Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, November 11, 2018, Proper 27, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ruth 3:1-5: 4:13-17)

Back home near Bethlehem, Naomi urges her widowed daughter-in-law Ruth to get the attention of Boaz, one of her own kin. Ruth, herself a foreigner, obeys, marries Boaz and bears his son Obed, the grandfather of king David. And so Naomi again has a “son”.

Psalm (127)

All human efforts, says the Psalmist, are futile unless the Lord is behind and in them, for all good things come from him. This includes sons: they bring honour to their happy father and the more the merrier.

Second Reading (Hebrews 9:21-28)

Christ, our high priest, entered the true sanctuary in heaven and into the very presence of God for us. His sacrifice, unlike earthly ones, was once and for all. He came to remove sin by his self-offering and will appear a second time to save those waiting for him.

Gospel (Mark 12:38-44)

Jesus teaches that those scribes who make a show of religion for the sake of their social status and yet routinely abuse widows will be harshly condemned. He says the little put into the temple treasury by a poor widow is more than all that the rich contribute.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Those who are most in need get most of God’s attention
  • Worldly wealth and heavenly wealth have an inverse relationship
  • Children are a gift from God
  • God is at work in history to accomplish his purposes

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (1 Kings 17:8-16)

During his forecasted drought, Elijah asks a poor widow for bread even though she is about to make a last meal for her and her son from the little she has. He promises that the Lord will ensure that her supply will outlast the drought. She agrees and it comes true.

Psalm (146)

The Psalmist will praise the Lord all his days because, unlike human beings, the Lord is not changeable and will always keep his promises. He provides justice for the oppressed, reversing their plight, while watching over strangers, widows and orphans.

Second Reading (Hebrews 9:21-28)

Christ, our high priest, entered the true sanctuary in heaven and into the very presence of God for us. His sacrifice, unlike earthly ones, was once and for all. He came to remove sin by his self-offering and will appear a second time to save those waiting for him.

Gospel (Mark 12:38-44)

Jesus teaches that those scribes who make a show of religion for the sake of their social status and yet routinely abuse widows will be harshly condemned. He says the little put into the temple treasury by a poor widow is more than all that the rich contribute.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Those who are most in need get most of God’s attention
  • Worldly wealth and heavenly wealth have an inverse relationship
  • The Lord will honour our sacrifice for him
  • God is at work in history to accomplish his purposes

 

 

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 12, 2017, Proper 27, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25)

Having led Israel in the conquest of Canaan, Joshua charges the nation always to follow Yahweh and not the gods of their ancestors or the gods of the Land. Joshua commits himself and his family to Yahweh and the people do so as well, Joshua sealing their commitment with a covenant.

Psalm (78:1-7)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to pay attention to things in their past in danger of becoming obscure. The nation is challenged to remember and pass on to future generations the great things Yahweh has done for them, encouraging hope and obedience.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our hope for the future is rooted in the past faithfulness of God
  • Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
  • Forewarned is forearmed
  • The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Amos 5:18-24)

Amos warns his listeners not to expect that the Day of the Lord will bring them vindication and victory. Instead it will bring judgment because, in spite of their meticulous religious observances, they have neglected justice and righteousness.

Psalm (70)

The Psalmist cries out to Yahweh at his delay in coming to deliver and save. He wants his adversaries to suffer dishonor and the faithful to be vindicated. In the meantime he remains confident that Yahweh will act, but pleads for immediate relief.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)

Some early Christians are concerned that believers who had already died would miss out on the return of the Lord. St. Paul points out that the resurrection of Jesus means that the dead would assuredly partake in this great event. Indeed, they will rise first to meet him in the air, followed by the living. This hope should give comfort to all.

Gospel (Matthew 25:1-13)

Jesus tells the parable of the ten bridesmaids waiting to meet the bridegroom: five foolish who took no oil for their lamps and five wise who did. When he finally arrived, the foolish bridesmaids, away to get oil, missed out on the wedding feast. Jesus concludes that we should always be looking and prepared for his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our commitment to God needs constant renewal
  • Forewarned is forearmed
  • The importance of sustaining urgency in the light of Christ’s delayed return
  • We ought at all times to acknowledge our sins before God, but especially so in the light of Christ’s return
  • An orientation to God’s future has implications for the present

 

 

 

 

Readings for November 6, 2016 Year C Proper 27 (32)

