Transfiguration Sunday, February 14, 2021

 

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Kings 2:1-12)

The young prophet Elisha refuses to let Elijah, his mentor, pass from this world until he is promised a double portion of his spirit. Elijah makes this promise and then is taken into heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot and horses of fire.

Psalm (50:1-6)

The Lord, the righteous judge, shines out of Zion and summons the entire earth before him. He appears in a consuming fire in the midst of a powerful whirlwind, executing justice for his people.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

For Paul, the gospel he proclaims is a brilliant light in the darkness, reflecting the glory of God seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Paul points, not to himself, but to Jesus Christ as Lord. Those whose minds are blinded by the god of this age are unable to see this light.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and thereby disturbing his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son, to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God is on the side of light and against darkness
• God’s word is good news and glorious light
• Jesus reveals the glory of God in his own being
• In the presence of God there is revelation of truth
• Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity
• Jesus, as the light of the world, outshines all who came before and should be seen above all others

 

Fourth Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 22, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 16:1-13)

After Saul had failed as the first king of Israel, the Lord sends Samuel to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. To everyone’s surprise, the Lord, who sees the heart, selects David the shepherd boy. Samuel anoints him and he is filled with the Spirit.

Psalm (23)

David likens his relationship with the Lord to 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 a sheep would see as extremely threatening.

Second Reading (Ephesians 5:8-14)

Paul asserts that, in the Lord, Christians have become light, bearing fruit which is good, right and true. They now oppose and shun the darkness and its useless works from which they have come. Christ is the light who makes all this happen.

Gospel (John 9:1-41)

In healing a man born blind Jesus shows that he is the light of the world. The man’s physical and spiritual darkness is dispersed while the Pharisees, who should recognize Messiah, heighten their opposition. Jesus says he has come to expose all to the light.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus is the light of the world, not just part of it
  • We need to see with the eyes of faith
  • Our judgment needs to go beyond superficial appearances
  • God is interested in the attitudes of our hearts more than he is in how things (or we} look to others
  • When Jesus comes into our lives, we see things differently
  • What does it mean to be “light”?

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the light of the world, says the Lord; those who follow me will have the light of life. John 8.12

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
through the waters of baptism
your Son has made us children of light.
May we ever walk in his light
and show forth your glory in the world;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN