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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

Second Sunday of Easter, April 19, 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, 22-32)

Peter reminds those gathered in Jerusalem that they knew of the attesting miracles that Jesus had performed but handed him over to death anyway. However, God raised him, freeing him from death itself just as David had foreseen. Jesus’ disciples are all witnesses to this fact.

Psalm (16)

In today’s Psalm, David affirms his total commitment to the Lord and rejoices in the benefits of having done so. These even extend to victory over the power of the grave.

Second Reading (1 Peter 1:3-9)

Peter exults in how the resurrection of Jesus absolutely has secured the believers’ inheritance beyond this life. Even though we cannot see him, this fact is a source of deep joy, even in times of trial that severely test our faith.

Gospel (John 20:19-31)

On Easter evening Jesus appears to his disciples and breathes the Holy Spirit on them, sending them into the world to continue his mission. A week later, he convinces a doubting Thomas and blesses those who believe without actually seeing for themselves.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus is well attested by the personal witness of those who encountered him in risen form
  • The mission of the Church arises out of the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the salvation he has accomplished
  • The resurrection of Jesus is proof that God provides victory over death itself
  • The resurrection of Jesus makes all the difference to our faith

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Have you believed, Thomas, because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe. John 20.29

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and eternal God,
the strength of those who believe
and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

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Resurrection of the Lord (Easter), April 12, 2020, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set, and Including Alternates

First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

OR

Alternate First Reading (Jeremiah 31:1-6)

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of the Lord’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion.

Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)

The Psalmist has experienced the Lord’s punishment and then, in answer to prayer, a last-minute rescue from death. The gates of righteousness are now thrown open and the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone. It is the day of the Lord’s salvation.

Second Reading (Colossians 3:1-4)

St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again.

OR

Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter tells Cornelius the Roman centurion that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Gospel (John 20:1-18)

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple who run to see for themselves. Mary encounters the risen Lord and recognizes him when he calls her name. Told to tell the others that he will soon ascend, she does so.

OR

Alternate Gospel (Matthew 28:1-10)

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary go to Jesus’ tomb early on the first day of the week. There an angel informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them tell the disciples to go to Galilee to meet him. Jesus himself then appears, calming their fear and sending them on their mission.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrection of Jesus has implications for all humanity as Lord of all
  • The resurrection of Jesus is a turning point in history itself
  • The resurrection of Jesus turns everything upside down.
  • The resurrection of Jesus opens the gate of life to all who would believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus and its reality is the foundation of Christian faith
  • The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the new creation

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Christ our Passover has been sacrificed for us; therefore let us keep the feast. 1 Corinthians 5.7–8

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Lord of life and power,
through the mighty resurrection of your Son,
you have overcome the old order of sin and death and have made all things new in him.
May we, being dead to sin
and alive to you in Jesus Christ,
reign with him in glory,
who with you and the Holy Spirit is alive,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Resurrection of the Lord (Easter), April 21, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set and Alternates

First Reading (Acts 10: 34-43)

Peter tells the Roman Cornelius that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

OR

Alternate First Reading (Isaiah 65:17-25)

Through Isaiah the Lord proclaims that he is going to create a new heaven and a new earth with Jerusalem at its centre. He will delight in his people who will weep no more. They will be free of the frustrations and tragedies of life and nature will be at peace.

Psalm (118:1-2, 14-24)

The Psalmist has experienced the Lord’s punishment and then, in answer to prayer, a last-minute rescue from death. The gates of righteousness are now thrown open and the rejected stone has now become the cornerstone. It is the day of the Lord’s salvation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:19-26)

Paul sets the entire weight of our salvation upon the reality of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. For those who belong to him it is the overcoming of death introduced through Adam. They will rise in turn when he comes to consummate the victory of his kingdom.

OR

Alternate Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter tells the Roman Cornelius that God accepts all who fear him, regardless of nationality, and then informs him about Jesus. His death and resurrection reveal him as the universal Lord and judge of all. and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Gospel (John 20:1-18)

Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple who run to see for themselves. Mary encounters the risen Lord and recognizes him when he calls her name. Told to tell the others that he will soon ascend, she does so.

