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Reign of Christ, November 24, 2019, Proper 29, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

The Lord rebukes the false shepherds who have devastated and scattered his people. He promises to regather the nation and appoint faithful shepherds who will be ruled by a descendant of David. His name will remind them that their righteousness is from God.

Psalm Substitute (Luke 1:68-79)

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, poetically proclaims that his newborn son will be the long-awaited prophet who prepares the way of the Lord. With his birth, the light of God’s great salvation from sin and death is finally beginning to dawn upon his people.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:11-20)

St. Paul points to God’s strength for help against all adversity while giving thanks for being rescued from the power of darkness. God has reconciled all things to himself through the cross of his divine Son, who, as creator and redeemer, is over all authorities.

Gospel (Luke 23:33-43)

St. Luke records Jesus’ words from the cross forgiving those responsible for his execution. They only scoff at his seeming inability to save himself. In contrast, a thief being crucified with him repents, and Jesus majestically assures him of Paradise.

Connection Suggestions

  • The powers of darkness are real, but ultimately subject to the Lord
  • There is only one Shepherd, to whom all the sheep, including their other shepherds are subject
  • The ministry of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s final salvation
  • Jesus is Lord of all
  • Forgiveness originates at the Cross

 

Based on the Alternative Psalm

First Reading (Jeremiah 23:1-6)

The Lord rebukes the false shepherds who have devastated and scattered his people. He promises to regather the nation and appoint faithful shepherds who will be ruled by a descendant of David. His name will remind them that their righteousness is from God.

Psalm (46)

The Psalmist depicts majestic rule of the Lord even in the midst of the chaos and trouble of this life. He is a strong refuge for the faithful, providing joy like a river that is flowing through the city of God as the morning dawns.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:11-20)

St. Paul points to God’s strength for help against all adversity while giving thanks for being rescued from the power of darkness. God has reconciled all things to himself through the cross of his divine Son, who, as creator and redeemer, is over all authorities.

Gospel (Luke 23:33-43)

St. Luke records Jesus’ words from the cross forgiving those responsible for his execution. They only scoff at his seeming inability to save himself. In contrast, a thief being crucified with him repents, and Jesus majestically assures him of Paradise.

Connection Suggestions

  • The powers of darkness are real, but ultimately subject to the Lord
  • There is only one Shepherd, to whom all the sheep, including their other shepherds are subject
  • The ministry of Jesus marks the beginning of God’s final salvation in the midst of all the ambiguities and troubles of this world
  • Jesus is Lord of all, even of our struggles and difficulties
  • Forgiveness originates at the Cross
Posted on

Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Zephaniah 3:14-20)

The prophet Zephaniah calls upon Israel to rejoice because, in his vision, he sees the Lord turn away her enemies. Israel should not fear because her true King will arrive victoriously, bring the exiles home and change the people’s shame as outcasts into the praise of nations.

Psalm/Canticle (Isaiah 12:2-6)

The prophet Isaiah proclaims his trust in the Lord, who is his strength and salvation. And Israel will draw from this same well, giving thanks and praising the Lord among the nations for what he has done for them. Exult O royal Zion, for your Holy One is in your midst!

Second Reading (Philippians 4:4-7)

Paul encourages the Philippians to be always rejoicing in the Lord. They should be known for their gentleness, knowing the Lord is near. Looking to him in prayer, they will know the deep peace of having their hearts and minds protected by presence of Christ.

Gospel (Luke 3:7-18)

John has distain for those who are coming to him for baptism but who fail to exhibit true repentance in their lives by changing their behaviour. Merely being Jews is not enough to escape the coming judgment. He points to a greater one coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Lord is both judgment and salvation
  • Greater things are coming
  • Preparing for Jesus involves trust and righteous living, the keys to true peace
  • Knowing the Lord is coming should affect the way we live

 

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Reign of Christ, Nov. 26, 2017, Proper 29, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

The Lord God proclaims that he will gather the people of Israel together from their places of exile like a shepherd who gathers his sheep and provides them with lavish care. Those who have abused the weak will be destroyed and the nation’s relationship with God will be restored under David as its shepherd-king.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist exhorts the whole earth to joyful praise of Yahweh, creator of all, and to come into his presence as his people, sheep of his pasture. Yahweh is good, loving and faithful across the generations.

OR

Psalm (95:1-7a)

The Psalmist invites the people of God into the joyful presence of Yahweh with thanks and praise. As creator of all things he is king over all other powers and we are his sheep, fed in his pasture.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)

St. Paul is caught up in the knowledge of God’s great power made known in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to a place above all other rule and authority. He prays that the Ephesians will experience this power more and more as they come to know Christ in whom their hope for redemption is secure.

Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

Using the image of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, Jesus teaches that he himself will occupy a throne of solemn judgment when he returns in great glory. All the nations will be held to account for how they have treated the least of those whom he identifies as extensions of himself, his family.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God/Christ as shepherd-king: savior, provider, protector, judge
  • The people of God as “sheep” and God/Christ as “shepherd”
  • The relationship/identification of God/Christ with his people
  • Trusting in the awesome power of God, creator, re-creator, king
  • God/Christ as the shepherd who sets all things right
  • In the presence of God/Christ