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First Reading and Psalm

  • Haggai 1:15b-2:9
  • Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21

Second Reading

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17

Gospel

  • Luke 20:27-38

Alternative Psalm for above Readings

  • Psalm 98

Alternative First Reading and Psalm

  • Job 19:23-27a
  • Psalm 17:1-9

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

Haggai is given the word of YAHWEH for the people of Judah who have returned to the Holy Land from exile. They have found their temple in ruins and are assured that it will rise again. In fact its splendor will be greater than Solomon’s temple, filled with the wealth of the nations as YAHWEH continues to dwell among them. In the Psalm the nation is called to meditate on the unsurpassed splendor of YAHWEH who blesses the faithful and destroys the wicked. All flesh will someday come to worship him. To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the second coming of Jesus and being gathered to him, St. Paul assures them that this glorious event still lies ahead of them. Present and future circumstances not withstanding, their current experience of the love and grace of God in Christ is the first fruit of this coming salvation. In the Gospel Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Sadducees who tried to make belief in the resurrection seem ridiculous by telling the story of the widow who married seven brothers in succession. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they demand. In response Jesus affirms the resurrection but teaches that it is a reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world. He also argues that the Old Testament witnesses to the resurrection in its characterization of YAHWEH as the present God of the ancient patriarchs.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Haggai is given the word of YAHWEH for the people of Judah who have returned to the Holy Land from exile. They have found their temple in ruins and are assured that it will rise again. In fact its splendor will be greater than Solomon’s temple, filled with the wealth of the nations as YAHWEH continues to dwell among them.

Psalm

In the Psalm the nation is called to meditate on the unsurpassed splendor of YAHWEH who blesses the faithful and destroys the wicked. All flesh will someday come to worship him.

New Testament

To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the second coming of Jesus and being gathered to him, St. Paul assures them that this glorious event still lies ahead of them. Present and future circumstances not withstanding, their current experience of the love and grace of God in Christ is the first fruit of this coming salvation.

Gospel

In the Gospel Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Sadducees who tried to make belief in the resurrection seem ridiculous by telling the story of the widow who married seven brothers in succession. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they demand. In response Jesus affirms the resurrection but teaches that it is a reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world. He also argues that the Old Testament witnesses to the resurrection in its characterization of YAHWEH as the present God of the ancient patriarchs.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set but with Alternative Psalm

Haggai is given the word of YAHWEH for the people of Judah who have returned to the Holy Land from exile. They have found their temple in ruins and are assured that it will rise again. In fact its splendor will be greater than Solomon’s temple, filled with the wealth of the nations as YAHWEH continues to dwell among them. The Psalmist calls for exuberant celebration of the great power of YAHWEH as demonstrated in his decisive lifting up of Israel. The nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in rejoicing along with nature itself. To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the second coming of Jesus and being gathered to him, St. Paul assures them that this glorious event still lies ahead of them. Present and future circumstances not withstanding, their current experience of the love and grace of God in Christ is the first fruit of this coming great salvation. In the Gospel Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Sadducees who tried to make belief in the resurrection seem ridiculous by telling the story of the widow who married seven brothers in succession. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they demand. In response Jesus affirms the resurrection but teaches that it is a reality that will powerfully transcend our experience of this world. He also argues that the Old Testament witnesses to the resurrection in its characterization of YAHWEH as still the God of the ancient patriarchs.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Haggai is given the word of YAHWEH for the people of Judah who have returned to the Holy Land from exile. They have found their temple in ruins and are assured that it will rise again. In fact its splendor will be greater than Solomon’s temple, filled with the wealth of the nations as YAHWEH continues to dwell among them.

Psalm

The Psalmist calls for exuberant celebration of the great power of YAHWEH as demonstrated in his decisive lifting up of Israel. The nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in rejoicing along with nature itself.

New Testament

To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the second coming of Jesus and being gathered to him, St. Paul assures them that this glorious event still lies ahead of them. Present and future circumstances not withstanding, their current experience of the love and grace of God in Christ is the first fruit of this coming great salvation.

Gospel

In the Gospel Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Sadducees who tried to make belief in the resurrection seem ridiculous by telling the story of the widow who married seven brothers in succession. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they demand. In response Jesus affirms the resurrection but teaches that it is a reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world. He also argues that the Old Testament witnesses to the resurrection in its characterization of YAHWEH as the present God of the ancient patriarchs.

