Posted on

Resurrection of the Lord (Easter), April 1, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection. If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.

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.

Alternate First Reading (Isaiah 25:6-9)

YAHWEH promises that he will provide a sumptuous feast for all peoples on Mt. Zion, destroying the shroud of death that threatens them now. He will wipe away all tears and remove the disgrace of Israel. Their long wait for his salvation will be over.

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

The Psalmist has experienced YAHWEH’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 YAHWEH’S salvation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:1-11)

St. Paul reminds his readers of the cornerstone of his preaching and their faith. Christ died for our sins, was buried and then raised, as Scripture predicts. He appeared to all the apostles, including Paul, the last and the least, as an example of pure grace.

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 another disciple. Both race to find only the burial garments inside. Mary alone encounters the risen Lord who wants her to tell the others that he will soon be ascending. She hurries to obey.

Alternate Gospel (Mark 16:1-8)

Mary Magdalene and two other women take burial spices to anoint Jesus but find his tomb unexpectedly open. Inside, they are alarmed by a man in white who assures them that Jesus is gone to Galilee and they are to tell the disciples. Thunderstruck, they fail to do so.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The unexpected grace of God crosses all kinds of barriers
  • 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 is the foundation of Christian faith

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Good Friday, March 30, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

YAHWEH tells of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve YAHWEH.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:16-25)

The writer of Hebrews describes Jesus as both priest and sacrificial victim who made a way for us to come to God with clean hearts. As a result, we should continue to meet together in mutual encouragement towards love and good deeds.

Alternate Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death, he begged God to save him but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • As high priest Jesus offers himself, both priest and victim.
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray

Based on the Alternate Second Reading

First Reading (Isaiah 52:13-53:12)

YAHWEH tells of his coming Servant who will undergo humiliation, rejection and great injustice. Like a sacrificial lamb he will silently bear the sins of many and make them whole. Assigned to the grave, in the end he will be vindicated and exalted in triumph.

Psalm (22)

Encircled by enemies like raging beasts, the Psalmist despairs in God’s seeming absence. Melting with fear as lots are cast for his clothes, he still trusts that he will be delivered so mightily that the nations, the dead, and posterity itself will come to serve YAHWEH.

Second Reading (Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9)

The writer of Hebrews exults in our having such an approachable and sympathetic high priest as Jesus, tested in every way but without sin. Facing death, he begged God to save him but in the end submitted to his will and became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 18:1-19:42)

Quoting both Jesus himself and Scripture, John stresses how God is in control of Jesus’ trials and crucifixion. Pilate, knowing Jesus innocent, gives in to the raging crowd and he is crucified. Soldiers cast lots for his tunic while Jesus gives up his life and is buried.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering and troubles do not signify the absence of God
  • The profound and mysterious love of God for us sinners
  • The cost of our salvation to God and his Son
  • Conforming to God’s will comes with a cost
  • All we like sheep have gone astray
  • The humanity of Christ is our salvation
Posted on

Fifth Sunday in Lent, March 18, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection. If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:31-34)

YAHWEH tells the people he will establish a new covenant with them, different from that established at Sinai but which they did not keep. This time all will be forgiven them and everyone will know YAHWEH personally, the law being written on their hearts.

Psalm (51:1-12)

The Psalmist acknowledges his sinfulness, begging forgiveness on the basis of God’s steadfast love and mercy, even though there is just cause for punishment. He desires an inner transformation so that he may keep God’s laws by means of his Spirit within.

Alternate Psalm (119:9-16)

The Psalmist, apparently a young person, delights in the ways of YAHWEH and states his desire to follow the divine laws. To do this he must continue to treasure them in his heart and meditate on them day and night so that they cannot be forgotten or ignored.

 Second Reading (Hebrews 5:5-10)

The writer tells us that Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king who encountered Abraham long ago, represents the eternal high priesthood to which Jesus belongs. Learning obedience through suffering, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation.

