Posted on

Fourth Sunday of Easter, May 3, 2020

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Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:42-47)

The early church, newly endowed with the Holy Spirit, is radically committed to the apostles’ teaching and to a joyful common life both at home and at the temple. The apostles perform awe-inspiring miracles and many are drawn to join the new group.

Psalm (23)

The Psalmist sees the Lord as the good shepherd who looks after his flock, abundantly providing for them even in difficult circumstances. Goodness and mercy characterize a life lived in his fold.

Second Reading (1 Peter 2:19-25)

Peter points Christians who suffer unjustly to the example of Jesus, their true shepherd. He suffered greatly although innocent, patiently content to trust in God while bearing their sins and freeing them to follow the paths of righteousness.

Gospel (John 10:1-10)

Jesus refers to himself as both the door of the sheepfold and the shepherd whose voice the sheep know. They enter by him and are saved and pastured by him alone. Under his care the sheep enjoy abundant life. Other shepherds are pretenders to be avoided.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Human beings need caring for in a dangerous world
  • Jesus applies to himself the Old Testament roles of the Lord God
  • Christianity is a flock activity
  • Jesus is the indispensable centre of the Christian faith
  • Following the Lord means living as he commands

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the good shepherd, says the Lord: I know my own and my own know me. John 10.14

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God of peace,
who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great shepherd of the sheep,
by the blood of the eternal covenant,
make us perfect in every good work to do your will, and work in us that which is well-pleasing in your sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. AMEN

 

Posted on

Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:14a, 36-41)

In his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, Peter affirms that Jesus’ resurrection means that God has made him whom they crucified both Lord and Messiah. Three thousand accept his invitation to repent of their sins and receive Christian baptism.

Psalm (116:1-4, 12-19)

The Psalmist declares his love for the Lord because when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to the Lord and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise.

Second Reading (1 Peter 1:17-23)

Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness at least partly a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth.

Gospel (Luke 24:13-35)

Two disillusioned disciples leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb and are joined by a stranger who shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. He vanishes after they recognize that it is Jesus.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus marks the critical moment in God’s plan
  • The resurrection of Jesus provides the entrance to new life for all who believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus marks the partial eruption of God’s future into our present existence
  • The resurrection of Jesus provides hope and meaning in the midst of this life

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Lord Jesus, open to us the scriptures; make our hearts burn within us while you speak. See Luke 24.32

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God,
your Son made himself known to his disciples
in the breaking of bread.
Open the eyes of our faith,
that we may see him in his redeeming work,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

First Sunday after Christmas, Year A, December 29, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 63:7-9)

In Isaiah’s day things are not looking good for Israel and he reminds the nation of the Lord’s many past gracious acts to their ancestors. Alluding to their escape from Egypt, he emphasizes that salvation was gained through God’s very Presence with them.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist exhorts the inhabitants of the heavens and the creatures of the earth, animate and inanimate alike, to praise their creator Lord. He has provided a mighty leader for his people and is deserving of their unqualified adulation.

Second Reading (Hebrews 2:10-18)

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus, as the pioneer of our salvation, has become one of us, sharing our flesh and blood and our experience. This makes him fit to be both the sacrifice for sin and the faithful high priest to offer it on our behalf.

Gospel (Matthew 2:13-23)

Matthew tells how, under the direct guidance of God’s angel each step of the way, the holy family escapes Herod’s grasp by going down to Egypt and later returns to Israel. He draws attention to how all this resonates with the ancient experience of the nation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord is our protector and deliverer
  • Jesus embodies the history of Israel’s great salvation out of Egypt
  • The incarnation brings God fully into our reality and this brings us to God
  • The birth of Jesus is the result of divine action that extends from creation itself: he is the last piece of the puzzle

 

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 22, 2019, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 7:10-16)

Challenged by two attacking armies, King Ahaz hesitates to ask the Lord for a sign confirming Isaiah’s prophecy of victory. The Lord provides a sign anyway: soon after a young woman bears a special son named “Emmanuel”, Judah will be delivered.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

The Psalm is a plea to the Shepherd of Israel to put aside his anger with his sheep and restore them. The Psalmist asks that God’s right-hand man lead them to salvation and faithfulness. They will come back to life as the face of the Lord shines upon them.

Second Reading (Romans 1:1-7)

Paul reminds the Romans of his call to be an apostle to Gentiles such as them. While the Gospel was promised in the Jewish prophecies about their Messiah, grace has now been extended to all. Jesus’ resurrection has declared him Son of God and universal Lord.

