Fifth Sunday in Lent, Year A, March 29, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

The Lord has Ezekiel prophesy to a valley of scattered bones which then come together to form many living people again. The Lord explains that this represents how he will put his Spirit into his scattered people, bring them out of exile and restore them to the Land.

Psalm (130)

The Psalmist expresses his conviction that the Lord will indeed forgive his sins and, in spite of present troubles, he waits in hope for this to happen. He exhorts all Israel similarly to trust in the Lord’s steadfast love and promise of redemption.

Second Reading (Romans 8:6-11)

Paul urges us not to set our minds on the sinful “flesh” which is opposed to God and subject to death. Instead, we should embrace the Holy Spirit who is in each believer imparting Christ’s righteousness and a present share in resurrection life.

Gospel (John 11:1-45)

Jesus deliberately delays going to heal Lazarus, who then dies. He is able to point one sister, Martha, to the resurrection but Mary is upset with him. Weeping at the tomb and praying for God’s glory and human faith to increase, he then brings Lazarus back to life.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus is the source of new life, both for this life and the next
  • In the light of the resurrection, we can see that physical and spiritual death are not the final word
  • Our present life often seems to bring only death, but Christ is already at work in us and in the world, bringing everlasting life
  • Holiness and righteousness are the result of resurrection life at work in God’s people

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; whoever lives and believes in me shall never die. John 11.25, 26

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son came into the world
to free us all from sin and death.
Breathe upon us with the power of your Spirit,
that we may be raised to new life in Christ,
and serve you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN

 

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 21, 2019, Proper 11, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 8:1-12)

Through the image of a basket of ripe fruit, the Lord shows Amos that Israel is about to be consumed. Eager only for profit, they have been cheating in business and abusing the poor. A time of bitter mourning is coming, a time in which the word of the Lord cannot be found.

Psalm (52)

For those who boast of their misdeeds, the Psalmist has a warning: the Lord will take action against them. The upright, trusting in God for their security, will be vindicated at the downfall of the wicked. God’s actions show him to be faithful and good, worthy to be praised.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus teach instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Better to trust in God than simply be content with doing good

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-10a)

The Lord comes to Abraham in the form of three men whom he invites to share in his hospitality. He waits on them while his wife Sarah prepares a meal in the tent. Waiting for them to finish, he is told by one that by the time he returned the barren Sarah would have a son.

Psalm (15)

The Psalmist insists that, in order to remain in relationship with the Lord, a person must lead an upright life. Their actions should support others, their word is to be their bond and their money is to be held lightly. This is the path to a settled and secure life.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Practicing hospitality is good; listening to God is better