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Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 23, 2019, Proper 7, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Kings19:1-4, [5-7] 8-15a)

Queen Jezebel threatens the life of Elijah, the prophet of the Lord who had just bested and destroyed the prophets of Baal, her god. Elijah flees to the desert but falls into depression. The Lord comes to him at Sinai in the silence after earthquake and fire.

 Psalms (42 and 43)

In spite of despairing in the seeming absence of God and being oppressed by his enemies, the Psalmist finds refuge in his memory of past encounters with the Lord. He knows that he will be vindicated in the end and again rejoice in divine help.

Second Reading (Galatians 3:23-29)

Before Christ came the way to God was by means of law but now it is by means of faith. Law imprisons but faith, by joining us to Christ, enables us to share in being children of God. All other distinctions such as race, gender or social status, no longer apply.

Gospel (Luke 8:26-39)

Venturing into Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a man totally possessed by demons. Jesus sovereignly casts them out into a herd of swine, who drown themselves. The local people are filled with fear and Jesus departs, leaving the healed man to bear witness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Christ always leaves a witness
  • The Lord is superior to all who are opposed to him
  • The Lord is sovereign over all the world and all powers
  • God’s children are never in foreign territory
  • Opposition to God, while powerful, is unable to stand in his way

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 65:1-9)

Isaiah expresses his frustration at being rebuffed by the people of Israel who were following other gods and foreign religious practices. The Lord declares that they will be punished, but, for the sake of his servant, restored instead of destroyed.

Psalm (22:19-28)

Under vicious attack from his enemies, the Psalmist cries out to the Lord for help. He remains confident of a favourable response because of previous deliverances. All the earth will turn to the Lord and worship him because he rules supreme over the earth.

Second Reading (Galatians 3:23-29)

Before Christ the way to God was by means of law but now it is by means of faith. Law imprisons but faith, by joining us to Christ, enables us to share in being children of God. All other distinctions such as race, gender or social status, no longer apply.

Gospel (Luke 8:26-39)

Venturing into Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a man totally possessed by demons. Jesus sovereignly casts them out into a herd of swine, who drown themselves. The local people are filled with fear and Jesus departs, leaving the healed man to bear witness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Christ always leaves a witness
  • The Lord is superior to all who are opposed to him
  • The Lord is sovereign over all the world and all powers
  • God’s children are never in foreign territory
  • Opposition to God, while powerful, is unable to stand in his way
  • We cannot earn our salvation

 

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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, June 24, 2018, Proper 7, 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 17:[1a, 4-11, 19-23], 32-49)

After the giant Philistine, Goliath, challenges the army of Israel, the youthful David faces him with only his sling and a trust in the Lord who had saved him before. Goliath’s subsequent death sends a clear message to the whole earth that there is a God in Israel.

Psalm (9)

The Psalmist praises the God of Israel as an unfailing stronghold for those in trouble, even at the gates of death. The nations have forgotten the needy and have fallen into their own pit as a result. They are but mere mortals who cannot escape his judgment.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

Paul claims that the day of salvation has arrived and now is the right moment to respond. Things are extremely urgent and Paul is doing everything he can to make this abundantly clear to everyone, in spite of mistreatment and misunderstanding.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

As Jesus sleeps in a boat his disciples are terrified by a sudden and furious storm that threatens to sink them all. Waking Jesus, they are awestruck as he simply commands the wind and the waves to cease and they do so immediately. “Who is this?”, they ask.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Truly desperate circumstances provide an opportunity to see God at work.
  • Truly desperate circumstances provide a true test of faith
  • God helps those who can’t help themselves
  • Past experience of God’s salvation leads to more expectant faith

Based on the First Alternative Readings

First Reading (1 Samuel 17:57-18:5, 18:10-16)

After killing Goliath David meets with Saul, whose son Jonathan makes a brotherly pact with him. Saul sets him over the army after he proves himself and then, in a moment of madness tries to kill him. The Lord is with Israel’s new hero and no longer with Saul.

Psalm (133)

The Psalmist rhapsodizes over the rich experience of families living in harmony. He likens it to the copious anointing oil poured over Aaron, the brother of Moses and the first in the line of Israel’s priests. It is the blessing of life forevermore.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

Paul claims that the day of salvation has arrived and now is the right moment to respond. Things are extremely urgent and Paul is doing everything he can to make this abundantly clear to everyone, in spite of mistreatment and misunderstanding.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

As Jesus sleeps in a boat his disciples are terrified by a sudden and furious storm that threatens to sink them all. Waking Jesus, they are awestruck as he merely commands the wind and the waves to cease and they do so immediately. “Who is this?”, they ask.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Trouble awaits those who dare to join the family of God
  • God can save us from serious trouble and danger
  • God can lead us into serious trouble or danger, but always under his protection
  • Realizing the urgency of the moment we are in

Based on the Second Alternative Readings

First Reading (Job 38:1-11)

The Lord challenges Job’s demand for an answer as to why he is so afflicted. Out of the whirlwind the Lord asserts his absolute right to do as he pleases. He, certainly not Job, is the all-powerful creator of the earth, laying its foundations and limiting its cloudy seas.

Psalm (107:1-3, 23-32)

The Psalmist urges praise to the Lord for his enduring love and amazing works in saving those in trouble. He even rescued those in peril on the sea when life-threatening storms arose at his command. When they called out to him he calmed both water and wind.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 6:1-13)

Paul claims that the day of salvation has arrived and now is the right moment to respond. Things are extremely urgent and Paul is doing everything he can to make this abundantly clear to everyone, in spite of mistreatment and misunderstanding.

Gospel (Mark 4:35-41)

As Jesus sleeps in a boat his disciples are terrified by a sudden and furious storm that threatens to sink them all. Waking Jesus, they are awestruck as he merely commands the wind and the waves to cease and they do so immediately. “Who is this?”, they ask.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The power of God surpasses that of the most awesome powers of nature
  • God can save us from serious trouble and danger
  • God is beyond our ability to fully understand
  • Chaos exists in defiance of the peace of God’s created order