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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 20, 2019, Proper 24, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:27-34)

The Lord promises a new covenant with Israel that will fundamentally change their relationship. While he caused their sufferings for having sinned, he will also oversee their renewal. He will fix his law in their hearts, forgiving and forgetting their sins forever.

Psalm (119:97-104)

The Psalmist exults in the law of God, the practice of which makes him wiser than any of his enemies and even his teachers and elders. Such divine words are sweeter than honey itself.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

Paul reminds Timothy of the divinely inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to heed. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In light of the coming kingdom, Timothy is to persist in his ministry of the Word.

Gospel (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow because she is so persistent. Similarly, God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but how many will persist in faith?

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s Word brings light and life
  • Fixing God’s Word in our hearts
  • Faith that is persistent in spite of circumstances is true faith
  • Given its soul-renewing power, what place does the Word of God have in our life?

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 32:22-31)

Jacob’s audacity and persistence in his wrestling bout with a mysterious “man” pays off with a profound blessing. His new name, Israel, reveals that he has been wrestling with God himself and hints at his descendants’ struggle with both God and humanity.

Psalm (121)

The Psalmist knows that his only help is in the Lord who actively watches over us. It is he who faithfully “keeps” us: unlike others, he will not sleep through our time of crisis. We are assured of his ultimate protection and care.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

Paul reminds Timothy of the divinely inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to heed. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In light of the coming kingdom, Timothy is to persist in his ministry of the Word.

Gospel (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow because she is so persistent. Similarly, God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but how many will persist in faith?

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s Word brings light and life
  • Faith that is persistent in spite of circumstances is true faith
  • Given its soul-renewing power, what place does the Word of God have in our life?
  • The life of faith is a struggle with both God and others
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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 30, 2018, Proper 21, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22)

While in Persian exile, the Israelite Mordecai, father of Queen Esther, had overheard a plot to assassinate her husband, King Ahasuerus. A grateful king grants her wish to save the Jews and executes their enemy Haman, thus originating their feast called Purim.

Psalm (124)

The Psalmist celebrates how, if the Lord had not been on their side, the enemies of Israel would have destroyed them completely. Now they freely acknowledge that their help is his name alone, the creator of all.

Second Reading (James 5:13-20)

James encourages his readers to be people of prayer and praise: prayer when they are suffering and praise when they are happy. Sins can be forgiven through the powerful instrument of prayer. To bring a sinner back to the truth will save him from death.

Gospel (Mark 9:38-50)

Jesus teaches that anyone who is not against him and his disciples is for them. Anyone who helps a “little” follower of his will be rewarded while a hinderer will be severely punished. Hell is to be avoided at all costs while we are to be at peace with one another.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The enemies of God are in dangerous territory because he is on the side of his people, both big and small
  • Sin is a very serious matter and should be avoided at all costs
  • God can use anyone for his purposes
  • The believer is to be dependent upon God alone

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29)

Moses complains to the Lord that the obstinate nation is too heavy for him. The Lord puts a portion of his Spirit on 70 elders to assist him. When two who were absent begin to prophesy as well, Moses wishes the Spirit could come on all God’s people.

Psalm (19:7-14)

The Law of God is perfect and revives the soul. His precepts are much more valuable than pure gold. Following them has its own reward and keeps us from sin, even if unknown to ourselves. Both our thoughts and words need to be in tune with God.

Second Reading (James 5:13-20)

James encourages his readers to be people of prayer and praise: prayer when they are suffering and praise when they are happy. Sins can be forgiven through the powerful instrument of prayer. To bring a sinner back to the truth will save him from death.

Gospel (Mark 9:38-50)

Jesus teaches that anyone who is not against him and his disciples is for them. Anyone who helps a “little” follower of his will be rewarded while a hinderer will be severely punished. Hell is to be avoided at all costs while we are to be at peace with one another.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our entire life, inner and outer, needs to be submitted to God and lived in his will
  • Sin is a very serious matter and should be avoided at all costs
  • God will provide
  • We need God’s presence to do God’s work

 

 

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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 15, 2017, Proper 23, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 32:1-14)

While Moses meets with Yahweh on Mt. Sinai the people, again upset with Moses’ leadership, demand that Aaron make gods for them. He makes a golden calf that they then celebrate as responsible for their deliverance out of Egypt. Yahweh angrily decides to destroy a people so quick to turn away from him. He plans to make a great nation out of Moses instead but changes his mind when the latter intercedes for the Israelites.

Psalm (106:1-6, 19-23)

The Psalmist reflects on the steadfast love of Yahweh for his chosen people in light of their great sin with the golden calf at Mt. Sinai. Although they dishonoured and insulted their saviour and angered him exceedingly, Moses was able to intercede and prevent their destruction.

Second Reading (Philippians 4:1-9)

St. Paul urges his readers to stand firm by being of the same mind in the Lord. He urges intercession for two women who are in disagreement and offers this advice to all: give thanks in everything. Thankfulness is the way to peace as we focus our attention on those things that are honourable, commendable and praiseworthy.

Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14)

Jesus likens the kingdom to a king who invites a number of guests to the wedding of his son but they violently reject his messengers when they announce the great feast that has been prepared. This so enrages the king that he invites everyone else to the feast and, while many come, one man is rejected for failing to wear a proper garment. Jesus concludes that although many are called into the kingdom not many will actually enter it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God provides a feast
  • Feasting as a Godly celebration of salvation
  • The importance of interceding
  • The serious nature of refusing God’s invitation to follow him
  • Our excuses for disobedience only reveal our spiritual poverty
  • Being unthankful angers God and being thankful brings peace

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 25:1-9)

Isaiah exults in Yahweh as his God, a God who shelters the needy and has done such amazing deeds that all the peoples of the earth will be drawn to worship him. They will come to Mt. Zion for a great celebratory feast as death is finally destroyed and sorrow made a thing of the past. Isaiah calls for a glad anticipation of that day of salvation for both Israel and the nations.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist characterizes Yahweh as a skilled shepherd who can provide for his sheep in all circumstances. He provides abundant pasture and water, allows the sheep to rest and rejuvenate, always keeping danger at bay. He even provides a feast under the noses of their enemies, making it certain that the sheep will always seek his presence.

Second Reading (Philippians 4:1-9)

St. Paul urges his readers to stand firm by being of the same mind in the Lord. He urges intercession for two women who are in disagreement and offers this advice to all: give thanks in everything. Thankfulness is the way to peace as we focus our attention on those things that are honourable, commendable and praiseworthy.

Gospel (Matthew 22:1-14)

Jesus likens the kingdom to a king who invites a number of guests to the wedding of his son but they violently reject his messengers when they announce the great feast that has been prepared. This so enrages the king that he invites everyone else to the feast and, while many come, one man is rejected for failing to wear a proper garment. Jesus concludes that although many are called into the kingdom not many will actually enter it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Thanksgiving as a godly way of living
  • God provides a feast
  • Feasting as a Godly celebration of salvation
  • The importance of interceding
  • The serious nature of refusing God’s invitation to follow him
  • Our excuses for disobedience only reveal our spiritual poverty
  • Being unthankful angers God and being thankful brings peace