Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

The Lord guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying the Lord who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to the next.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 8:31-38)

After Peter’s recognition of his being Messiah, Jesus teaches that he will suffer and be rejected by Jewish leaders but rise again after three days. Peter objects and rebukes him but Jesus affirms that to follow him means to lose one’s life in order to save it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
• The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
• Suffering and loss provides opportunity for God’s deliverance
• God brings new life to the dead things in our lives

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

The Lord guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying the Lord who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to the next.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and puzzling 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’s promises depend on him, not upon us
• The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
• Both the Father and the Son are at the centre of faith
• Praise of God/Jesus arises even from the dead
• The blessing arising from God’s confirmation of his promises

 

 

 

 

Resurrection of the Lord (Easter), April 12, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set, and Including Alternates

First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

OR

Alternate First Reading (Jeremiah 31:1-6)

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of the Lord’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion.

Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)

The Psalmist has experienced the Lord’s punishment and then, in answer to prayer, a last-minute rescue from death. The gates of righteousness are now thrown open and the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone. It is the day of the Lord’s salvation.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-4)

St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again.

OR

Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Gospel (John 20:1-18)

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple who run to see for themselves. Mary encounters the risen Lord and recognizes him when he calls her name. Told to tell the others that he will soon ascend, she does so.

OR

Alternate Gospel (Matthew 28:1-10)

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week. There an angel informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them tell the disciples to go to Galilee to meet him. Jesus himself then appears, calming their fear and sending them on their mission.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrection of Jesus has implications for all humanity as Lord of all
  • The resurrection of Jesus is a turning point in history itself
  • The resurrection of Jesus turns everything upside down.
  • The resurrection of Jesus opens the gate of life to all who would believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus and its reality is the foundation of Christian faith
  • The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the new creation

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Corinthians 5.7–8

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Lord of life and power,
through the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have overcome the old order of sin and death and have made all things new in him.
May we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
reign with him in glory,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN