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Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, November 18, 2018, Proper 28, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 1:4-20)

At the end of the time of the Judges, Hannah is tormented by a rival wife because she is barren. Even though she is loved by her husband, she is depressed. She vows to the Lord that if she has a son she will dedicate him to divine service. As a result, Samuel is born.

Psalm (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

Hannah praises the Lord, exulting in her victory over her rival. He is her Rock, the one who reverses the plight of the weak, the hungry and the barren. He controls our lives as the all-powerful creator, the judge who will conquer his foes and make everything right.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:11-14, [15-18], 19-25)

Normal priests can only repeatedly offer ineffective sacrifices for sin. Christ offered himself once for all, perfecting sinners and putting the law in their hearts under a new covenant. We should therefore gather to encourage each other as the Day comes near.

Gospel (Mark 13:1-8)

Jesus’ disciples are impressed by the magnificent temple, but he tells them it will be destroyed. Wanting to know more and Jesus warns them that imposters will come, and many wars with earthquakes and famines, but these are only birth pangs, not the end.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering can lead to joy as the Lord works out his salvation
  • God will bring human suffering and strife to an end
  • The work of Christ will both suffice and endure forever
  • In our helplessness and need we can find solace in God’s ultimate provision

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Daniel 12:1-3)

In a vision, the prophet Daniel sees Michael, Israel’s guardian angel, deliver them during a time of great anguish. Many shall rise from the dead and be judged. The wise and those who led many to righteousness receive great glory, but others receive only shame.

Psalm (16)

The Psalmist takes refuge in the Lord, his portion and cup, who shows him the path of a rewarding life. Sorrow comes to those who follow other gods, while those who trust in the Lord will be kept secure, avoid the Pit, and enjoy eternal joy in his Presence.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:11-14, [15-18], 19-25)

Normal priests can only repeatedly offer ineffective sacrifices for sin. Christ offered himself once for all, perfecting sinners and putting the law in their hearts under a new covenant. We should therefore gather to encourage each other as the Day comes near.

Gospel (Mark 13:1-8)

Jesus’ disciples are impressed by the magnificent temple, but he tells them it will be destroyed. Wanting to know more and Jesus warns them that imposters will come, and many wars with earthquakes and famines, but these are only birth pangs, not the end.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering can lead to joy as the Lord works out his salvation
  • God will bring his people through judgment into his Presence
  • The work of Christ will both suffice and endure forever
  • In our helplessness and need we can find solace in God’s ultimate provision

 

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Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 19, 2017, Proper 28, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for Thanksgiving Day, November 23, can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Judges 4:1-7)

In the repeated pattern recorded in the book of Judges, Israel falls into sin and Yahweh hands them over to a local Canaanite king. When the people call out to Yahweh he uses the prophetess Deborah to tell the commander of Israel’s army to attack the king’s army with the assurance of victory.

Psalm (123)

In a time when Israel is suffering the scorn and contempt of the proud, the Psalmist directs his plea for relief to the one he knows has power to help. He looks to Yahweh as a maid would naturally look to her mistress.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • The importance of knowing who is in charge
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18)

To those who contentedly believe he will never act in judgment, Yahweh spells out the coming wrath of the Day of the LORD that is at hand. Widespread disobedience to divine commands will bring about worldwide distress, darkness, and destruction.

Psalm (90:1-12)

The Psalmist acknowledges the great gulf between Yahweh’s mighty eternal being and us short-lived mortals. To Yahweh time is of no consideration while humanity struggles to survive but a few passing years. His anger at our sin should inspire us to use our time wisely.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The reality and magnitude of judgment and salvation
  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

 

 

 

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Readings for November 13, 2016 Year C Proper 28 (33)

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Isaiah 65:17-25
  • Isaiah 12

Alternative First Reading and Psalm

  • Malachi 4:1-2a
  • Psalm 98

Second Reading

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

Gospel

  • Luke 21:5-19

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Through the prophet Isaiah YAHWEH sets out his coming salvation for Israel in terms of a new heaven and a new earth. It will be so blessed that there will be only joy and delight, no weeping or mourning. No life will be cut off before its time and YAHWEH will always be close at hand. Even the wolf and the lamb will feed together. The Psalm, taken from Isaiah as well, celebrates the coming day of YAHWEH’s salvation before the nations with thanksgiving and joy. He will be powerfully amongst them at last. In the light of the coming of Jesus, St. Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to suffer idlers. It is the time to work, even to settle down and not be a burden to others. Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. False messiahs will arise in a time of great worldwide turmoil and conflict but they are not to be followed. Before all this his followers will be severely persecuted but Jesus will be with them and no ultimate harm will come to them if they are faithful.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through the prophet Isaiah YAHWEH sets out his coming salvation for Israel in terms of a new heaven and a new earth. It will be so blessed that there will be only joy and delight, no weeping or mourning. No life will be cut off before its time and YAHWEH will always be close at hand. Even the wolf and the lamb will feed together.

Psalm

The Psalm, taken from Isaiah as well, celebrates the coming day of YAHWEH’s salvation before the nations with thanksgiving and joy. He will be powerfully amongst them at last.

New Testament

In the light of the coming of Jesus, St. Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to suffer idlers. It is the time to work, even to settle down and not be a burden to others.

Gospel

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. False messiahs will arise in a time of great worldwide turmoil and conflict but they are not to be followed. Before all this his followers will be severely persecuted but Jesus will be with them and no ultimate harm will come to them if they are faithful.

Based on the Alternative Readings

The prophet Malachi uses the image of stubble burned in an oven to convey the awful reality of YAHWEH’s coming judgment upon those who persist in evil. On the other hand, those who honour him will experience restoration through the rising of the sun of righteousness. 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. In the light of the coming of Jesus, St. Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to suffer idlers. It is the time to work, even to settle down and not be a burden to others. Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. False messiahs will arise in a time of great worldwide turmoil and conflict but they are not to be followed. Before all this his followers will be severely persecuted but Jesus will be with them and no ultimate harm will come to them if they are faithful.

As Introductions

Old Testament

The prophet Malachi uses the image of stubble burned in an oven to convey the awful reality of YAHWEH’s coming judgment upon those who persist in evil. On the other hand, those who honour him will experience restoration through the rising of the sun of righteousness.

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

In the light of the coming of Jesus, St. Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to suffer idlers. It is the time to work, even to settle down and not be a burden to others.

Gospel

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. False messiahs will arise in a time of great worldwide turmoil and conflict but they are not to be followed. Before all this his followers will be severely persecuted but Jesus will be with them and no ultimate harm will come to them if they are faithful.

 

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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.