Posted on

Second Sunday of Easter, April 28, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 5:27-32)

After the church is established in Jerusalem the apostles are causing such a stir about Jesus that the Jewish council demands their silence. They refuse, saying they are witnesses to God’s raising and exalting of Jesus to his side and must answer to him, not those who killed Jesus.

Psalm (118:14-29)

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. Let us celebrate!

OR

Psalm (150)

The Psalmist encourages exuberant praise to the Lord for his presence, creation and mighty deeds of salvation. Such praise is to be accompanied by every form of musical instrument, including the voices of everything that breathes.

Second Reading (Revelation 1:4-8)

John writes to the churches in Asia about a revelation from the Lord himself, resurrected and exalted over all powers. He loves us and has saved us from our sins, making us into a kingdom of priests. He, the beginning and the end, is coming openly from heaven to judge all humanity.

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

On Easter evening Jesus appears to his disciples and breathes the Holy Spirit on them, sending them into the world to continue his mission. A week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and blesses those who believe without actually seeing for themselves.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus is attested by the personal witness of those who encountered him in risen form
  • The resurrection of Jesus brings new and abundant life
  • The resurrection and ascension of Jesus establish his credentials as Lord of all
  • The mission of the Church arises out of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the salvation he has accomplished
  • The resurrection of Jesus is an act of God to be celebrated without parallel

 

 

 

Posted on

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 12:1-4, [5-10], 11-14)

The Lord announces the last of the plagues against Egypt. He will go through the land destroying all first-born males. The Israelites are to eat a pure lamb, putting its blood on their door to ensure that they are passed over. The event is to be celebrated annually.

Psalm (116: 1-2, 12-19)

Knowing his prayers have been heard, the grateful Psalmist realizes that the best response is to orient his entire life toward the Lord, especially in giving thanks, fulfilling his vows and lifting up the cup of salvation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that it was Jesus himself who instituted the Lord’s Supper. It is to be repeated in remembrance of his death on their behalf until he comes again.

Gospel (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)

As Passover approaches Jesus realizes that his hour to die has now come. Although returning to his Father, he will be leaving behind his beloved disciples. He washes their feet, impressing upon them that loving one another will mark them as his disciples.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Passover, Jesus’s crucifixion, and the Lord’s Supper share profound connections
  • The wages of sin is death
  • Jesus fulfills not only the prophetic traditions of Israel but also its very institutions and history
  • God provides a substitute
  • Remembrance is critical to the exercise of faith

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 7, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 43:16-21)

At a very low point in the history of Israel, Isaiah, pointing to how the Lord saved Israel at the Red Sea, challenges the nation to look to the future for God to do a new thing. The wilderness will be transformed into a life-giving paradise, causing his people to break into praise.

Psalm (126)

The Psalmist anticipates a time when Israel is restored and becomes the envy of the nations. He calls upon the Lord to bring this vision to glorious reality, turning present weeping into joyful shouts. Those who have sown the tears of sorrow shall reap bountiful harvest of happiness.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:4b-14)

Paul states that his impeccable religious credentials amounted only to rubbish in terms of righteousness. The latter can only come through faith in Christ and the power of his resurrection. It is only this work of Christ that drives him to do good and attain heaven.

Gospel (John 12:1-8)

As his last Passover approaches, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly and fragrant perfume. This extravagance annoyed Judas but Jesus knows that Mary had bought it for his burial. He points out that he is soon going to leave them and will have plenty of time to help the poor.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Living now in anticipation of the Kingdom of God to come
  • The immense value of knowing Christ
  • The God who can bring life out of death
  • Responding to God works in joy and praise

 

 

Posted on

Second Sunday in Lent, March 17, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 13:31-35)

On his way to Jerusalem, some Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod. Calling him a fox, Jesus has a message for him. His current ministry is drawing toward a tragic end in that city that has killed the prophets, a city for which he has only a deep desire to save from destruction.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • God is yearning to protect us
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til its over

 

Based on the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a])

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. Jesus then delivers a boy from a demon after his disciples could not. All are amazed at the goodness of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til it’s over
  • The Lord reveals what we need to know just when we need to know it
Posted on

Transfiguration Sunday, March 3, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 34:29-35)

Moses receives the Ten Commandments for the second time on Mt. Sinai and descends with them to a chastened Israel. They are afraid because his face shines from the Presence of God. He wears a veil over his face and only takes it off whenever he goes in before the Lord.

Psalm (99)

The Psalmist depicts the Lord as a holy and exalted king over Israel and the nations. The earth quakes at his Presence and is called to praise his awesome name. He has spoken to Israel, establishing justice and righteousness and she is humbly to worship on his holy mountain.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2)

Paul writes that under the Old Covenant, minds remain veiled, like the face of Moses coming down from the mountain, until they turn to Jesus and are transformed into his glory by the Spirit. This makes Paul acutely aware of God’s mercy, providing him courage and motivation.