OR

Alternate Gospel (Luke 24:1-12)

Mary Magdalene and other women take burial spices to anoint Jesus but find his tomb unexpectedly open. Inside, they are alarmed by two men in dazzling clothes who assure them that Jesus is risen as he said. Only Peter acted on their report and saw for himself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrection of Jesus has implications for all humanity as Lord of all
  • The resurrection of Jesus is a turning point in history itself
  • The resurrection of Jesus turns everything upside down.
  • The resurrection of Jesus opens the gate of life to all who would believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus and it’s reality is the foundation of Christian faith
  • The resurrection of Jesus is the beginning of the new creation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 17, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 17:5-10)

Jeremiah declares that to trust in humankind is to end up like a plant dying in the desert. But to trust in the Lord is to be blessed, like a thriving tree planted by water, unafraid of any drought. The human heart is unreliable and known only to the Lord, who rewards those who do good.

Psalm (1)

The Psalmist declares happy those who ignore the advice of the wicked and instead delight in the Law of the Lord. They are like perpetually fruitful trees beside a river instead of chaff blown away by the wind. The wicked will suffer judgment while the Lord guides the righteous forever.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:12-20)

If it is true that the dead are not raised, says Paul, then the apostles are liars, Jesus is still dead, sin has not been dealt with, and the Christian dead have died without hope. We are the most pitiful people of all. But, in fact, Christ has been raised, the first of many others sure to follow.

Gospel (Luke 6:17-26)

A large crowd gathers to hear Jesus and to be healed by his evident power. He tells his disciples that the poor, the hungry, the sorrowful and the reviled will have their fortunes reversed, while those who are enjoying life now will lose it all. He warns that God’s heralds are never popular.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • A message cannot be judged by how well it is received
  • The way of faithfulness is not immediately obvious
  • Jesus has power over every difficult circumstance and even death itself
  • The judgment of God will reverse every injustice and set things right
  • Following the ways of God ultimately leads to a full and fruitful life

 

 

Posted on

Readings for April16,2017 Year A Resurrection of the Lord

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Acts 10: 34-43 or Jeremiah 31:1-6
  • Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24

Second Reading

  • Colossians 3:1-4 or Acts 10: 34-43

Gospel

  • John 20:1-18 or Matthew 28:1-10

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation. The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation. St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again. John tells how Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple. They run to see and find only the death garments lying there. After they go home, Mary encounters the risen Lord, recognizing him only when he calls her name. She is told to tell the others that he will soon be ascending to the Father. She hurries to obey.

As Introductions

First Reading

The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Psalm

The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation.

New Testament

St. Paul exhorts the Colossians, on the basis of their incorporation into the risen Christ, to set their minds on things above. They have already died to earthly things and will share in his glory when he comes again.

Gospel

John tells how Mary Magdalene discovers the empty tomb and runs to tell Peter and the other disciple. They run to see and find only the death garments lying there. After they go home, Mary encounters the risen Lord, recognizing him only when he calls her name. She is told to tell the others that he will soon be ascending to the Father. She hurries to obey.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of YAHWEH’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion. The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation. The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation. Matthew relates how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. They encounter an angel in dazzling white who informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they will meet him. Jesus himself then greets the Marys and they fall before him in worship. Jesus tells them not to fear and to continue on their way with the angel’s message.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Jeremiah forecasts a great Day ahead for the destroyed and scattered tribes of Israel, a Day in which they shall be joyfully gathered together in the fruitful Land. This return to life is a result of YAHWEH’s everlasting love for his people and will stimulate fervent worship in Zion.

Psalm

The Psalmist has just experienced rescue from death and recognizes that YAHWEH has answered his prayer. Feeling like a rejected stone now become the chief cornerstone, he calls on everyone to give thanks for the steadfast love of the God of his salvation.

New Testament

The apostle Peter, having received a vision revealing the acceptability of even unclean animals for sacrifice, addresses the Roman centurion Cornelius to the effect that God rejects no nationality. Peter briefly relates the story of Jesus, including his death and resurrection, emphasizing simply that he is Lord and judge of all, and everyone who believes in him receives salvation.

Gospel

Matthew relates how Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. They encounter an angel in dazzling white who informs them that Jesus is risen and bids them to tell the disciples to go to Galilee where they will meet him. Jesus himself then greets the Marys and they fall before him in worship. Jesus tells them not to fear and to continue on their way with the angel’s message.