Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24, 2020

Lection Connection for Ascension Day can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 1:6-14)

To his disciples’ question of when he will establish his kingdom, the risen Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will come upon them in power and they will be his witnesses the world over. He then ascends into a cloud, after which they devote themselves to prayer.

Psalm (68:1-10, 32-35)

The Psalmist calls for a joyful witness to the nations concerning the Lord, who reverses the fortunes of the needy and has always stood by Israel. He rides upon the clouds, filling the sky with his awesome power and giving strength to his people.

Second Reading (1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11)

Encouraging Christians who are suffering because they have obeyed Christ, Peter declares this a test arising from the predictable hostility of the devil. Presently humbled, but blessed in having the Spirit, by grace they will finally overcome him and be exalted.

Gospel (John 17:1-11)

In his prayer near the end of his earthly life, Jesus portrays his becoming the source of eternal life as a work that has glorified his Father. Soon to leave his disciples behind in the world, he asks that they be preserved in the same unity he shares with the Father.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus is always concerned for his disciples and provides what they need in order to carry on his mission to the nations
  • The power of God is active in the life and witness of Christians
  • Christians are to continue the mission of Jesus through the Holy Spirit
  • In spite of our misunderstandings, Christ is at work in us through his Spirit
  • Emmanuel: God is with us

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I will not leave you desolate, says the Lord; I will come to you. John 14.18

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
you have exalted your only Son Jesus Christ
with great triumph to your kingdom in heaven. Mercifully give us faith to know
that, as he promised,
he abides with us on earth to the end of time;
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 8, 2019, Proper 18, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 18:1-11)

The Lord emphasizes his absolute power over Israel and the nations by comparing himself to a potter forming a pot on his wheel. He can reward them for doing good or destroy and remake them for doing evil. Take heed and repent.

Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)

The Psalmist is awestruck that the Lord knows him so intimately, even knowing what he is going to say. The Lord has been at work in him since he was in his mother’s womb, laying out a plan for his life. The thoughts of such a God are far beyond human comprehension.

Second Reading (Philemon 1:1-21)

Paul is sending back the escaped slave Onesimus to his owner Philemon with this letter. He appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, who has become like a son to Paul, as a beloved brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul trusts that Philemon will indeed do the right thing.

Gospel (Luke 14:25-33)

Jesus warns the large crowds following him of the high cost of being his disciple. They must hate their family, even life itself, in order to do so. Following him will cost them everything. He advises that they take this into account before they begin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has an absolute claim upon us and our priorities
  • The Lord has intimate knowledge of us
  • The Lord is worthy of awe and wonder
  • The family of God transcends all other human relationships
  • The Lord has high expectations of his people

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

With the people of Israel about to enter the Promised Land, Moses addresses the nation for the last time. In dramatic fashion he beseeches them to follow the ways of the Lord in order to be successful in the Land. It is up to them to choose: will it be life or death? It’s that simple.

Psalm (1)

The Psalmist likens a person who obeys God’s laws to a tree planted by a river, always flourishing. Unlike sinners and scoffers who come and go with the wind, they are happy and content in the knowledge that the Lord watches over them as they walk in his way.

Second Reading (Philemon 1:1-21)

Paul is sending back the escaped slave Onesimus to his owner Philemon with this letter. He appeals to Philemon to accept Onesimus, who has become like a son to Paul, as a beloved brother in Christ rather than a slave. Paul trusts that Philemon will indeed do the right thing.

Gospel (Luke 14:25-33)

Jesus warns the large crowds following him of the high cost of being his disciple. They must hate their family, even life itself, in order to do so. Following him will cost them everything. He advises that they take this into account before they begin.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has an absolute claim upon us and our priorities
  • The family of God transcends all other human relationships
  • The Lord has high expectations of his people
  • Following the Lord is life and leads to abundant life