Gospel (John 12:20-33)

Jesus characterizes his death as his glorification. He will die as a seed must in order to bear fruit, and so must his followers. A voice from heaven tells him that the Father will be glorified in his death. When he is lifted up, Jesus says, all people will be drawn to him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following Jesus involves a death to our previous way of life
  • Human beings always fall short of obeying God in their own strength
  • Jesus brings a new and personal way to relate to God, not based on the law but on grace
  • We need a transformed heart in order to truly follow God’s commandments

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 11, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.  If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Numbers 21:4-9)

The Israelites, impatient in the wilderness, again complain to Moses about lacking food and water. YAHWEH sends deadly snakes among them and many die before they repent. Moses erects a bronze snake and when people look to it they are healed.

Psalm (107:1-3, 17-22)

The Psalmist urges praise to YAHWEH for his enduring love and amazing works. The redeemed were gathered from afar and, although some were afflicted to the point of death due to their sin, they were restored by YAHWEH’s word when they called to him.

Second Reading (Ephesians 2:1-10)

St. Paul tells the Ephesians that, once dead because of their sins, they have been resurrected by God’s mercy and love alone. This rich new life with Christ engenders good works in this life and will continue to unfold throughout eternity.

Gospel (John 3:14-21)

Jesus says that when he is lifted up, those who look to him in faith will move from death to eternal life. This is God’s intention for everyone, but evildoers hate the light. Those who do come to the light reveal that the ability to do what is true is actually God’s work.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Following Jesus is a matter of life and death
  • New life in Christ leads to good works, not the other way around
  • The critical importance of looking to God/Christ for salvation
  • God can transform death into life
  • God can transform symbols of death into agents of life
  • There are only two ways of life

 

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday in Lent, March 4, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection . If used as an introduction during worship, a suggested format can be found here.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 20:1-17)

The people listen on Mount Sinai as YAHWEH gives the 10 Commandments for the first time. He begins recounting his saving them from slavery in Egypt and demands their allegiance to him alone and then lays out how he wants them to live as his people.

Psalm (19)

The Psalmist insists that the heavens wordlessly speak volumes in glory to God. Like the circling sun warms the earth each day so the law of YAHWEH revives our soul, lightens our way and exposes our faults. It is both essential and delightful to the faithful heart.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:18-25)

St. Paul reflects on the great paradox of the Cross: it seems a sign of weakness to Jews seeking signs of God’s power, and foolishness to Greeks seeking human wisdom. However, to those called, it actually demonstrates God’s supreme power and wisdom.

Gospel (John 2:13-22)

Jesus enters the Temple and is angry at the way it has become a busy market of people selling animals for sacrifice. His disciples then recall prophecy that Messiah was to have such zeal for God’s house. Jesus then speaks mysteriously of his body as the Temple.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The overarching wisdom and power of God
  • In our weakness and foolishness, we are lost in the world without divine guidance
  • Holiness is demanded of those who would draw close to God
  • God’s way is a delight to those he has called but a puzzle to those living only on a worldly plane
  • The evidence of God’s wisdom and power is all around for those with eyes to see

 

 

 

Posted on

Second Sunday in Lent, Feb. 25, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

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

YAHWEH 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 YAHWEH 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 another.

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)

YAHWEH 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 YAHWEH 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 another.

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

First Sunday in Lent, Feb. 18, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 9:8-17)

After Noah, his family and the animals safely emerged from the ark, God made a covenant with them that he would not again destroy the earth with a flood. He said he would remember this covenant every time he saw its sign, a rainbow in the clouds.

Psalm (25:1-10)

Knowing that he can trust in the steadfast love and mercy of YAHWEH, the Psalmist looks to him, asking to be led in his truth and forgiven his youthful sins. YAHWEH will lead the sinner and the humble into his paths of faithful love as they keep his covenant.

Second Reading (1 Peter 3:18-22)

Christ the righteous one died for sinners to bring them to God. Made alive in the spirit, he then preached to the captive spirits of those lost in Noah’s flood. Those saved in the ark, however, prefigured our baptism. Christ is now gloriously ascended and sovereign over all.

Gospel (Mark 1:9-15)

When John baptizes Jesus a heavenly voice identifies him as God’s Beloved Son. The Spirit then drives him into the wilderness where Satan tempts him for forty days. After, Jesus begins preaching repentance and belief in the good news of the impending arrival of God’s kingdom.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment: two sides of the same coin
  • God’s covenants with his creatures reflect his constancy and love
  • Water as an instrument of judgment and/or salvation
  • Forty days mark a new beginning in our relationship with God

 

 

Posted on

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17)

Through the prophet Joel YAHWEH warns of an impending “Day of the Lord” and pleads with his people to return to him in sincerity of heart. He calls for a fast that goes beyond mere outward observance and relies instead on YAHWEH’s steadfast love and mercy.

