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Readings for Sunday, March 19, 2017 Third Sunday in Lent Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Exodus 17:1-7
  • Psalm 95

Second Reading

  • Romans 5:1-11

Gospel

  • John 4:5-42

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

After experiencing a miraculous escape from Egypt at the hand of YAHWEH, the people of Israel bitterly complain to Moses that they will now suffer and die because there is no water for them in the wilderness. In spite of this lack of faith, YAHWEH commands Moses to strike a rock with his staff in order to provide life-giving water for his people. The Psalmist calls the people of God to worship him with thanksgiving because of who he is and what he has done for them. He warns them not to be like their ancestors who dared to test YAHWEH by complaining in the wilderness and then were barred from the Promised Land. St. Paul marvels at the grace of God who saved us through Christ while we were still weak, while we were still sinners and enemies. This work of the Holy Spirit enables our sufferings to produce, in turn, endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint. When Jesus encounters a woman at a well in alien Samaria, he offers her, both a sinner and an enemy, the kind of water that produces eternal life. Through their conversation she comes to recognize him as Messiah and goes home to share the good news with her neighbours. When his disciples try to get Jesus to eat, he teaches them that true food is to do the work of God. He then stays in the area to preach the word to the Samaritans made receptive through the testimony of the woman.

As Introductions

Old Testament

After experiencing a miraculous escape from Egypt at the hand of YAHWEH, the people of Israel bitterly complain to Moses that they will now suffer and die because there is no water for them in the wilderness. In spite of this lack of faith, YAHWEH commands Moses to strike a rock with his staff in order to provide life-giving water for his people.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls the people of God to worship him with thanksgiving because of who he is and what he has done for them. He warns them not to be like their ancestors who dared to test YAHWEH by complaining in the wilderness and then were barred from the Promised Land.

New Testament

St. Paul marvels at the grace of God who saved us through Christ while we were still weak, while we were still sinners and enemies. This work of the Holy Spirit enables our sufferings to produce, in turn, endurance, character and a hope that does not disappoint.

Gospel

When Jesus encounters a woman at a well in alien Samaria, he offers her, both a sinner and an enemy, the kind of water that produces eternal life. Through their conversation she comes to recognize him as Messiah and goes home to share the good news with her neighbours. When his disciples try to get Jesus to eat, he teaches them that true food is to do the work of God. He then stays in the area to preach the word to the Samaritans made receptive through the testimony of the woman.

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Readings for Sunday, March 12, 2017 Second Sunday in Lent

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 12:1-4a
  • Psalm 121

Second Reading

  • Romans 4:1-5; 13-17

Gospel

  • John 3:1-17

Alternative Gospel

  • Matthew 17:1-9

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

After YAHWEH had frustrated the building of the Tower of Babel and had scattered people throughout the earth, he spoke a startling word to Abram in Haran. He told him to leave his country and allow himself to be directed to another. There he would become a great and blessed nation that would in turn be a blessing to all the nations of the earth. The Psalmist draws our attention to the fact that it is only YAHWEH who is our genuine help. As creator and ever-present one, he protects and keeps us from all evil and danger. St. Paul sees that grace is at work in the great promises that God made to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. These cannot depend on his or their keeping of the law because in this they (and we) have failed. Rather it depends on God and his word alone and, as Abraham discovered, it is simply by trusting in him that we are made right with him. It is a gift. In response to Nicodemus, Jesus makes the startling claim that we need to be born again from above in order to enter God’s kingdom. This is a mysterious working of the Spirit and it happens to those who simply put their trust in the word and work of Jesus, the one who has come from heaven for the salvation of the whole world.

As Introductions

Old Testament

After YAHWEH had frustrated the building of the Tower of Babel and had scattered people throughout the earth, he spoke a startling word to Abram in Haran. He told him to leave his country and allow himself to be directed to another. There he would become a great and blessed nation that would in turn be a blessing to all the nations of the earth.

Psalm

The Psalmist draws our attention to the fact that it is only YAHWEH who is our genuine help. As creator and ever-present one, he protects and keeps us from all evil and danger.

