Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, October 14, 2018, Proper 23, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Job 23:1-9, 16-17)

Job complains that God’s hand is heavy upon him and he dares to enter the dwelling of the Almighty to get his answer. Even though God is elusive even there, Job’s innocence makes him bold even though he feels he would rather hide in his terror.

Psalm (22:1-15)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist cries out at in God’s seeming absence. His ancestors were saved, but he is but a despised worm. Although tempted to give up hope, he remembers that he has always successfully depended on the Lord.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:12-16)

God’s Word is living and very sharp, penetrating into our hearts but Jesus is our great and sympathetic high priest from heaven. Like us, he has been fully tested but without sin. We can therefore boldly approach God through him for mercy and grace.

Gospel (Mark 10:17-31)

A rich man declines to give away all he possesses to follow Jesus and gain eternal life. Jesus points out how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom but with God anything is possible. Those who have given up much to follow Jesus shall be rewarded.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • We can boldly approach our God
  • The divide between God and man is bridged by the God/man Jesus.
  • Possessions in this life may or may not be a sign of God’s blessing
  • Love of possessions runs counter to our spiritual health

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Amos 5:6-7, 10-15)

The prophet Amos threatens rich people who trample the poor and refuse to listen to reproof. They shall suffer devastation and never enjoy the fancy things that they own. Be sure that the Lord will only be with those who seek good and not evil.

Psalm (90:12-17)

The Psalmist pleads with the Lord to help his people be wise in the light of time’s fleeting passage. Long afflicted, they desperately need the Lord to turn back to them. They yearn for a time of blessing that makes their troubles fade in comparison.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:12-16)

God’s Word is living and very sharp, penetrating into our hearts but Jesus is our great and sympathetic high priest from heaven. Like us, he has been fully tested but without sin. We can therefore boldly approach God through him for mercy and grace.

Gospel (Mark 10:17-31)

A rich man declines to give away all he possesses to follow Jesus and gain eternal life. Jesus points out how hard it is for the wealthy to enter the kingdom but with God anything is possible. Those who have given up much to follow Jesus shall be rewarded.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • We can boldly approach our God
  • Possessions in this life may or may not be a sign of God’s blessing
  • Love of possessions runs counter to our spiritual health
  • True blessing is being with the Lord and not in riches

 

 

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

Readings for October 9, 2016 Year C Proper 23 (28) AND Thanksgiving Sunday (Canada) Year C

*Some readers may desire to use a portion of Lection Connection as a brief introduction to each passage as it is read in church. To make this easier please see “As Introductions” after each outline.

[See below for Year C Proper 23 (28)]

Thanksgiving Sunday

First Reading and Psalm

  • Deuteronomy 26:1-11
  • Psalm 100

Second Reading

  • Philippians 4:4-9

Gospel

  • John 6:25-35

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to YAHWEH while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. In this way the harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s abundant provision for his people. The Psalm could well be taken as providing a liturgical text for such a celebration, calling as it does for exuberant praise and thanksgiving for all of YAHWEH’s love and faithfulness. Paul begins the Philippians reading with another call to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about anything. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good. In the Gospel Jesus is questioned by people who are focused on the wrong thing: food that perishes. In spite of their newly-filled bellies, they demand of Jesus a sign like the bread from heaven Moses gave their ancestors. In response Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst”. Clearly, he is the focus we should seek and the gift for which we should give thanks.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to YAHWEH while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. In this way the harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s abundant provision for his people.

Psalm

The Psalm could well be taken as providing a liturgical text for such a celebration, calling as it does for exuberant praise and thanksgiving for all of YAHWEH’s love and faithfulness.

New Testament

Paul begins the Philippians reading with another call to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about anything. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus is questioned by people who are focused on the wrong thing: food that perishes. In spite of their newly-filled bellies, they demand of Jesus a sign like the bread from heaven Moses gave their ancestors. In response Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst”. Clearly, he is the focus we should seek and the gift for which we should give thanks.