Psalm (51:1-17)

The Psalmist, deeply aware of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit, a new heart. A merciful and loving YAHWEH grants these to those who sincerely and humbly offer him a broken and repentant spirit.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10)

St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked, suffered, and, paradoxically, been blessed.

Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

Jesus teaches that practicing our religion in order to impress others reveals only that the things of heaven are not of ultimate importance to us. Hearts truly oriented to God will be content to do these things in secret, knowing that his blessings await in due course.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The poverty of superficial religious observance
  • God looks upon the heart
  • The necessity of a changed heart in order to please God
  • Good deeds issue from good souls and not the other way round
  • The true fast is of the heart
  • A little humility goes a long way

Based on the Alternative First Reading

First Reading (Isaiah 58:1-12)

Isaiah voices YAHWEH’s displeasure with a people who seek to draw near to him through fasting while not observing his ways. A true fast, one that will ultimately lead to Israel’s restoration, is caring for those in need and bringing injustice to an end.

Psalm (51:1-17)

The Psalmist, deeply aware of his own sinfulness, realizes that what he truly needs is a new spirit, a new heart. A merciful and loving YAHWEH grants these to those who sincerely and humbly offer him a broken and repentant spirit.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10)

St. Paul pleads with the Corinthians to get right with God through Christ who has taken our sin upon himself and shares with us the righteousness of God. This is the day of salvation for which the apostle has worked, suffered, and, paradoxically, been blessed.

Gospel (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)

Jesus teaches that practicing our religion in order to impress others reveals only that the things of heaven are not of ultimate importance to us. Hearts truly oriented to God will be content to do these things in secret, knowing that his blessings await in due course.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The poverty of superficial religious observance
  • God looks upon the heart
  • The necessity of a changed heart in order to please God
  • Good deeds issue from good souls and not the other way round
  • The true fast is of the heart
  • A little humility goes a long way
Posted on

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 11, 2018, Year B

Lection Connection for Transfiguration Sunday 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 (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 it works.

Psalm (30)

Because of Yahweh’s healing 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 (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)

St. Paul likens the Christian life to a footrace whose eternal prize is worth our total effort to prepare for and to run. He himself has done everything he could to subdue his own body in order to practice what he preaches and provide a positive example.

Gospel (Mark 1:40-45)

Jesus, against the rules of religion, reaches out and touches a leper who is confident Jesus can heal him. Upon being restored the man disobeys Jesus command to silence. This increases Jesus’ fame and his popularity makes it necessary for him to avoid towns.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Do whatever it takes to be a faithful Christian
  • Gossipping the Gospel is always a good thing
  • A word, even from the lowly, can accomplish great things in the kingdom
  • Jesus continues but intensifies the prophetic ministry of healing

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 4, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 40:21-31)

In their time of crisis many Israelites are convinced that Yahweh does not intervene because he is unaware of their need. Isaiah reminds them that Yahweh is the awesome Creator and Sustainer, not only of the entire universe but also of the faithful individual.

Psalm (147:1-11, 20c)

The Psalmist calls for Israel to praise Yahweh because the great Creator and Sustainer of the universe is the same One who lifts up the downtrodden and gathers the outcasts to a restored Jerusalem. He delights not in the powerful but in those who trust in his love.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-23)

St. Paul indicates how his primary motivation is to bring as many as possible to salvation through the proclamation of the Gospel. For this reason he has labored without pay and adapted himself to all kinds and conditions of humanity. His reward is simply in the doing.

Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)

Jesus’ early Galilean ministry continues as he heals Peter’s mother-in-law, causing the whole city to bring him the sick and demon-possessed. Ordering the cast-out spirits to keep his identity secret, after a time of prayer he urgently moves on through the region.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God meets our needs, in his time and in his way
  • God is keenly aware of our need
  • We need to trust in God’s love when he does not appear to be present
  • When God does bring salvation it comes with urgency
  • God has a special concern for the downtrodden and outcast