New Testament

St. Paul sees that grace is at work in the great promises that God made to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. These cannot depend on his or their keeping of the law because in this they (and we) have failed. Rather it depends on God and his word alone and, as Abraham discovered, it is simply by trusting in him that we are made right with him. It is a gift.

Gospel

In response to Nicodemus, Jesus makes the startling claim that we need to be born again from above in order to enter God’s kingdom. This is a mysterious working of the Spirit and it happens to those who simply put their trust in the word and work of Jesus, the one who has come from heaven for the salvation of the whole world.

Based on the Alternative Readings

After YAHWEH had frustrated the building of the Tower of Babel and had scattered people throughout the earth, he spoke a startling word to Abram in Haran. He told him to leave his country and allow himself to be directed to another. There he would become a great and blessed nation that would in turn be a blessing to all the nations of the earth. The Psalmist draws our attention to the fact that it is only YAHWEH who is our genuine help. As creator and ever-present one, he protects and keeps us from all evil and danger. St. Paul sees that grace is at work in the great promises that God made to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. These cannot depend on his or their keeping of the law because in this they (and we) have failed. Rather it depends on God and his word alone and, as Abraham discovered, it is simply by trusting in him that we are made right with him. It is a gift. Six days after first teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up into a mountain with an inner circle. There, his face blazing like the sun and his clothes becoming a brilliant white, he is transformed. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures of the Old Testament, Peter wants to erect shelters for all three but a voice from heaven makes it clear that it is Jesus alone who warrants their full attention as the Son of God.

As Introductions

Old Testament

After YAHWEH had frustrated the building of the Tower of Babel and had scattered people throughout the earth, he spoke a startling word to Abram in Haran. He told him to leave his country and allow himself to be directed to another. There he would become a great and blessed nation that would in turn be a blessing to all the nations of the earth.

Psalm

The Psalmist draws our attention to the fact that it is only YAHWEH who is our genuine help. As creator and ever-present one, he protects and keeps us from all evil and danger.

New Testament

St. Paul sees that grace is at work in the great promises that God made to Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. These cannot depend on his or their keeping of the law because in this they (and we) have failed. Rather it depends on God and his word alone and, as Abraham discovered, it is simply by trusting in him that we are made right with him. It is a gift.

Gospel

Six days after first teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up into a mountain with an inner circle. There, his face blazing like the sun and his clothes becoming a brilliant white, he is transformed. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures of the Old Testament, Peter wants to erect shelters for all three but a voice from heaven makes it clear that it is Jesus alone who warrants their full attention as the Son of God.

 

 

 

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Readings for Sunday, March 5, 2017 First Sunday in Lent Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7
  • Psalm 32

Second Reading

  • Romans 5:12-19

Gospel

  • Matthew 4:1-11

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The first humans are given a beautiful garden to look after and enjoy, except that the LORD God commands them not to eat of the fruit of just one of the trees. The woman encounters the serpent who casts doubt on the word of God and, attracted to the forbidden fruit, she eats of it and then shares it with her husband. Their disobedience results in an immediate awareness of their nakedness. The Psalmist rejoices in the fact that his sin is forgiven because he has finally come to confess it before God. He now knows he can trust in the ways of YAHWEH and encourages others to do the same. St. Paul sees in Adam a mirror image of Christ in the sense that through Adam all have sinned and been alienated from God, resulting in death but through Christ’s obedience all are made right with God, resulting in life. After Jesus had been tempted for forty days and nights, the devil came and, twisting the Word of God, tries to turn him from the way of God. However, Jesus knows well the truth of the Scriptures and uses it to rebuke the devil and continue in obedience to his Father.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The first humans are given a beautiful garden to look after and enjoy, except that the LORD God commands them not to eat of the fruit of just one of the trees. The woman encounters the serpent who casts doubt on the word of God and, attracted to the forbidden fruit, she eats of it and then shares it with her husband. Their disobedience results in an immediate awareness of their nakedness

Psalm

The Psalmist rejoices in the fact that his sin is forgiven because he has finally come to confess it before God. He now knows he can trust in the ways of YAHWEH and encourages others to do the same.

