Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 9:1-4)

Isaiah, speaking at a time of great distress, declares that Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be first to experience the glorious light of God’s liberation. It will be like the outnumbered Gideon’s utter defeat of a powerful enemy.

Psalm (27:1, 4-9)

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

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He himself is but a servant who was sent by Christ only to preach the message of the cross that, although seemingly foolish, actually saves by God’s power.

Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23)

Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. There he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and through him God’s kingdom blessings begin to break out in the darkness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God can use a few to accomplish amazing things
  • It is never us but “God in us” that furthers his mission in the world
  • The Lord is not indifferent to our times of distress and will act when it is best to do so
  • The Lord often chooses the “least” for his purposes
  • The Lord is made manifest in the changes for good that he brings about

 

 

 

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 19, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 49:1-7)

Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s chosen servant who is to turn Israel back to God and be used for his glory, manifesting the light of salvation to the nations. Presently despised, Israel will be so noticeably blessed that even foreign kings shall worship the Lord.

Psalm (40:1-11)

The Psalmist speaks as someone whom the Lord has rescued from the pit, set on a rock, and enabled to sing a new song that leads many to faith. It is not temple sacrifices that have saved him, but simply God’s love and mercy, and he now delights in his law.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

St. Paul celebrates the grace of God that has been manifested to the Corinthians as part of the fellowship of Christ being instituted throughout the entire world. Through grace they have been enriched by having every spiritual gift poured out upon them.

Gospel (John 1:29-42)

John the Baptist appears as a mere servant pointing to a greater one to come. Seeing the Holy Spirit descend upon his cousin Jesus, John identifies him as both the Son and Lamb of God. Two of John’s disciples follow Jesus and then recruit Peter, or “the Rock”.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Grace is characteristic of the manifestation of the Lord
  • God uses those he has lifted up for his greater glory
  • The ones God has saved are set upon the surest of foundations
  • We cannot be silent about what God has done for us
  • When God’s people wholeheartedly proclaim God’s blessings, the whole world will be drawn to him