Please see How to Use Lection Connection
First Reading and Psalm
- 1 Samuel 16:1-13
- Psalm 23
Second Reading
- Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel
- John 9:1-41
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
After Saul had failed as the first king of Israel, YAHWEH sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem and the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons as the next king. Both Samuel and Jesse were blind to the proper choice because they, unlike YAHWEH, could not see into the heart. Even though he seemed too young for the job, David the shepherd boy was finally selected and when Samuel anointed him he was filled with the Spirit. David depicts his relationship with YAHWEH in terms of a sheep who trusts that the shepherd knows what he is doing in spite of appearances. He provides water, food and shelter, even in circumstances that the sheep, with its limited vision, would see as extremely threatening. According to St. Paul, the Christian has passed from darkness to light, producing that which is good, right and true. Living in this way makes even the works of darkness visible in the light of Christ. In healing a man born blind Jesus graphically demonstrates that he is indeed the light of the world. The impenetrable darkness of the blind man is dispersed and when he recognizes Jesus as the Son of Man and believes in him, he comes even to see as God sees. The sighted Pharisees, on the other hand, demonstrate through their opposition to Jesus that they are the ones who are really blind and dwell in darkness.
As Introductions and/or for Bulletin Use
Old Testament
After Saul had failed as the first king of Israel, YAHWEH sent the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem and the house of Jesse to anoint one of his sons as the next king. Both Samuel and Jesse were blind to the proper choice because they, unlike YAHWEH, could not see into the heart. Even though he seemed too young for the job, David the shepherd boy was finally selected and when Samuel anointed him he was filled with the Spirit.
Psalm
David depicts his relationship with YAHWEH in terms of a sheep who trusts that the shepherd knows what he is doing in spite of appearances. He provides water, food and shelter, even in circumstances that the sheep, with its limited vision, would see as extremely threatening.
New Testament
According to St. Paul, the Christian has passed from darkness to light, producing that which is good, right and true. Living in this way makes even the works of darkness visible in the light of Christ.
Gospel
In healing a man born blind Jesus graphically demonstrates that he is indeed the light of the world. The impenetrable darkness of the blind man is dispersed and when he recognizes Jesus as the Son of Man and believes in him, he comes even to see as God sees. The sighted Pharisees, on the other hand, demonstrate through their opposition to Jesus that they are the ones who are really blind and dwell in darkness.