New Testament

St. Paul sees in Adam a mirror image of Christ in the sense that through Adam all have sinned and been alienated from God, resulting in death but through Christ’s obedience all are made right with God, resulting in life.

Gospel

After Jesus had been tempted for forty days and nights, the devil came and, twisting the Word of God, tries to turn him from the way of God. However, Jesus knows well the truth of the Scriptures and uses it to rebuke the devil and continue in obedience to his Father.

 

 

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Readings for Wednesday, March 1, 2017 Ash Wednesday Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Joel 2:1-2; 12-17
  • Psalm 51:1-17

Alternate First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 58:1-12
  • Psalm 51:1-17

Second Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10

Gospel

  • Matthew 6:1-6; 16-21

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Through the prophet Joel YAHWEH warns of an impending “Day of the Lord” and pleads with his people to return to him in sincerity of heart. He calls for a fast that goes beyond mere outward observance to one that relies instead on his steadfast love and mercy. The Psalmist, face to face with the ugly reality of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit and a new heart. His present heart, broken and repentant, must therefore be offered up as a sacrifice to YAHWEH, in whose love and mercy it will be found acceptable. St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked and suffered much, although, as he relates in a series of wonderful paradoxes, he has been blessed abundantly at the more important spiritual level. Jesus teaches that going about our religious observances in order to impress others reveals that it is not the things of heaven that are of ultimate importance to us. If our hearts are truly oriented to God, we will be happy that only he knows that we do these things and he will provide the appropriate blessing in due course.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through the prophet Joel YAHWEH warns of an impending “Day of the Lord” and pleads with his people to return to him in sincerity of heart. He calls for a fast that goes beyond mere outward observance to one that relies instead on his steadfast love and mercy.

Psalm

The Psalmist, face to face with the ugly reality of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit and a new heart. His present heart, broken and repentant, must therefore be offered up as a sacrifice to YAHWEH, in whose love and mercy it will be found acceptable.

New Testament

St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked and suffered much, although, as he relates in a series of wonderful paradoxes, he has been blessed abundantly at the more important spiritual level.

Gospel

Jesus teaches that going about our religious observances in order to impress others reveals that it is not the things of heaven that are of ultimate importance to us. If our hearts are truly oriented to God, we will be happy that only he knows that we do these things and he will provide the appropriate blessing in due course.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Isaiah voices YAHWEH’s displeasure with the people of Israel who seek to draw near to him through fasting but who do not observe his ways. He does not respond to such religious observances, but insists that caring for those in need and ending injustice are what he is looking for. This is a true fast, one that will ultimately lead to the restoration of the nation. The Psalmist, face to face with the ugly reality of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit and a new heart. His present heart, broken and repentant, must therefore be offered up as a sacrifice to YAHWEH, in whose love and mercy it will be found acceptable. St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked and suffered much, although, as he relates in a series of wonderful paradoxes, he has been blessed abundantly at the more important spiritual level. Jesus teaches that going about our religious observances in order to impress others reveals that it is not the things of heaven that are of ultimate importance to us. If our hearts are truly oriented to God, we will be happy that only he knows that we do these things and he will provide the appropriate blessing in due course.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Isaiah voices YAHWEH’s displeasure with the people of Israel who seek to draw near to him through fasting but who do not observe his ways. He does not respond to such religious observances, but insists that caring for those in need and ending injustice are what he is looking for. This is a true fast, one that will ultimately lead to the restoration of the nation.

Psalm

The Psalmist, face to face with the ugly reality of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit and a new heart. His present heart, broken and repentant, must therefore be offered up as a sacrifice to YAHWEH, in whose love and mercy it will be found acceptable.

New Testament

St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked and suffered much, although, as he relates in a series of wonderful paradoxes, he has been blessed abundantly at the more important spiritual level.

