Posted on

Trinity Sunday, June 16, 2019, Year C

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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

Day of Pentecost, June 9, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:1-21)

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Their room is overwhelmed by wind and fire and they begin to proclaim God’s power in the languages of astonished foreign pilgrims. Peter explains this as the arrival of the age to come.

Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)

The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading (Romans 8:14-17)

Paul identifies the Holy Spirit as the one who connects us so intimately to Christ that we share in being God’s children and heirs with him of the glory to come. Led by the Spirit, we are no longer slaves but adopted children, bearing the confirming inner witness of his Spirit.

Gospel (John 14:8-17 [25-27])

Just before he dies Jesus teaches that his works show that he and the Father are one. In fact, those who love him and follow him will actually do more, receiving all they ask in his name. Given the Spirit of truth to remind them of his teaching, they will enjoy his unique peace.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
  • The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable and extend the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
  • The Holy Spirit is Christ-with-us and in us
  • The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Genesis 11:1-9)

Not long after creation humans have one language but they make a prideful attempt to build a great tower in Babel in order to reach all the way to heaven. The Lord is upset and causes them to speak in different tongues to frustrate their efforts and scatter them over the earth.

Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)

The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading (Acts 2:1-21)

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Their room is overwhelmed by wind and fire and they begin to proclaim God’s power in the languages of astonished foreign pilgrims. Peter explains this as the arrival of the age to come.

Gospel (John 14:8-17 [25-27])

Just before he dies Jesus teaches that his works show that he and the Father are one. In fact, those who love him and follow him will actually do more, receiving all they ask in his name. Given the Spirit of truth to remind them of his teaching, they will enjoy his unique peace.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
  • The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
  • The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus
  • The disunity of humanity expressed in language, is no barrier to the Gospel

 

 

 

Posted on

Sixth Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 26, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 16:9-15)

In response to a vision, Paul and the missionary party, now including Luke, make their way to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Lydia, a God-fearing Gentile businesswoman, believes Paul’s message concerning Jesus and is converted. She then invites the group to stay at her home.

Psalm (67)

The Psalmist suggests that the abundant blessings of God upon his people Israel will lead to him being known throughout the nations and praise erupting from every corner. All the peoples will honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in the land of Israel.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5)

John sees the New Jerusalem in its perfect purity, inhabited by the redeemed of all the nations. Constantly lighted solely by the very Presence of God and the Lamb, through its streets flows the river of life. It waters the tree of life with its leaves for the healing of the nations.

Gospel (John 14:23-29)

The night before he died Jesus tells his disciples that those who truly love him will keep his word, a word that is also the Father’s. He promises them the Holy Spirit to help them in this and gives them his own unique peace to comfort them in his absence as they trust in his return.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations will be an essential part of what God has in store for Israel and Jerusalem
  • The word of God is powerful, able to bring new life
  • God/Jesus will direct the mission of his church
  • What happens in Jerusalem does not stay in Jerusalem

Based on the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Acts 16:9-15)

In response to a vision, Paul and the missionary party, now including Luke, make their way to Philippi, a city in Macedonia. Lydia, a God-fearing Gentile businesswoman, believes Paul’s message concerning Jesus and is converted. She then invites the group to stay at her home.

Psalm (67)

The Psalmist suggests that the abundant blessings of God upon his people Israel will lead to him being known throughout the nations and praise erupting from every corner. All the peoples will honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in the land of Israel.

Second Reading (Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5)

John sees the New Jerusalem in its perfect purity, inhabited by the redeemed of all the nations. Constantly lighted soley by the very Presence of God and the Lamb, through its streets flows the river of life. It waters the tree of life with its leaves for the healing of the nations.

Gospel (John 5:1-9)

Once, while Jesus is in Jerusalem on a sabbath for a Jewish feast, he encounters a long-term invalid. Because of his infirmity and a lack of assistance, he had been unable to benefit from some local healing waters. With a word Jesus heals him and he immediately begins to walk.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations will be an essential part of what God has in store for Israel and Jerusalem
  • The true waters of healing are provided by our Saviour
  • The word of God is powerful, able to bring new life
  • What happens in Jerusalem does not stay in Jerusalem

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 5, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 9:1-6, [7-20])

On his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, the young rabbi Saul is stopped in his tracks by the risen Lord. Blinded by the encounter, he is led to a nervous Ananias for healing. The Lord had told Ananias of Saul’s calling to preach the Gospel to all, including the Gentiles.

Psalm (30)

The Psalmist rejoices in the fact that he has been restored to life from the Pit. He urges God’s people to rejoice in such a God, whose favour outlasts his righteous anger and who replaces weeping with joy. In his present need the Psalmist appeals to God to turn things around again.

Second Reading (Revelation 5:11-14)

John describes a heavenly scene of myriads of creatures, earthly and heavenly, strange and familiar, surrounding the throne of God and the Lamb. The Lamb, although slaughtered, is now worthy to receive every imaginable glory, honour, and blessing, and all present say Amen!

Gospel (John 21:1-19)

John describes a third appearance of the recently risen Christ to his disciples. He directs them unerringly to a huge catch of fish and then invites them to breakfast with him. He then asks Peter three times if he loves him and then commissions him to feed his sheep.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • There is no situation that the God of resurrection cannot turn around for good
  • Weeping, loss, and even death, are not the final answers for God’s people
  • No matter what we do, we are not beyond the grace of God
  • In God’s plan, exaltation follows humiliation
Posted on

Fifth Sunday in Lent, April 7, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 43:16-21)

At a very low point in the history of Israel, Isaiah, pointing to how the Lord saved Israel at the Red Sea, challenges the nation to look to the future for God to do a new thing. The wilderness will be transformed into a life-giving paradise, causing his people to break into praise.

