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Thanksgiving Day, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to the Lord while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. The harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s gracious provision for his people.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist calls upon the whole world to worship the Lord because he is the creator of all. His courts are to be filled with praise and thanksgiving for his goodness, steadfast love and eternal faithfulness through the years.

Second Reading (Philippians 4:4-9)

Paul calls the Philippians to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about things. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good.

Gospel (John 6:25-35)

The people who had just been miraculously fed by Jesus now demand a sign like the bread from heaven that Moses gave their ancestors. In response, Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. This food satisfies forever.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Giving thanks for God’s provision for the necessities of life
  • God provides for both our material and spiritual needs
  • Thanksgiving is a way of life
  • Praise and thanksgiving orient us to the One who is behind all blessings

 

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Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 31, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 5:9-12)

After the Israelites cross over into the Promised Land, the Lord tells Joshua that they had finally gotten over the disgrace of Egypt. In Canaan at last, they celebrated the Passover and began to live off the produce of the land instead of the manna that God had provided in the wilderness.

Psalm (32)

Beginning by noting the happiness of forgiven sin, the Psalmist recalls his burden of sin and how it was forgiven when he confessed it to the Lord. While he is our saviour in times of trouble, we are responsible to listen to and obey divine instruction, confident of his steadfast love as we do.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

Paul writes that those who are reconciled to God through Christ are actually new creatures entering into a new reality. The sinless Christ was made sin so that we sinners could be made righteous. Paul considers himself, as a preacher of this message, to be Christ’s ambassador.

Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)

Jesus explains his socializing with sinners by telling the parable of a man with two sons. The older is obedient while the younger runs away from home and squanders his inheritance. When he finally returns home, his father is delighted to have him back, but his brother can only sulk.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s salvation involves a new kind of existence for the redeemed
  • Confession/repentance is good for the soul
  • God has provided a way for our sin to be dealt with in order for us to be reconciled to him
  • God has taken the initiative in saving sinners and delights in their return to him
  • Sin is a burden not worth carrying