Gospel

Jesus teaches that going about our religious observances in order to impress others reveals that it is not the things of heaven that are of ultimate importance to us. If our hearts are truly oriented to God, we will be happy that only he knows that we do these things and he will provide the appropriate blessing in due course.

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Readings for February 26, 2017 Year A Transfiguration Sunday

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Exodus 24:12-18
  • Psalm 2

Second Reading

  • 2 Peter 1:16-21

Gospel

  • Matthew 17:1-9

Alternative Psalm for Above Readings

  • Psalm 99

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH calls Moses and his aide Joshua up onto Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments in the form of stone tablets. For six days the people can see the glory-cloud covering the mountain before Moses alone is summoned into the divine presence at its fiery centre. The Psalmist mocks the nations who imagine they can threaten the king of Israel whom YAHWEH himself has set upon his holy hill. The king is YAHWEH’s newly begotten son and as such he will conquer and rule over the nations who are exhorted to serve such an awesome God. St. Peter stresses to his audience that he was one of the eyewitnesses to the power and majesty of Jesus at the Transfiguration and follows no myth. He then exults in this event as a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy and, as such, spoken by God himself. Six days after first teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up into a mountain with an inner circle. There, his face blazing like the sun and his clothes becoming a brilliant white, he is transformed. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures of the Old Testament, Peter wants to erect shelters for all three but a voice from heaven makes it clear that it is Jesus alone who warrants their full attention as the Son of God.

As Introductions

Old Testament

YAHWEH calls Moses and his aide Joshua up onto Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments in the form of stone tablets. For six days the people can see the glory-cloud covering the mountain before Moses alone is summoned into the divine presence at its fiery centre.

Psalm

The Psalmist mocks the nations who imagine they can threaten the king of Israel whom YAHWEH himself has set upon his holy hill. The king is YAHWEH’s newly begotten son and as such he will conquer and rule over the nations who are exhorted to serve such an awesome God.

New Testament

St. Peter stresses to his audience that he was one of the eyewitnesses to the power and majesty of Jesus at the Transfiguration and follows no myth. He then exults in this event as a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy and, as such, spoken by God himself.

Gospel

Six days after first teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up into a mountain with an inner circle. There, his face blazing like the sun and his clothes becoming a brilliant white, he is transformed. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures of the Old Testament, Peter wants to erect shelters for all three but a voice from heaven makes it clear that it is Jesus alone who warrants their full attention as the Son of God.

Based on the Alternative Readings

YAHWEH calls Moses and his aide Joshua up onto Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments in the form of stone tablets. For six days the people can see the glory-cloud covering the mountain before Moses alone is summoned into the divine presence at its fiery centre. The Psalmist presents YAHWEH as the holy and exalted king over all the earth but resident in Zion his holy mountain. There he has executed righteousness and justice for all to see. There the Law was given through his priests who met with him in the pillar of cloud. St. Peter stresses to his audience that he was one of the eyewitnesses to the power and majesty of Jesus at the Transfiguration and follows no myth. He then exults in this event as a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy and, as such, spoken by God himself. Six days after first teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up into a mountain with an inner circle. There, his face blazing like the sun and his clothes becoming a brilliant white, he is transformed. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures of the Old Testament, Peter wants to erect shelters for all three but a voice from heaven makes it clear that it is Jesus alone who warrants their full attention as the Son of God.

As Introductions

Old Testament

YAHWEH calls Moses and his aide Joshua up onto Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments in the form of stone tablets. For six days the people can see the glory-cloud covering the mountain before Moses alone is summoned into the divine presence at its fiery centre.

Psalm

The Psalmist presents YAHWEH as the holy and exalted king over all the earth but resident in Zion his holy mountain. There he has executed righteousness and justice for all to see. There the Law was given through his priests who met with him in the pillar of cloud.

New Testament

St. Peter stresses to his audience that he was one of the eyewitnesses to the power and majesty of Jesus at the Transfiguration and follows no myth. He then exults in this event as a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy and, as such, spoken by God himself.

