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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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Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 28, 2019, Proper 12, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Hosea 1:2-10)

The Lord commands Hosea to marry a prostitute as a way of dramatizing Israel’s waywardness. The names that the Lord gives to their children indicate that severe judgment is coming. Even so, the nation will eventually be blessed and the relationship restored.

Psalm (85)

Based on previous restorations granted to Israel, the Psalmist intercedes for the nation in its current situation of need. He is confident the Lord will turn to them again in his unshakable love and faithfulness. The land will flourish in righteousness and peace once again.

Second Reading (Colossians 2: 6-15, [16-19])

Paul pleads with the Colossians to remain steadfast in Christ who is superior to any other source of spiritual truth and power. Identified with him through baptismal faith, they share in his triumph over sin, death and the law. They should ignore anyone who says anything else.

Gospel (Luke 11:1-13)

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by example and instruction. He provides them with a model prayer to follow and encourages persistence. He promises them that such prayer will succeed because God is more prepared to bless than any human fathers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The need for constancy in our relationship with God
  • God is the same yesterday, today and forever
  • The predisposition of the Lord to remain faithful and to bless
  • Even in judgment there is hope for mercy
  • There is always room for prayer

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis18:20-32)

During Abraham’s encounter with the three visitors, the Lord indicates that Sodom’s extreme wickedness must be dealt with. Abraham manages to negotiate the number of righteous inhabitants for whom the Lord would be willing to spare the city from fifty down to ten.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist is thankful for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. His word is heard by all the kings of the earth, who praise him as well. In spite of his greatness he favours the lowly over the proud. In troubled times, the Psalmist is confident of the Lord’s protection and purpose for him.

Second Reading (Colossians 2: 6-15, [16-19])

Paul pleads with the Colossians to remain steadfast in Christ who is superior to any other source of spiritual truth and power. Identified with him through baptismal faith, they share in his triumph over sin, death and the law. They should ignore anyone who says anything else.

Gospel (Luke 11:1-13)

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by example and instruction. He provides them with a model prayer to follow and encourages persistence. He promises them that such prayer will succeed because God is more prepared to bless than any human fathers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord enters into genuine relationships with humankind in spite of his infinite superiority
  • The predisposition of the Lord to remain faithful and to bless
  • Even in judgment there is hope for mercy
  • There is always room for prayer
  • Never give up on God