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Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost, October 21, 2018, Proper 24, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Job 38:1-7, [34-41])

The Lord answers Job, accusing him of speaking without knowledge. He charges Job to be a man and answer this: Were you there when I laid the earth’s precise foundations? Have you given wisdom to humankind? Do you control the rain or feed the wild beasts?

Psalm (104:1-9, 24, 35c)

The Psalmist blesses the Lord for his supreme majesty and creative power in establishing the secure foundations of the earth. He covered it with a great flood, but it endured and he set lasting borders for its waters. His wisdom is seen in all his works.

Second Reading (Hebrews 5:1-10)

High priests are chosen from among mortals to represent them to God and to offer sacrifices for their sins. Christ was so chosen, Son of God and priest forever. Because of his obedience through suffering he became the source of salvation for all who obey him.

Gospel (Mark 10:35-45)

James and John ask Jesus for the most prominent places in his kingdom, but he replies that these are not his to give. He then uses the opportunity to teach that, to be great, his disciples must be slaves to all, just as he came to give his life a ransom for many.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The creator has taken great care with his creation, our environment
  • There is a great difference between God and man: his ways are different than ours
  • Presumption always gets us in trouble
  • A little humility goes a long way

OR

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 53:4-12)

Isaiah depicts God’s innocent Servant as bearing the infirmities and sins of many, his very life as an offering for their sin, suffering death as a result. However, he will see light and find his place among the great because he was numbered among the transgressors.

Psalm (91:9-16)

The Psalmist encourages those who trust in the Lord to have a sure confidence that no harm will befall them. They will be kept safe by guardian angels and the Lord will answer their prayers. They will enjoy a long life and experience his salvation.

Second Reading (Hebrews 5:1-10)

High priests are chosen from among mortals to represent them to God and to offer sacrifices for their sins. Christ was so chosen, Son of God and priest forever. Because of his obedience through suffering he became the source of salvation for all who obey him.

Gospel (Mark 10:35-45)

James and John ask Jesus for the most prominent places in his kingdom, but he replies that these are not his to give. He then uses the opportunity to teach that, to be great, his disciples must be slaves to all, just as he came to give his life a ransom for many.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • There is a great difference between God and man: his ways are different than ours
  • Presumption always gets us in trouble
  • Surely he will bear our sorrows and carry our diseases
  • Christ suffered and died for us

 

 

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Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, October 22, 2017, Proper 24, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 33:12-23)

Moses feels the heavy responsibility of leading unruly Israel and appeals to Yahweh for help. Yahweh promises that his Presence will go with them and so demonstrate their uniqueness among the nations. He then grants Moses’ request to see his divine glory by protecting him in a cleft of a rock and covering him with his own hand. For his own safety Moses was only able to glimpse the divine form from behind and not face to face.

Psalm (99)

The Psalmist begins with the affirmation of Yahweh as King of all peoples, a King whose love of justice and righteousness has been implemented first of all in Israel. Three times Yahweh is declared holy and three times the people are called to worship in his awesome Presence.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are among God’s chosen because his preaching of the Gospel was in the Holy Spirit and power. Responding with faith, they became willing imitators of Paul and his team, joyful examples to others well beyond their own region. In spite of persecution they turned from idols to the living God and now wait for his resurrected Son to return and rescue them from the wrath to come.

Gospel (Matthew 22:15-22)

A group of Pharisees try to trick Jesus up by asking him if he considers it lawful to pay an unpopular tax to the Roman emperor. Jesus, knowing their intent, asks them whose head and title are inscribed on the coin used for the tax. Of course it is Caesar’s and Jesus tell them to give to Caesar what is his and to God what is his. Amazed at his answer, they leave him alone.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Everything in all creation belongs to God
  • Questioning God?
  • The importance of the right attitude when confronted with the truth of God
  • To whom do we owe ultimate allegiance?
  • The holiness of God
  • Being in the presence of God
  • What to do in the face of opposition

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 45:1-7)

Yahweh proclaims Cyrus the Persian emperor as his anointed servant through whom he is working on behalf of Israel, his chosen people. Even though the mighty king does not know him, Yahweh affirms his divine sovereignty, not only over him but also all of history. He alone is God and his actions are intended to make this fact known far and wide.