Gospel

Six days after first teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up into a mountain with an inner circle. There, his face blazing like the sun and his clothes becoming a brilliant white, he is transformed. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, the greatest figures of the Old Testament, Peter wants to erect shelters for all three but a voice from heaven makes it clear that it is Jesus alone who warrants their full attention as the Son of God.

 

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Readings for February 19, 2017 Year A Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18
  • Psalm 119:33-40

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:38-48

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

In this passage we are told that our need to be holy is because YAHWEH himself is holy. Five times we are reminded that we are to live in these ways simply because “I am the LORD”. This Holiness Code is spelled out in terms of our responsibility to love our neighbor as ourselves. This goes beyond simply treating others with respect to actively promoting their welfare. The Psalmist understands that the Commandments are not just an arbitrary list of rules but a way or path to the kind of life promised by YAHWEH for his people. It is the Psalmist’s deepest prayer to know, understand, and walk in this way. St. Paul continues making his point to the Corinthian church that their faith and their standing with God rests on Christ alone and not on the work of any merely human leader. Built on this foundation, they are a holy temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and, because they belong to Christ, precious in God’s eyes. In the Gospel Jesus he calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. While this may sound like the Holiness Code, our Lord makes it clear that he is setting the standard even higher for his followers, to the point of impossibility apart from the grace of God.

As Introductions

Old Testament

In this passage we are told that our need to be holy is because YAHWEH himself is holy. Five times we are reminded that we are to live in these ways simply because “I am the LORD”. This Holiness Code is spelled out in terms of our responsibility to love our neighbor as ourselves. This goes beyond simply treating others with respect to actively promoting their welfare.

Psalm

The Psalmist understands that the Commandments are not just an arbitrary list of rules but a way or path to the kind of life promised by YAHWEH for his people. It is the Psalmist’s deepest prayer to know, understand, and walk in this way.

New Testament

St. Paul continues making his point to the Corinthian church that their faith and their standing with God rests on Christ alone and not on the work of any merely human leader. Built on this foundation, they are a holy temple, indwelt by the Holy Spirit and, because they belong to Christ, precious in God’s eyes.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus he calls us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is perfect. While this may sound like the Holiness Code, our Lord makes it clear that he is setting the standard even higher for his followers, to the point of impossibility apart from the grace of God.

 

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Readings for February 5, 2017 Year A Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 58:1-12
  • Psalm 112:1-10

Second Reading

  • I Corinthians 2:1-16

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:13-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him. The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them. St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness. In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

As Introductions

Old Testament

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him.

Psalm

The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them.

New Testament

St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

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Readings for January 29, 2017 Year A Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Micah 6:1-8
  • Psalm 15

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:1-12

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The prophet Micah, writing at a time when Judah had fallen into disobedience, pictures YAHWEH calling the mountains as witnesses to what he teaches his wayward people. Do they not remember his mighty salvation in bringing them up out of Egypt to the Promised Land against fierce opposition along the way? It is not more ritual sacrifice that he requires now, but rather that people humbly keep in step with him. The Psalmist points out that those who would dwell with YAHWEH must walk blamelessly, speaking and doing the truth no matter the cost. St. Paul wants to ensure that no one can boast that they have achieved their own salvation: it is the Lord alone who saves. The message of the cross contradicts the means by which human beings normally acquire spiritual truth. It is foolishness to the Greeks who seek wisdom and weakness to the Jews who seek powerful signs. Matthew recounts how Jesus, having ascended a mountain, teaches his people about the path that leads to God. The ensuing Beatitudes embody a life of meekness and humility that will draw opposition and even persecution by contradicting a wayward world.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Micah, writing at a time when Judah had fallen into disobedience, pictures YAHWEH calling the mountains as witnesses to what he teaches his wayward people. Do they not remember his mighty salvation in bringing them up out of Egypt to the Promised Land against fierce opposition along the way? It is not more ritual sacrifice that he requires now, but rather that people humbly keep in step with him.

Psalm

The Psalmist points out that those who would dwell with YAHWEH must walk blamelessly, speaking and doing the truth no matter the cost.

