Posted on

Second Sunday in Lent, February 28, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

The Lord guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying the Lord who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to the next.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 8:31-38)

After Peter’s recognition of his being Messiah, Jesus teaches that he will suffer and be rejected by Jewish leaders but rise again after three days. Peter objects and rebukes him but Jesus affirms that to follow him means to lose one’s life in order to save it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
• The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
• Suffering and loss provides opportunity for God’s deliverance
• God brings new life to the dead things in our lives

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16)

The Lord guarantees to the childless and elderly Abram that the covenant will result in him having many descendants, including nations and kings. His name becomes Abraham and Sarai becomes Sarah, the mother of the son from whom all these will come.

Psalm (22:23-31)

The Psalmist calls all Israel to join him in glorifying the Lord who has delivered him from affliction. The ends of the earth will do so as well, for he has dominion over the nations and even the dead will praise him. One generation shall tell of his deeds to the next.

Second Reading (Romans 4:13-25)

The promise of God to Abraham, that he would be the father of many nations, was given because of his faith, not his performance of the law. Resting simply on grace, the sure promise includes all who share his faith in the God who also raised up Jesus.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and puzzling his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son, to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• God’s promises depend on him, not upon us
• The mission of God is directed to all of humanity
• Both the Father and the Son are at the centre of faith
• Praise of God/Jesus arises even from the dead
• The blessing arising from God’s confirmation of his promises

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 14, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-15 [21:1-7])

The Lord appears to Abraham in the form of three strangers who state that his wife Sarah will bear a son. The elderly and barren Sarah laughs at the idea [but later has a son, Isaac, or, “laughter”, who she knows comes from the Lord].

Psalm (116:1-2, 12-19)

The Psalmist rejoices in the Lord who has heard his cry and blessed him, setting him free and saving him. Although he cannot possibly repay the debt he will fulfil his vows in the presence of God’s people.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-8)

Having obtained peace with God through faith in Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners, we now have hope of sharing in his glory. By producing character, our sufferings add to this hope and, with the Spirit, God’s love is poured into our hearts.

Gospel (Matthew 9:35-10:8 [9-23])

Overwhelmed by the needs of so many, Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his mission. [They are to be totally dependent on others for their needs. Although sheep among wolves, the Spirit will enable them to stand up to opposing authorities.]

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord will provide what we truly need to fulfill our calling
  • God will answer our prayers in his way and in his time, but he will answer them
  • God is present with us in various ways
  • The Lord partners with the faithful in the fulfilment of his plans
  • The Lord gives us a lot more than we could ever deserve

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1.15

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Exodus 19:2-8a)

The Lord tells Moses to remind the people of how he has carried them out of bondage in Egypt on eagles’ wings. In response they are to keep his covenant and be a priestly kingdom, his treasured possession out of all the nations. As one, they promise to obey.

Psalm (Psalm 100)

The Psalmist calls upon the whole earth to rejoice in worshipping the Lord who has made us and called us to be his people. He is altogether good and faithfull, his love endures forever.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-8)

Having obtained peace with God through faith in Christ, who died for us while we were still sinners, we now have hope of sharing in his glory. By producing character, our sufferings add to this hope and, with the Spirit, God’s love is poured into our hearts.

Gospel (Matthew 9:35-10:8 [9-23])

Overwhelmed by the needs of so many, Jesus sends out his disciples to extend his mission. [They are to be totally dependent on others for their needs. Although sheep among wolves, the Spirit will enable them to stand up to opposing authorities.]

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord will provide what we truly need to fulfill our calling
  • God is present with us in various ways
  • The Lord partners with the faithful in the fulfilment of his plans
  • The Lord gives us a lot more than we could ever deserve
  • It is the Lord who saves us, we are unable to save ourselves
  • In responding to God’s great salvation, we are to serve him with all our hearts

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

The kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel. Mark 1.15

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
without you we are not able to please you. Mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit
may in all things direct and rule our hearts;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, November 3, 2019, Proper 26, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)

Crying out for the Lord to end his silence concerning Judah’s destruction, the prophet Habakkuk decides simply to listen for the divine word. He is assured of a coming “end” for which he is to wait and that it is through such faithfulness that the righteous will live.

Psalm (119:137-144)

The Psalmist, although he is in the midst of serious trouble, exults in the life-giving quality of God’s word at every level of existence and pleads for fuller understanding.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12)

Paul praises the Thessalonians who are steadfast in the midst of suffering and persecution. Indeed, they are growing in faith and love through the power of God, bringing glory to the Lord Jesus.

Gospel (Luke 19:1-10)

St. Luke tells the story of Zacchaeus, a tax-collector and a cheat who nevertheless has a passion to see Jesus. Forced to climb a tree to get above the crowd, Jesus reaches out to him and his life is transformed as he experiences the new life of God’s salvation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering, even though it is very real and often debilitating, does offer opportunities for genuine faithfulness and witness
  • Suffering can remind us that we are always in the hands of the Lord
  • God does promise salvation and deliverance, but it is not on our timetable. Patience is a mark of the faithful
  • The road to righteousness requires great resolve
  • Is a sense of “lostness” the precondition to being “found”?

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 1:10-18)

The prophet Isaiah compares the sin of Judah to that of Sodom and Gomorrah and calls the nation to right living as well as right religion. He offers the promise that, if the nation repents, its sins will be forgiven.

Psalm (32:1-7)

The Psalmist rejoices in sins forgiven and even in the difficult times that inspired true repentance. The Lord is a hiding place in times of trouble for those who will look to him.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12)

Paul praises the Thessalonians who are steadfast in the midst of suffering and persecution. Indeed, they are growing in faith and love through the power of God, bringing glory to the Lord Jesus.

Gospel (Luke 19:1-10)

St. Luke tells the story of Zacchaeus, a tax-collector and a cheat who nevertheless has a passion to see Jesus. Forced to climb a tree to get above the crowd, he catches Jesus’ attention and his life is turned around by the one who actually seeks the lost.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord is looking for us to acknowledge our sin and repent
  • True repentance involves a change in behaviour
  • Suffering, even though it is very real and often debilitating, does offer opportunities for genuine faithfulness and witness
  • The road to righteousness requires great resolve
  • Is a sense of “lostness” the precondition to being “found”?