Connection Based on Alternative Readings

In this remarkable passage Job cries out for a pen so that his words can be recorded for posterity. In spite of his great suffering he is confident of his ultimate vindication and that in his own flesh he shall see God even long after he has died and his body destroyed. The Psalmist sees himself as a besieged innocent and cries out to YAHWEH for vindication. He is confident of being heard and ultimately finding refuge under the shadow of God’s wing. To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the second coming of Jesus and being gathered to him, St. Paul assures them that this glorious event still lies ahead of them. Present and future circumstances not withstanding, their current experience of the love and grace of God in Christ is the first fruit of this coming great salvation. In the Gospel Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Sadducees who tried to make belief in the resurrection seem ridiculous by telling the story of the widow who married seven brothers in succession. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they demand. In response Jesus affirms the resurrection but teaches that it is a reality that will powerfully transcend our experience of this world. He also argues that the Old Testament witnesses to the resurrection in its characterization of YAHWEH as still the God of the ancient patriarchs.

As Introductions

Old Testament

In this remarkable passage Job cries out for a pen so that his words can be recorded for posterity. In spite of his great suffering he is confident of his ultimate vindication and that in his own flesh he shall see God even long after he has died and his body destroyed.

Psalm

The Psalmist sees himself as a besieged innocent and cries out to YAHWEH for vindication. He is confident of being heard and ultimately finding refuge under the shadow of God’s wing.

New Testament

To the church in Thessalonica, concerned about the second coming of Jesus and being gathered to him, St. Paul assures them that this glorious event still lies ahead of them. Present and future circumstances not withstanding, their current experience of the love and grace of God in Christ is the first fruit of this coming great salvation.

Gospel

In the Gospel Luke tells of Jesus’ encounter with the Sadducees who tried to make belief in the resurrection seem ridiculous by telling the story of the widow who married seven brothers in succession. “Whose wife will she be in the resurrection?” they demand. In response Jesus affirms the resurrection but teaches that it is a reality that will gloriously transcend our experience of this world. He also argues that the Old Testament witnesses to the resurrection in its characterization of YAHWEH as the present God of the ancient patriarchs.

 

 

 

Readings for October 2, 2016 Year C Proper 22 (27)

First Reading and Psalm Substitute

  • Lamentations 1:1-6
  • Lamentations 3:19-26

Second Reading

  • 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Gospel

  •  Luke 17:5-10

Alternative A: First Reading and Psalm

  • Lamentations 1:1-6
  • Psalm 137

Alternative B: First Reading and Psalm

  • Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4
  • Psalm 37:1-9

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The writer of Lamentations is eloquent in his sad description of a ruined and desolate Jerusalem, once majestic among the nations. He notes simply that this has all come about because of unfaithfulness to YAHWEH. In the Psalm Substitute the same author records his deep pain at Judah’s fate but calls to mind that YAHWEH is faithful (unlike Judah?) and his salvation is worth waiting for. Paul, himself suffering for being faithful, trusts in Christ for his ultimate vindication. In this light he urges Timothy to be faithful as well, guarding the treasure of the message of grace. In the Gospel Jesus reminds his disciples that, in contrast to spectacular feats of spiritual power, no less than the humble performance of our calling is what is required of us. This is what true faithfulness looks like.

Based on Alternative A

The writer of Lamentations is eloquent in his sad description of a ruined and desolate Jerusalem, once majestic among the nations. He notes simply that this has all come about because of unfaithfulness to YAHWEH. The Psalmist bitterly resents the conquerors’ demands for entertainment from the captives. Blaming only the Babylonians for the disaster, he can only call on YAHWEH to execute terrible revenge upon them. Paul, himself suffering for being faithful, trusts in Christ for his ultimate vindication. In this light he urges Timothy to be faithful as well, guarding the treasure of the message of grace. In the Gospel Jesus reminds his disciples that, in contrast to spectacular feats of spiritual power, no less than the humble performance of our calling is what is required of us. This is what true faithfulness looks like.

Based on Alternative B

Crying out for YAHWEH to end his silence in the midst of Judah’s destruction, the prophet Habakkuk decides simply to listen for the divine word. He is assured both of a coming “end” for which he is to wait and also that it is through such faithfulness that the righteous will live. “Just wait” is also the counsel of the YAHWEH to the Psalmist who agonizes over the triumph of the wicked all around him. Faithfulness will lead to inheriting the land. Paul, himself suffering for being faithful, trusts in Christ for his ultimate vindication. In this light he urges Timothy to be faithful as well, guarding the treasure of the message of grace. In the Gospel Jesus reminds his disciples that, in contrast to spectacular feats of spiritual power, no less than the humble performance of our calling is what is required of us. This is what true faithfulness looks like.