Gospel (Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a])

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. Jesus then delivers a boy from a demon after his disciples could not. All are amazed at the goodness of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus reveals the glory of God in his own being
  • In the presence of God there is revelation of truth
  • Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity
  • Jesus, as the Son of God, completes and supersedes all who came before

 

 

Posted on

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 3, 2017, Proper 17, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 3:1-15)

Yahweh mysteriously appears to Moses in the burning bush at Mt. Sinai, identifying himself as the God of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He has heard the cry of his oppressed people back in Egypt and now he is going to send Moses to deliver the captives, leading them out to the Promised Land. The name by which he wishes to be known to them is simply “I AM WHO I AM”.

Psalm (105:1-6, 23-26, 45c)

The Psalmist encourages the people to remember Yahweh’s miracles and judgments and, while taking care to look to him alone, make his deeds known among the nations. He caused Israel to grow mightily even while persecuted in Egypt and sent Moses to deliver them so that they might serve him faithfully.

Second Reading (Romans 12:9-24)

St. Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully especially when under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies themselves they are to put it into God’s hands, knowing that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)

Right after he had praised Peter for recognizing him as Messiah Jesus rebukes him for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to save our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, remembering that he will repay many times over in the resurrection.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• It is God who saves us, not we ourselves

• Doing good will triumph over evil

• Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life

• Relief from suffering is in God’s hands

• We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies

• The need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 15:15-21)

Jeremiah makes his case to Yahweh, asking that his persecutors suffer retribution. He claims to have been faithful but his suffering is growing worse, making him wonder if Yahweh will fail him. Yahweh, on the other hand, sees a need for Jeremiah to turn back to God in order to be restored to his calling and delivered from his foes.

Psalm (26:1-8)

Because he has been faithful in his walk, the Psalmist expects vindication from Yahweh. He even challenges Yahweh to test him in his innocence. He has not kept company with sinners, but has joined the procession of praise and thanksgiving around the altar instead. He loves the house of God because of the divine presence that is gloriously evident there.

Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)

St. Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully especially when under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies themselves they are to put it into God’s hands, knowing that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

Right after he had praised Peter for recognizing him as Messiah Jesus rebukes him for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to save our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, remembering that he will repay many times over in the resurrection.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• It is God who saves us, not we ourselves

• Doing good will triumph over evil

• Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life

• Relief from suffering is in God’s hands

• We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies

• The need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Posted on

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 20, 2017, Proper 15, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 45:1-15)

Years after selling Joseph into slavery in Egypt, his brothers do not recognize him as the Egyptian government official in a position to save them in a time of famine. When he reveals himself to them they are filled with fear, but he reassures them, stating that it was God who sent him on ahead in order to preserve their whole family. They wept and talked together in a moving scene of reconciliation.

Psalm (133)

The Psalmist describes the blessing of family unity using two metaphors of excess: the anointing oil that had overflowed Aaron in connection with his consecration as high priest and the drenching dew on the mountains of Israel. In all of this benevolence can be glimpsed a picture of the rich blessing of Yahweh, life forever more.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul reassures his readers that what he has been saying in no way implies God’s rejection of the Jewish people. It is true that their general negative response to the Gospel has opened the door for Gentiles but it must be remembered that both divisions of the human family have been disobedient but both have also been shown mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

Concerning the distinctive Jewish food laws, Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth. Then he moves into Gentile territory where a local woman calls out to him to have mercy on her demon-possessed daughter. At first Jesus declines because, as he tells the disciples, he has been sent only to the Jewish people. But when he perceives her persistent faith he puts all that aside and heals her daughter.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The blessing of family unity (including the human family)
• God’s providential care for his people
• The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
• Mercy (Grace) trumps disobedience
• The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 56:1, 6-8)

The prophet Isaiah envisions Yahweh’s coming salvation as clearly including Gentiles as well as Israelites. Foreigners will come to worship on Mount Zion and the Temple will be known as a house of prayer for all nations. All those now considered outcasts, both Jew and Gentile, will be gathered together by Yahweh.

