young Elisha refuses to leave his side. After a chariot of fire takes the older man up into heaven, Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle and inherits a double portion of his spirit. To cross the Jordan he, like Elijah, divides it with his mantle.

Psalm (77:1-2, 11-20)

The Psalmist cries out to the Lord to hear him in his hour of need. He gathers strength from remembering God’s mighty deeds of deliverance of Israel in the past as well as his great power displayed in creation.

Second Reading (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)

Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom is grounded in love and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is not the freedom to sin but to act in accordance with God’s law as the Spirit produces his fruit in our lives. This is life in the Spirit in contrast to life in the flesh.

Gospel (Luke 9:51-62)

As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem for the last time he impresses a sense of urgency upon anyone who would dare to follow him. The advance of the kingdom has supreme priority over all other concerns, legitimate though they might be.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The way of the Lord is not easy, but it comes with his provision and enabling
  • Sometimes we need to get out of God’s way and let go
  • Through his Spirit, God will find a way to accomplish his purposes
  • Where Jesus leaves off, his Spirit continues

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21)

As part of his encounter with the Lord at Sinai, Elijah is told to go to anoint new kings in Syria and Israel and then anoint Elisha as his successor. He encounters the latter plowing in the field and permits him to say a proper goodbye to his parents.

Psalm (16)

In seeking the protection of the Lord, the Psalmist reflects on the many benefits of trusting in him. He has avoided great sorrows as well as enjoying a pleasant life and heritage. He rests secure in the Lord’s presence, counsel and blessing.

Second Reading (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)

Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom is grounded in love and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is not the freedom to sin but to act in accordance with God’s law as the Spirit produces his fruit in our lives. This is life in the Spirit in contrast to life in the flesh.

Gospel (Luke 9:51-62)

As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem for the last time he impresses a sense of urgency upon anyone who would dare to follow him. Time is running out and the advance of the kingdom has supreme priority over all other concerns, legitimate though they might be.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The kingdom comes with its priorities
  • The way of the Lord is not easy, but it comes with his provision and enabling
  • Through his Spirit, God will find a way to accomplish his purposes
  • Where Jesus leaves off, his Spirit continues