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Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 7, 2019, Proper 9, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 5:1-14)

A captive Israeli girl informs her master Naaman, commander of Aram’s army, that there is a prophet back home who can cure his leprosy. He finds Elisha who tells him to wash in the Jordan to be healed. At first he refuses, but his servants convince him to try and he is healed.

Psalm (30)

Because the Lord healed him in the past, the Psalmist invites others to join him in praise and thanksgiving. When he had been confident in his prosperity, adversity had brought him low. But Yahweh heard his cry and turned his mourning into joy.

Second Reading (Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16)

Paul directs the Galatians to restore sinners among them with humility, keeping in mind their own weaknesses. In this attitude they are to care for one another, doing what is right in the Spirit. They are to boast only in the Cross of Christ, who gathers all peoples into a new creation.

Gospel (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Jesus sends out seventy disciples into all the towns he is going to as his representatives and as agents of the incoming kingdom of God. They rejoice in their power over the demonic forces of Satan, but Jesus tells them that just being accepted in heaven is more important than even this.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • There are varieties of healings but only one God
  • All of us represent the Lord to others
  • Using spiritual power with humility and care
  • A little humility goes a long way

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 66:10-14)

Isaiah looks forward to a time when Jerusalem becomes the nurturing mother of God’s people. The prosperity of the nations shall be hers while her people are comforted. Then Israel will be glad and flourish and it will be known that her great God is surely with them.

Psalm (66:1-9)

The Psalmist calls the whole earth to praise the God of Israel who rescued her through the Red Sea and across the Jordan river. His power is without limit and his shaken adversaries humbly bow low before him in acknowledgement.

Second Reading (Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16)

Paul directs the Galatians to restore sinners among them with humility, keeping in mind their own weaknesses. In this attitude they are to care for one another, doing what is right in the Spirit. They are to boast only in the Cross of Christ, who gathers all peoples into a new creation.

Gospel (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Jesus sends out seventy disciples into all the towns he is going to as his representatives and as agents of the incoming kingdom of God. They rejoice in their power over the demonic forces of Satan, but Jesus tells them that just being accepted in heaven is more important than even this.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our weaknesses and defeats offer opportunity for God’s power to be known
  • Using spiritual power with humility and care
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • God is in the business of putting things right

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 8, 2018, Proper 9, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10)

Having been first made king over the one tribe of Judah, David is now accepted as king over all Israel. He becomes their shepherd and transforms the stronghold of Jerusalem into the impressive City of David. The Lord is with him during an expansive 40-year reign.

Psalm (48)

The Psalmist calls the people to praise the Lord because of the City of God, the great King. Its beauty and power cause opposing kings to flee and his people to ponder his love. Its reputation carries God’s name to the ends of the earth. Regard it well.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 12:2-10)

Paul relates how he is unable to boast even about having had a revelation of Paradise. Indeed, he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. He prayed for relief but God replied that in this weakness grace would suffice and divine power be made known.

Gospel (Mark 6:1-13)

Jesus encounters the familiarity of contempt in his hometown of Nazareth and finds himself unable to minister effectively as a result. He proceeds to other villages and sends out his apostles more broadly, paired up on successful missions of their own.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Whatever we do, it must be done to the glory of God, not ourselves
  • We can do little of lasting value without the grace of God
  • The mission of God is not limited to his chosen people
  • The Lord raises up and uses the humble to establish and expand his kingdom

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Ezekiel 2:1-5)

The Lord calls Ezekiel and sends him on a mission to the stubborn and rebellious people of Israel. In this they are just like their ancestors, but whether they hear or refuse to hear the word of God, they will know that a prophet has been among them.

Psalm (123)

Like a servant under the absolute power of the master or mistress, the Psalmist expresses his complete dependence upon the Lord enthroned on high. He asks for merciful relief from the prideful contempt of those who are undisturbed by trouble.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 12:2-10)

Paul relates how he is unable to boast even about having had a revelation of Paradise. Indeed, he was given a thorn in the flesh to keep him humble. He prayed for relief but God replied that in this weakness grace would suffice and divine power be made known.

Gospel (Mark 6:1-13)

Jesus encounters the familiarity of contempt in his hometown of Nazareth and finds himself unable to minister effectively as a result. He proceeds to other villages and sends out his apostles more broadly, paired up on successful missions of their own.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • It is obedience to the call that matters, not the results
  • Hearing and seeing is not always believing
  • Failure can be part of God’s plan for us
  • Always be listening for the word of God, no matter the source