New Testament

St. Paul wants to ensure that no one can boast that they have achieved their own salvation: it is the Lord alone who saves. The message of the cross contradicts the means by which human beings normally acquire spiritual truth. It is foolishness to the Greeks who seek wisdom and weakness to the Jews who seek powerful signs.

Gospel

Matthew recounts how Jesus, having ascended a mountain, teaches his people about the path that leads to God. The ensuing Beatitudes embody a life of meekness and humility that will draw opposition and even persecution by contradicting a wayward world.

 

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Readings for January 22, 2017 Year A Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 9:1-4
  • Psalm 27:1, 4-9

Second Reading

  • 1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Gospel

  • Matthew 4:12-23

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The prophet Isaiah, speaking at a time of distress, declares that a time is coming in which Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be the first to experience the glorious light of liberation. This will happen like it did when Gideon’s tiny band defeated the powerful army of the Midians in the days of old. The Psalmist declares his trust in YAHWEH as his light and salvation and in whose presence he desires to dwell concealed from his enemies. There he will be sure to rise above them and be safe, if only YAHWEH will grant him a hearing. St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He reminds them that his own calling is not even to baptize, let alone have people be his disciples. He is only a servant of Christ, who has sent him to preach the gospel of the cross that, although seeming foolish to unbelievers, is actually the power of God for salvation. St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to obscurity in Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. It is there that he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and the dawning light of God’s kingdom blessings begins to shine in the darkness.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Isaiah, speaking at a time of distress, declares that a time is coming in which Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be the first to experience the glorious light of liberation. This will happen like it did when Gideon’s tiny band defeated the powerful army of the Midians in the days of old.

Psalm

The Psalmist declares his trust in YAHWEH as his light and salvation and in whose presence he desires to dwell concealed from his enemies. There he will be sure to rise above them and be safe, if only YAHWEH will grant him a hearing.

New Testament

St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He reminds them that his own calling is not even to baptize, let alone have people be his disciples. He is only a servant of Christ, who has sent him to preach the gospel of the cross that, although seeming foolish to unbelievers, is actually the power of God for salvation.

Gospel

St. Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to obscurity in Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah. It is there that he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and the dawning light of God’s kingdom blessings begins to shine in the darkness.

 

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Readings for December 25, 2016 Year A Christmas Proper 1

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 9:2-7
  • Psalm 96

Second Reading

  • Titus 2:11-14

Gospel

  • Luke 2:1-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Isaiah, writing at the lowest point in Israel’s history, sets forth a remarkable vision of a time in which the nation’s fortunes will be wonderfully and miraculously reversed. A son will be given to the line of David and he will exercise his power and authority wisely, ruling forever over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness. This will come about because YAHWEH is behind him all the way. The Psalmist calls all the nations to abandon their idols and come to worship YAHWEH in a song they have never sung before. 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. St. Paul declares that through the death of Jesus Christ God’s grace has come into a world set against him, bringing salvation to all. This same grace is preparing us to live godly lives as we await his final appearing at the end of the age. St. Luke tells of how Jesus came into this world in the line of David, in the city of David, and with the praise of angels. But it was to a band of humble shepherds they appeared and it was to a simple manger the men were sent. There they caught a glimpse of the tiny Saviour whose coming had shattered their nighttime sky into glorious light. It was Messiah at last!

As Introductions

Old Testament

Isaiah, writing at the lowest point in Israel’s history, sets forth a remarkable vision of a time in which the nation’s fortunes will be wonderfully and miraculously reversed. A son will be given to the line of David and he will exercise his power and authority wisely, ruling forever over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness. This will come about because YAHWEH is behind him all the way.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls all the nations to abandon their idols and come to worship YAHWEH in a song they have never sung before. 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.

New Testament

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

Gospel

St. Luke tells of how Jesus came into this world in the line of David, in the city of David, and with the praise of angels. But it was to a band of humble shepherds they appeared and it was to a simple manger the men were sent. There they caught a glimpse of the tiny Saviour whose coming had shattered their nighttime sky into glorious light. It was Messiah at last!