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Ascension Day, Year A, May 21, 2020

Lection Connection for the Sixth Sunday after Easter can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 1:1-11)

After his resurrection Jesus teaches his disciples about the kingdom of God for forty days. He tells them to wait for the baptism in the Holy Spirit to enable them to be witnesses even to the ends of the earth. As he rises into a cloud, he promises that he will return in the same way.

Psalm (47)

All peoples are called to joyful praise of the Lord because he is king over all the earth, having subdued it through his people Israel. He has gone up to his throne over all other powers with great acclaim and so the call goes for all the nations to honour him as their God as well.

OR

Alternate Psalm (93)

The Lord is the everlasting and universal king of creation, his creation. He is far more majestic than even the awesome thunder of the heavens or the crashing waves of the sea. His laws are sure and his house is holy.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)

Having heard of the faith and love of the Ephesians, Paul gives thanks and prays that they will know the rich hope to which they are called. God will do this, whose power raised Jesus from the dead and seated him on high over all other authorities as the head of the church, his body.

Gospel (Luke 24:44-53)

In his last resurrection appearance Jesus shows his disciples how the Scriptures predicted his suffering and rising. Witnesses to this, they are to proclaim repentance and forgiveness in his name even to the ends of the earth. With that he blesses them and ascends into heaven.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The ascension of Jesus to the Father marks the end of his earthly ministry and the beginning of his ministry extended through the church
  • The ascension of Jesus reveals his true position as the authoritative Son of God
  • Jesus’ followers are to carry the gospel of his kingdom to all the earth and all its inhabitants
  • Jesus ascends to a place beside God as universal king over all the nations

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Go and make disciples of all nations, says the Lord; I am with you always, to the close of the age. Matthew 28.19, 20

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ ascended to the throne of heaven that he might rule over all things as Lord.
Keep the Church in the unity of the Spirit
and in the bond of his peace,
and bring the whole of creation
to worship at his feet,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Fifth Sunday of Easter, May 10, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen, about to become the first Christian martyr, sees Jesus in the heavens standing at the right hand of God and commits his spirit to him. Even as the stones fall cruelly upon him he finds refuge in the certainty of eternal life with the Resurrected One.

Psalm (31:1-5, 15-16)

In a time of desperate need, the Psalmist commits his spirit into the hand of the Lord, his redeemer and his fortress. He does so in the sure knowledge that the Lord is righteous, faithful and loving.

Second Reading (1 Peter 2:2-10)

Peter refers to Jesus as the keystone of the living temple made up of believers, living stones who offer up spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ. They who were once but aliens are now a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a holy nation.

Gospel (John 14:1-14)

Jesus promises his disciples that he will return and take them to be with him and the Father. He explains that he himself is the way and that he and the Father are one. In Jesus’ absence the disciples will be able to expand Jesus’ works, all to the Father’s glory.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The resurrected Jesus is the One we must depend upon
  • We can do the works of Jesus only in his name and power
  • God is our refuge
  • Jesus shares the divine characteristics of the Father
  • Our way to the Father is through the Son

SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

I am the way, the truth, and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father, but by me. John 14.6

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty God,
your Son Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Give us grace to love one another
and walk in the way of his commandments,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN

Posted on

Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost, November 17, 2019, Proper 28, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 65:17-25)

The Lord describes his coming salvation for Israel in terms of a new heaven and a new earth. It will be so blessed that there will be only joy and delight, no weeping or mourning. Each life will be fully lived and even wild animals will be at peace.

Psalm Substitute (Isaiah 12)

The Psalm, taken from Isaiah as well, celebrates the coming day of God’s salvation as an occasion for thanksgiving and joy to be known throughout the earth. The greatness of the Lord will be seen to be with his people.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to put up with idlers. They are to follow his own industrious example by not being a burden to anyone. He exhorts those who are lazy meekly to earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. After a time of severe persecution, false messiahs will arise during worldwide turmoil. He assures his disciples of his help and that no final harm will come to them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The future of salvation is tied to that of the people of Israel
  • God’s ultimate salvation is a worldwide event
  • Until the final resolution of all things, Christians can expect conflict and struggle to mark their lives
  • God’s final salvation will transcend all the ambiguities and difficulties of this life

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Malachi 4:1-2a)

The prophet Malachi uses the image of burning stubble to convey the devastating judgment of the Lord upon the disobedient. However, upon those who honour him, the healing sun of righteousness will rise.

Psalm (98)

The Psalmist calls for exuberant praise to the Lord because of his decisive lifting up of Israel. All the nations bear witness to this miracle and are urged to join in rejoicing along with nature itself. The Lord will be the righteous judge of the whole earth.

Second Reading (2 Thessalonians 3:6-13)

Paul urges the Thessalonians to not be idle or to put up with idlers. They are to follow his own industrious example by not being a burden to anyone. He exhorts those who are lazy meekly to earn their own living.

Gospel (Luke 21:5-19)

Jesus tells his disciples that terrible times lie ahead for Jerusalem but even that is not the end. After a time of severe persecution, false messiahs will arise during worldwide turmoil. He assures his disciples of his help and that no final harm will come to them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The future of salvation is tied to that of the people of Israel
  • God’s ultimate salvation is a worldwide event
  • Until the final resolution of all things, Christians can expect conflict and struggle to mark their lives
  • The judge of all the earth will be the only One who is perfectly qualified to do so and we can trust absolutely that he will do the right thing
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