Psalm (67)

The Psalmist suggests that the abundant blessings of God upon Israel will lead to him being known throughout the nations and praise erupting from every corner. All the peoples will honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in Israel.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul reassures his readers that what he has been saying in no way implies God’s rejection of the Jewish people. It is true that their general negative response to the Gospel has opened the door for Gentiles but it must be remembered that both divisions of the human family have been disobedient but both have also been shown mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

Concerning the distinctive Jewish food laws, Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth. Then he moves into Gentile territory where a local woman calls out to him to have mercy on her demon-possessed daughter. At first Jesus declines because, as he tells the disciples, he has been sent only to the Jewish people. But when he perceives her persistent faith he puts all that aside and heals her daughter.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God
• The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
• Mercy (Grace) trumps disobedience
• The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart

Posted on

Readings for December 18, 2016 Year A Fourth Sunday of Advent

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 7:10-16
  • Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19

Second Reading

  • Romans 1:1-7

Gospel

  • Matthew 1:18-25

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Challenged by two attacking armies, King Ahaz of Judah, apparently not quite believing Isaiah’s prophecy of victory for his troops, hesitates to ask for a confirming sign. In response, a rather exasperated YAHWEH provides a sign himself: a young woman, perhaps even a virgin, shall bear an extraordinary son named “God is with us” or Emmanuel, and before he even knows right from wrong the fortunes of the enemy will be reversed. The Psalm is a plea to the Shepherd of Israel to put aside his anger with his sheep and shine his face upon them again. Then his right hand man can go into action; then they will be saved and restored; then they will never again turn away from their God; then they will have life. St. Paul begins his letter to the Romans by reminding them that they, as non-Jews, have especially benefited from his calling as apostle to the Gentiles. The Gospel they have received was promised in the Jewish Old Testament prophecies about a Jewish Messiah, the Son of David. Jesus not only fits this description, he was actually declared Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. By grace they too have been welcomed into his now universal fold. Matthew relates how Joseph is directed by an angel to follow through on his engagement to Mary because she is with child through an extraordinary act of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the son she is carrying will save his people from their sins! This birth by a virgin, Matthew tells us, is actually the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of Emmanuel given through the prophet.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Challenged by two attacking armies, King Ahaz of Judah, apparently not quite believing Isaiah’s prophecy of victory for his troops, hesitates to ask for a confirming sign. In response, a rather exasperated YAHWEH provides a sign himself: a young woman, perhaps even a virgin, shall bear an extraordinary son named “God is with us” or Emmanuel, and before he even knows right from wrong the fortunes of the enemy will be reversed.

Psalm

The Psalm is a plea to the Shepherd of Israel to put aside his anger with his sheep and shine his face upon them again. Then his right hand man can go into action; then they will be saved and restored; then they will never again turn away from their God; then they will have life.

New Testament

St. Paul begins his letter to the Romans by reminding them that they, as non-Jews, have especially benefited from his calling as apostle to the Gentiles. The Gospel they have received was promised in the Jewish Old Testament prophecies about a Jewish Messiah, the Son of David. Jesus not only fits this description, he was actually declared Son of God by his resurrection from the dead. By grace they too have been welcomed into his now universal fold.

Gospel

Matthew relates how Joseph is directed by an angel to follow through on his engagement to Mary because she is with child through an extraordinary act of the Holy Spirit. In fact, the son she is carrying will save his people from their sins! This birth by a virgin, Matthew tells us, is actually the ultimate fulfillment of the promise of Emmanuel given through the prophet.

 

 

Posted on

Readings for December 11, 2016 Year A Third Sunday of Advent

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 35:1-10
  • Psalm 146:5-10

Alternative “Psalm”

  • Luke 1:46b-55

Second Reading

  • James 5:7-10

Gospel

  • Matthew 11:2-11

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The prophet Isaiah foresees YAHWEH gloriously bursting into creation and the life of his people, bringing about dramatic reverses of fortune. The parched land will blossom and flourish while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. All the ransomed will return along a new highway to Zion in a transformed state of everlasting joy. The Psalmist declares happy all those whose hope is in YAHWEH because he will keep faith forever. He is the creator, after all, and the one who lifts up all who are oppressed and brings down all who are wicked. He will reign forever in Zion. James encourages his readers to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops while they look toward the coming of the Lord. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings as did the prophets before them. The Gospel today relates how John the Baptist, having been imprisoned by Herod, sends representatives to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come after all. Jesus tells them simply to report what they see: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor receive good news. He then teaches the crowds that although John is in fact the herald of Messiah, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Isaiah foresees YAHWEH gloriously bursting into creation and the life of his people, bringing about dramatic reverses of fortune. The parched land will blossom and flourish while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. All the ransomed will return along a new highway to Zion in a transformed state of everlasting joy.

Psalm

The Psalmist declares happy all those whose hope is in YAHWEH because he will keep faith forever. He is the creator, after all, and the one who lifts up all who are oppressed and brings down all who are wicked. He will reign forever in Zion.

New Testament

James encourages his readers to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops while they look toward the coming of the Lord. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings as did the prophets before them.