Gospel (Matthew 1:18-25)

Joseph is directed by an angel to go through with his engagement to Mary because she is with child through the Holy Spirit. Her son is to be named Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins and, we are told, this is the fulfillment of the Emmanuel promise.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God of salvation is with us
  • Israel’s expectations of restoration looked to God to provide a saviour from amongst them
  • God’s own Son bears the promise and reality of resurrection
  • God’s salvation often arrives in an unexpected manner and usually exceeds all expectation
Posted on

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, September 1, 2019, Proper 17, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 2:4-13)

Through Jeremiah the Lord charges Israel with gross unfaithfulness. In spite of many blessings at God’s hand, they have become as worthless as the idols to which they have turned. The Lord is outraged that they have forsaken him, the true God, for useless figments of their imagination.

Psalm (81:1, 10-16)

The Psalmist, speaking for the Lord, recites Israel’s refusal to obey the Lord. In spite of his bringing them out of Egypt into the Promised Land they prefer their own ways to his. He yearns for his people to repent so that he can deliver them and pour abundant blessings upon them.

Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)

The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.

Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)

A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
  • Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
  • Vanity, vanity, all is vanity

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Proverbs 25:6-7)

The writer advises that a person should not presume a position among the great because it is better to be invited to come forward than to be embarrassed by being shown a lesser place.

Psalm (112)

The Psalmist notes that those who fear the Lord will be among the great and prosperous in the Land. They give light to others by their gracious conduct, generosity to those in need, and righteous conduct. Secure in the Lord, they provoke the envy of the wicked in their vain desires.

Second Reading (Hebrews 13:1-8, 15-16)

The author exhorts his readers to continue in mutual love, living it out in hospitality, care for prisoners and marriage. They are to be content with what they have, trusting in the Lord’s help and offering continual sacrifices of word and deed through an unchanging Christ.

Gospel (Luke 14:1, 7-14)

A guest in a Jewish leader’s home, Jesus notices how people try to get the best places at the table. He tells them it is better to take a low position and then be invited higher. Indeed, it is better to invite the needy than those who will repay. Such actions reflect how God works with us.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • An hospitable people reflect their hospitable God
  • Humility and repentance are two sides of the same coin
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • In spite of assured blessings for following the paths of our God, we still forsake them for our own road to disaster
  • Vanity, vanity, all is vanity

 

 

 

Posted on

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 18, 2019, Proper 15, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 5:1-7)

The Lord is bewildered by his beloved Israel, his vineyard, which has produced only wild grapes in spite of his faithful attention. As a result, he will give it up to be laid waste and become overgrown with weeds. He expected justice and righteousness from them but got the opposite.

Psalm (80:1-2, 8-19)

The Psalmist implores Israel’s Shepherd to come and save her just like a farmer would save a luxuriant vine over which he has faithfully toiled. Why is he allowing it to be attacked and destroyed? Surely if he rescues them they will be faithful to him in the future.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

The writer recounts the story of Israel’s flight from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land as a story of faith. Her history has been full of faith-filled men and women, including Jesus, who died without seeing what God had promised. Like them, we should press on in the life of faith.

Gospel (Luke 12:49-56)

Jesus, filled with anguish over what is going to happen to him, warns that he is bringing fire and division to the earth. Even families will be divided against one another and he wonders why it is that the crowds hearing him cannot see that these things are about to take place.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even God wonders at our faithlessness
  • God’s judgment, while deserved, is intended to result in changed behaviour on our part
  • It is difficult to be faithful when faithfulness does not seem to be rewarded
  • God cares deeply for those he disciplines

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:23-29)

Because he sees everything, the Lord wonders why false prophets dare to speak lies designed to draw his people away from him. Indeed, let them speak, but also let others speak his true word! Only it has any real power and so is readily distinguished from false dreams and visions.

Psalm (82)

The Psalmist pictures the Lord as the divine judge rendering his verdict upon those responsible for administering justice upon the earth. They have failed in their responsibility to protect the weak and needy and so it is time for God himself to come in judgment.

Second Reading (Hebrews 11:29-12:2)

The writer recounts the story of Israel’s flight from Egypt and entrance into the Promised Land as a story of faith. Her history has been full of faith-filled men and women, including Jesus, who died without seeing what God had promised. Like them, we should press on in the life of faith.

Gospel (Luke 12:49-56)

Jesus, filled with anguish over what is going to happen to him, warns that he is bringing fire and division to the earth. Even families will be divided against one another and he wonders why it is that the crowds hearing him cannot see that these things are about to take place.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even God wonders at our faithlessness
  • God’s judgment, while deserved, is intended to result in changed behaviour on our part
  • It is difficult to be faithful when faithfulness does not seem to be rewarded
  • From God’s divine perspective all of humanity and all of human history is present: nothing escapes his view

 

 

Posted on

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 28, 2019, Proper 12, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Hosea 1:2-10)

The Lord commands Hosea to marry a prostitute as a way of dramatizing Israel’s waywardness. The names that the Lord gives to their children indicate that severe judgment is coming. Even so, the nation will eventually be blessed and the relationship restored.