Year C Proper 23 (28)

First reading and Psalm

  • Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
  • Psalm 66:1-12

Alternate First reading and Psalm

  • 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c
  • Psalm 111

Second reading

  • 2 Timothy 2:8-15

Gospel

  • Luke 17:11-19

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon encourages them to treat this time not as a mournful interlude to be endured but as a time to settle down and prosper. They are to build houses, take wives and have families as normal. Even more, they are actually to seek the welfare of the city of their captivity because if it is blessed, they will be blessed as well. The Psalmist calls the whole earth to acknowledge and worship God because of his greatness seen in all his works, especially his deliverance of the Israelite nation from Egypt as well as its continued existence. Paul, himself suffering in captivity, carries on his ministry as normal, encouraging Timothy based on the Christian’s identification with Jesus who himself died but rose again, guaranteeing our own eventual resurrection. Timothy is charged with imparting this message to his congregation simply and in a straightforward manner that avoids wrangling over words. The Gospel tells how Jesus healed ten lepers but only the “foreigner”, blessed along with the Jews, returned to give praise to God the God of Israel.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon encourages them to treat this time not as a mournful interlude to be endured but as a time to settle down and prosper. They are to build houses, take wives and have families as normal. Even more, they are actually to seek the welfare of the city of their captivity because if it is blessed, they will be blessed as well.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls the whole earth to acknowledge and worship God because of his greatness seen in all his works, especially his deliverance of the Israelite nation from Egypt as well as its continued existence.

New Testament

Paul, himself suffering in captivity, carries on his ministry as normal, encouraging Timothy based on the Christian’s identification with Jesus who himself died but rose again, guaranteeing our own eventual resurrection. Timothy is charged with imparting this message to his congregation simply and in a straightforward manner that avoids wrangling over words.

Gospel

The Gospel tells how Jesus healed ten lepers but only the “foreigner”, blessed along with the Jews, returned to give praise to God the God of Israel.

Connection Based on the Alternative Readings

A young daughter of Israel, seeking the welfare of her captor Naaman, commander of the Aramean army, tells him about the prophet Elisha back in Samaria who could cure his leprosy. Naaman is not only cured once he follows the straightforward word of the prophet, but he also comes to faith in the God of Israel. A foreigner truly blessed! The Psalmist calls for thanks to be given to YAHWEH for his wonderful works. Those works, especially redeeming Israel and giving the Law, have gained him great renown. To have faith in YAHWEH is to be on the path of wisdom. Paul, himself suffering in captivity, carries on his ministry as normal, encouraging Timothy based on the Christian’s identification with Christ Jesus who himself died but rose again, guaranteeing our own eventual resurrection. Timothy is charged with imparting this message to his congregation simply and in a straightforward manner that avoids wrangling over words. The Gospel tells how Jesus healed ten lepers but only the “foreigner”, blessed along with the Jews, returned to give praise to God the God of Israel.

As Introductions

Old Testament

A young daughter of Israel, seeking the welfare of her captor Naaman, commander of the Aramean army, tells him about the prophet Elisha back in Samaria who could cure his leprosy. Naaman is not only cured once he follows the straightforward word of the prophet, but he also comes to faith in the God of Israel. A foreigner truly blessed!

Psalm

The Psalmist calls for thanks to be given to YAHWEH for his wonderful works. Those works, especially redeeming Israel and giving the Law, have gained him great renown. To have faith in YAHWEH is to be on the path of wisdom.

New Testament

Paul, himself suffering in captivity, carries on his ministry as normal, encouraging Timothy based on the Christian’s identification with Jesus who himself died but rose again, guaranteeing our own eventual resurrection. Timothy is charged with imparting this message to his congregation simply and in a straightforward manner that avoids wrangling over words.

Gospel

The Gospel tells how Jesus healed ten lepers but only the “foreigner”, blessed along with the Jews, returned to give praise to God the God of Israel.