Psalm (96:1-9, [10-13])

In a breathtaking affirmation of Yahweh’s absolute sovereignty over the entire earth, the Psalmist calls for all the nations to come into his sanctuary to worship him as the only king. He is the all-powerful creator while other gods are mere idols. He alone is the judge and even the trees of the field join in the joyful acknowledgement of his majesty.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 1:1-10)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are among God’s chosen because his preaching of the Gospel was in the Holy Spirit, both in word and power. Responding with faith, they became willing imitators of Paul and his team, joyful examples to others well beyond their own region. In spite of persecution they turned from idols to the living God and now wait for his resurrected Son to return and rescue them from the wrath to come.

Gospel (Matthew 22:15-22)

A group of Pharisees try to trick Jesus up by asking him if he considers it lawful to pay an unpopular tax to the Roman emperor. Jesus, knowing their intent, asks them whose head and title are inscribed on the coin used for the tax. Of course it is Caesar’s and Jesus tell them to give to Caesar what is his and to God what is his. Amazed at his answer, they leave him alone.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Everything in all creation belongs to God
  • To whom do we owe ultimate allegiance?
  • God is sovereign over earthly kings
  • God is accomplishing his purposes in history
  • Turning from idols to the living God
  • The joy of following Jesus

 

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Readings for February 5, 2017 Year A Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 58:1-12
  • Psalm 112:1-10

Second Reading

  • I Corinthians 2:1-16

Gospel

  • Matthew 5:13-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him. The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them. St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness. In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

As Introductions

Old Testament

YAHWEH calls upon Isaiah to make it clear to his people that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts. It is more important to see that these express a way of life lived in true obedience to God, abstaining from self-indulgence and extending grace and well being to those in need. When this is done the light of God’s people fully shines in his glory as they enjoy a restored relationship with him.

Psalm

The Psalmist affirms that those who fear YAHWEH and delight in his laws, especially supporting the poor, are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of life. They are a light in the darkness for those around them.

New Testament

St. Paul wants the Corinthian church to know that their faith was not inspired by any great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. This same Spirit has become theirs, giving them spiritual discernment and enabling them to understand the mind of Christ in a world subject to spirits of darkness.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus calls his followers both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As we more fully keep the laws of God before a watching world, more and more glory is given to the Father and the prophetic vision of the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

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Readings for October 16, 2016 Year C Proper 24 (29)

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

First Reading and Psalm

  • Jeremiah 31:27-34
  • Psalm 119:97-104

Second Reading

  • 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Gospel

  • Luke 18:1-8

Alternative First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 32:22-31
  • Psalm 121

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

Through Jeremiah YAHWEH promises a new covenant with Israel as the end result of his faithful watching over the beleaguered nation. While he may not have appeared to be listening while they suffered, all would be clear when he finally acted. In a new covenantal relationship he would put his law permanently in their hearts, forgiving and forgetting their past unfaithfulness. The Psalmist exults in the law of God, the practice of which makes him wiser than any of his enemies, teachers or elders. Such divine words are sweeter than honey itself. Paul reminds Timothy of the inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to listen to them. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow by the sheer persistence of her asking. So it is that God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but its delay poses a serious challenge to faith.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through Jeremiah YAHWEH promises a new covenant with Israel as the end result of his faithful watching over the beleaguered nation. While he may not have appeared to be listening while they suffered, all would be clear when he finally acted. In a new covenantal relationship he would put his law permanently in their hearts, forgiving and forgetting their past unfaithfulness.

Psalm

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

New Testament

Paul reminds Timothy of the inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to listen to them. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow by the sheer persistence of her asking. So it is that God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but its delay poses a serious challenge to faith.

Connection Based on Alternative Readings

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. It also hints at the nature of his descendants’ relationship with both God and humanity. The Psalmist knows where to look for help: to YAHWEH alone. It is he who “keeps” us: he will not sleep through our need, whatever that need might be. Paul reminds Timothy of the inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to listen to them. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow by the sheer persistence of her asking. So it is that God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but its delay poses a serious challenge to faith.

As Introductions

Old Testament

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. It also hints at the nature of his descendants’ relationship with both God and humanity.

Psalm

The Psalmist knows where to look for help: to YAHWEH alone. It is he who “keeps” us: he will not sleep through our need, whatever that need might be.

New Testament

Paul reminds Timothy of the inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to listen to them. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow by the sheer persistence of her asking. So it is that God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but its delay poses a serious challenge to faith.