Gospel

The Gospel today relates how John the Baptist, having been imprisoned by Herod, sends representatives to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come after all. Jesus tells them simply to report what they see: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor receive good news. He then teaches the crowds that although John is in fact the herald of Messiah, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Based on the Alternative Readings

The prophet Isaiah foresees YAHWEH gloriously bursting into creation and the life of his people, bringing about dramatic reverses of fortune. The parched land will blossom and flourish while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. All the ransomed will return along a new highway to Zion in a transformed state of everlasting joy. In Mary’s Song, the Virgin praises God for raising her from obscurity to become the mother of the Lord. She proclaims this as part of the divine pattern of lifting up the lowly and needy and putting down the proud and rich, a pattern that is rooted in the covenant promise made to Abraham and his descendants. James encourages his readers to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops while they look toward the coming of the Lord. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings as did the prophets before them. The Gospel today relates how John the Baptist, having been imprisoned by Herod, sends representatives to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come after all. Jesus tells them simply to report what they see: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor receive good news. He then teaches the crowds that although John is in fact the herald of Messiah, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Isaiah foresees YAHWEH gloriously bursting into creation and the life of his people, bringing about dramatic reverses of fortune. The parched land will blossom and flourish while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. All the ransomed will return along a new highway to Zion in a transformed state of everlasting joy.

Psalm

In Mary’s Song, the Virgin praises God for raising her from obscurity to become the mother of the Lord. She proclaims this as part of the divine pattern of lifting up the lowly and needy and putting down the proud and rich, a pattern that is rooted in the covenant promise made to Abraham and his descendants.

New Testament

James encourages his readers to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops while they look toward the coming of the Lord. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings as did the prophets before them.

Gospel

The Gospel today relates how John the Baptist, having been imprisoned by Herod, sends representatives to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come after all. Jesus tells them simply to report what they see: the blind see, the lame walk, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the poor receive good news. He then teaches the crowds that although John is in fact the herald of Messiah, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

 

 

 

Posted on

Readings for December 4, 2016 Year A Second Sunday of Advent

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 11:1-10
  • Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Second Reading

  • Romans 15:4-13

Gospel

  • Matthew 3:1-12

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Through Isaiah YAHWEH announces that the line of King David’s father Jesse will be revived with the coming of a righteous and just ruler endowed with the Spirit of God. He will preside over a kingdom in which the poor and the meek shall thrive while even nature, red in tooth and claw, shall be transformed. As a result all nations will be drawn to this coming monarch. The Psalmist prays that the king of his own day or perhaps a future king will be a righteous judge who delivers the poor and punishes the oppressor. Long may he reign while righteousness flourishes and peace abounds. It is YAHWEH who will accomplish all this and whose glory already fills the whole earth. St. Paul calls upon the Christians in Rome to live in accord with one another, especially in giving glory to God. They should welcome each other just as Jesus has welcomed them, as Gentiles, into the kingdom. He affirms that Scripture has foreseen and celebrated this development as part of the promise of Isaiah regarding the line of Jesse, giving hope to all nations. Matthew tells us that the wild appearance of John the Baptist in the desert is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s word that the forerunner of the LORD would be just such a figure. John rebukes those who are self-righteous because they have been born as Jews, pointing out that what God requires is true repentance: merely being children of Abraham does not qualify anyone for the coming kingdom. He then tells the crowd that the one who is coming after him will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. Look out!

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through Isaiah YAHWEH announces that the line of King David’s father Jesse will be revived with the coming of a righteous and just ruler endowed with the Spirit of God. He will preside over a kingdom in which the poor and the meek shall thrive while even nature, red in tooth and claw, shall be transformed. As a result all nations will be drawn to this coming monarch.

Psalm

The Psalmist prays that the king of his own day or perhaps a future king will be a righteous judge who delivers the poor and punishes the oppressor. Long may he reign while righteousness flourishes and peace abounds. It is YAHWEH who will accomplish all this and whose glory already fills the whole earth.

New Testament

St. Paul calls upon the Christians in Rome to live in accord with one another, especially in giving glory to God. They should welcome each other just as Jesus has welcomed them, as Gentiles, into the kingdom. He affirms that Scripture has foreseen and celebrated this development as part of the promise of Isaiah regarding the line of Jesse, giving hope to all nations.

Gospel

Matthew tells us that the wild appearance of John the Baptist in the desert is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s word that the forerunner of the LORD would be just such a figure. John rebukes those who are self-righteous because they have been born as Jews, pointing out that what God requires is true repentance: merely being children of Abraham does not qualify anyone for the coming kingdom. He then tells the crowd that the one who is coming after him will baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. Look out!