Psalm (85)

Based on previous restorations granted to Israel, the Psalmist intercedes for the nation in its current situation of need. He is confident the Lord will turn to them again in his unshakable love and faithfulness. The land will flourish in righteousness and peace once again.

Second Reading (Colossians 2: 6-15, [16-19])

Paul pleads with the Colossians to remain steadfast in Christ who is superior to any other source of spiritual truth and power. Identified with him through baptismal faith, they share in his triumph over sin, death and the law. They should ignore anyone who says anything else.

Gospel (Luke 11:1-13)

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by example and instruction. He provides them with a model prayer to follow and encourages persistence. He promises them that such prayer will succeed because God is more prepared to bless than any human fathers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The need for constancy in our relationship with God
  • God is the same yesterday, today and forever
  • The predisposition of the Lord to remain faithful and to bless
  • Even in judgment there is hope for mercy
  • There is always room for prayer

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis18:20-32)

During Abraham’s encounter with the three visitors, the Lord indicates that Sodom’s extreme wickedness must be dealt with. Abraham manages to negotiate the number of righteous inhabitants for whom the Lord would be willing to spare the city from fifty down to ten.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist is thankful for God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. His word is heard by all the kings of the earth, who praise him as well. In spite of his greatness he favours the lowly over the proud. In troubled times, the Psalmist is confident of the Lord’s protection and purpose for him.

Second Reading (Colossians 2: 6-15, [16-19])

Paul pleads with the Colossians to remain steadfast in Christ who is superior to any other source of spiritual truth and power. Identified with him through baptismal faith, they share in his triumph over sin, death and the law. They should ignore anyone who says anything else.

Gospel (Luke 11:1-13)

Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by example and instruction. He provides them with a model prayer to follow and encourages persistence. He promises them that such prayer will succeed because God is more prepared to bless than any human fathers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord enters into genuine relationships with humankind in spite of his infinite superiority
  • The predisposition of the Lord to remain faithful and to bless
  • Even in judgment there is hope for mercy
  • There is always room for prayer
  • Never give up on God

 

 

 

Posted on

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31)

Wisdom calls humankind to be aware of its special place in creation. It was first before all other creatures and worked hand in hand with God in the process of creating the wonders of the whole earth. In these, and in humanity as well, it has reason to be delighted.

Psalm (8)

The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind does not suffer much in comparison, having been given dominion over that creation and crowned with glory and honor.

Second Reading (Romans 5:1-5)

Paul explains how, having been justified by faith, we are restored to God through Christ and can fully expect to share in his glory. We can even boast in that our suffering produces, in turn, endurance, character, and a sure hope, as God’s love is poured out through the Holy Spirit.

Gospel (John 16:12-15)

Jesus tells his disciples they are not ready to hear all that he needs to say to them. However, the coming Spirit will impart all truth to them, all that he has heard, including future events. In this he will glorify Jesus who, in turn, has been given everything of the Father’s.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The special place of humanity as the object of God’s attention
  • God extends his work through his Spirit and humankind, his special creation
  • The work of creation and new creation is wondrous indeed
  • The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit cooperate in the work of redemption
  • The Holy Spirit does not work independently of the Father and the Son

 

 

Posted on

Fifth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 19, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 11:1-18)

After Cornelius and his household were converted by Peter’s preaching, the Jerusalem church is concerned that he had associated with Gentiles. But they rejoice when he relates how clearly the Lord had directed him, and how the Gentiles had been given the Holy Spirit just like them.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist enthusiastically calls on all the elements of both heaven and earth to praise the Lord who has created them all, animate and inanimate together. Now he has raised up a horn for his faithful people, a mighty deliverer to save them at last.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:1-6)

As part of the final scene of John’s vision, he depicts a transformed creation in which God will dwell among all humanity as his people, in a new Jerusalem. Suffering, tears, and death will be no more. They will drink of the water of life as God brings his plan of redemption to conclusion.

Gospel (John 13:31-35)

On the night before he died, Jesus speaks to his disciples of his being glorified, and of God being glorified in him. He tells them he is going where they cannot go, but they are to love one another as he has loved them: this will show others that they do, in fact, follow him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The plan of God will be carried out
  • God is the Lord of creation and even of history itself
  • The course of redemption does not follow in an obvious or straight direction
  • Salvation has a universal scope and all aspects of life will be redeemed
  • The transcendent love of God