Posted on

Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:42-47)

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to a joyful common life both at home and at the temple. The apostles perform awe-inspiring miracles and many are drawn to join the new group.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist sees the Lord as the good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold.

Second Reading (1 Peter 2:19-25)

Peter points Christians who suffer unjustly to the example of Jesus, their true shepherd. He suffered greatly although innocent, patiently content to trust in God while bearing their sins and freeing them to follow the paths of righteousness.

Gospel (John 10:1-10)

Jesus refers to himself as both the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd whose voice the sheep know. They enter by him and are saved and pastured by him alone. Under his care the sheep enjoy abundant life. Other shepherds are pretenders to be avoided.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Human beings need caring for in a dangerous world
  • Jesus applies to himself the Old Testament roles of the Lord God
  • Christianity is a flock activity
  • Jesus is the indispensable centre of the Christian faith
  • Following the Lord means living as he commands

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord: I know my own and my own know me. John 10.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

 

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

 

 

Posted on

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 19, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 11:1-18)

After Cornelius and his household were converted by Peter’s preaching, the Jerusalem church is concerned that he had associated with Gentiles. But they rejoice when he relates how clearly the Lord had directed him, and how the Gentiles had been given the Holy Spirit just like them.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist enthusiastically calls on all the elements of both heaven and earth to praise the Lord who has created them all, animate and inanimate together. Now he has raised up a horn for his faithful people, a mighty deliverer to save them at last.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:1-6)

As part of the final scene of John’s vision, he depicts a transformed creation in which God will dwell among all humanity as his people, in a new Jerusalem. Suffering, tears, and death will be no more. They will drink of the water of life as God brings his plan of redemption to conclusion.

Gospel (John 13:31-35)

On the night before he died, Jesus speaks to his disciples of his being glorified, and of God being glorified in him. He tells them he is going where they cannot go, but they are to love one another as he has loved them: this will show others that they do, in fact, follow him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The plan of God will be carried out
  • God is the Lord of creation and even of history itself
  • The course of redemption does not follow in an obvious or straight direction
  • Salvation has a universal scope and all aspects of life will be redeemed
  • The transcendent love of God

 

 

 

Posted on

Good Friday, April 19, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve the Lord.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:16-25)

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result, we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • As high priest Jesus offers himself, both priest and victim.
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray

 

 

 

 

Based on the Alternate Second Reading

 

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

Isaiah tells of the coming Servant of the Lord who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve the Lord.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death, he begged God to save him but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

 

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray
  • The humanity of Christ is our salvation

 

Posted on

Third Sunday in Lent, March 24, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 55:1-9)

Isaiah calls out to all who desire genuine life-giving sustenance to come to the Lord while he may be found and remember his covenant with David. Following in his exalted ways, not in theirs, they will receive pardon and gain a glory to which even foreigners will be drawn.

Psalm (63:1-8)

The Psalmist proclaims his desire for the God whose presence feeds his soul in the richest of feasts while he meditates upon him in the night. He will bless the Lord and cling to the one in whose steadfast love he is upheld.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

Paul warns the Corinthians to learn from the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. They had the advantage of baptism along with spiritual food and drink and yet fell into sin and even tested God. So we are not to test Christ but to withstand every testing, assured of his help.

Gospel (Luke13:1-9)

To people who assumed that fatal disasters were judgments upon those killed, Jesus points out that all need to repent or likewise perish. He then tells of a fig tree that bore no fruit and was given one last chance to receive what it needed to bear fruit before it was destroyed.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • In Christ we have all we need to flourish: he is our spiritual food
  • Now is the time to live humbly as God’s obedient people
  • Who is testing whom?
  • The need for a repentant and humble attitude
  • Never assume our superiority over others

 

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 3, 2019, 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)

The Lord assures the reluctant Jeremiah that he has known him from before birth, having appointed him prophet to the nations. Assuring the young man that he is now to consider himself with authority over them, he is to speak the Word, knowing that the Lord is with him.

Psalm (71:1-6)

The Psalmist asserts that he takes refuge in the safety of the Lord, his rock and fortress. He pleads for rescue from the wicked, unjust and cruel. He has always trusted in the Lord, the one who has been with him from birth. He vows to praise the Lord without ceasing.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

In addressing those who desire the more dramatic spiritual gifts, Paul says that without love they are worthless. Love sets aside personal interests in order to serve others. Those other gifts belong only to this age, but love, the greatest gift, will, with faith and hope, endure forever.

Gospel (Luke 4:21-30)

The citizens of Nazareth express doubt about Jesus because he grew up among them. Jesus points out two examples of prophets who had better response from Gentiles than from their own people. Enraged, his listeners try to kill him, but he passes safely through their midst.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Word of God is often upsetting to speaker and to hearer
  • The Lord will provide a way of escape
  • God’s providence “provides” for those given difficult Kingdom tasks
  • We must learn and conform to what God’s priorities are
  • The mission of God is to the entire world, not just “our” people