Psalm (126)

The Psalmist anticipates a time when Israel is restored and becomes the envy of the nations. He calls upon the Lord to bring this vision to glorious reality, turning present weeping into joyful shouts. Those who have sown the tears of sorrow shall reap bountiful harvest of happiness.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:4b-14)

Paul states that his impeccable religious credentials amounted only to rubbish in terms of righteousness. The latter can only come through faith in Christ and the power of his resurrection. It is only this work of Christ that drives him to do good and attain heaven.

Gospel (John 12:1-8)

As his last Passover approaches, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with a costly and fragrant perfume. This extravagance annoyed Judas but Jesus knows that Mary had bought it for his burial. He points out that he is soon going to leave them and will have plenty of time to help the poor.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Living now in anticipation of the Kingdom of God to come
  • The immense value of knowing Christ
  • The God who can bring life out of death
  • Responding to God works in joy and praise

 

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 31, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Joshua 5:9-12)

After the Israelites cross over into the Promised Land, the Lord tells Joshua that they had finally gotten over the disgrace of Egypt. In Canaan at last, they celebrated the Passover and began to live off the produce of the land instead of the manna that God had provided in the wilderness.

Psalm (32)

Beginning by noting the happiness of forgiven sin, the Psalmist recalls his burden of sin and how it was forgiven when he confessed it to the Lord. While he is our saviour in times of trouble, we are responsible to listen to and obey divine instruction, confident of his steadfast love as we do.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 5:16-21)

Paul writes that those who are reconciled to God through Christ are actually new creatures entering into a new reality. The sinless Christ was made sin so that we sinners could be made righteous. Paul considers himself, as a preacher of this message, to be Christ’s ambassador.

Gospel (Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32)

Jesus explains his socializing with sinners by telling the parable of a man with two sons. The older is obedient while the younger runs away from home and squanders his inheritance. When he finally returns home, his father is delighted to have him back, but his brother can only sulk.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s salvation involves a new kind of existence for the redeemed
  • Confession/repentance is good for the soul
  • God has provided a way for our sin to be dealt with in order for us to be reconciled to him
  • God has taken the initiative in saving sinners and delights in their return to him
  • Sin is a burden not worth carrying

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday in Lent, March 24, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 55:1-9)

Isaiah calls out to all who desire genuine life-giving sustenance to come to the Lord while he may be found and remember his covenant with David. Following in his exalted ways, not in theirs, they will receive pardon and gain a glory to which even foreigners will be drawn.

Psalm (63:1-8)

The Psalmist proclaims his desire for the God whose presence feeds his soul in the richest of feasts while he meditates upon him in the night. He will bless the Lord and cling to the one in whose steadfast love he is upheld.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 10:1-13)

Paul warns the Corinthians to learn from the example of the Israelites in the wilderness. They had the advantage of baptism along with spiritual food and drink and yet fell into sin and even tested God. So we are not to test Christ but to withstand every testing, assured of his help.

Gospel (Luke13:1-9)

To people who assumed that fatal disasters were judgments upon those killed, Jesus points out that all need to repent or likewise perish. He then tells of a fig tree that bore no fruit and was given one last chance to receive what it needed to bear fruit before it was destroyed.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • In Christ we have all we need to flourish: he is our spiritual food
  • Now is the time to live humbly as God’s obedient people
  • Who is testing whom?
  • The need for a repentant and humble attitude
  • Never assume our superiority over others

 

 

Posted on

Second Sunday in Lent, March 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 (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 13:31-35)

On his way to Jerusalem, some Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod. Calling him a fox, Jesus has a message for him. His current ministry is drawing toward a tragic end in that city that has killed the prophets, a city for which he has only a deep desire to save from destruction.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • God is yearning to protect us
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til its over

 

Based on the Alternative Gospel

First Reading (Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18)

The Lord comes to the childless Abram in a vision and reveals that the many offspring he had been promised would come from his own body. Abram believes him and is counted righteous. Through a solemn ritual he is assured that the promised Land will be his as well.

Psalm (Psalm 27)

The Psalmist expresses utmost confidence in the Lord to protect him from his enemies and evildoers. On this basis he pleads with the Lord not to forsake him in a time of serious trouble and is content to wait for him to intervene at the last.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:17-4:1)

Paul exhorts his readers to follow him and others like him in their living fully for Christ. The enemies of the Cross have their focus on earthly things, but our citizenship is in heaven, from which we expect our Saviour. He will make us to be like him in glory.

Gospel (Luke 9:28-36, [37-43a])

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. Jesus then delivers a boy from a demon after his disciples could not. All are amazed at the goodness of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Looking only to God for ultimate protection
  • If our focus is not on the Lord, the way we live will be dangerously off-centre
  • It’s never over ‘til it’s over
  • The Lord reveals what we need to know just when we need to know it
Posted on

Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019, Year C

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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

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany, February 24, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 45:3-11, 15)

Joseph, now Pharaoh’s top official, reveals himself to his petitioning brothers who immediately fear he will seek revenge for having sold him into slavery. He assures them that God was behind it all, working to ensure the survival of Jacob’s family by providing a place for them in Egypt.

Psalm (37:1-11, 39-40)

The Psalmist urges a steady confidence in the Lord in the face of the apparent success of the wicked. They will soon fade from the scene while those who humbly take refuge in the Lord will eventually inherit the land and enter into salvation by his hand.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50)

Paul compares the resurrection body to the present body by contrasting a verdant plant and its bare seed. Just as our physical body, like Adam’s, was made of earth and for this world, so our spiritual body, like the last Adam’s, Christ, is glorious and perfect for everlasting life in heaven.

Gospel (Luke 6:27-38)

Not only does Jesus teach his followers to “go the second mile” with those who hate them, he commands them to love them as well. Everybody will help others for a reward. But Jesus says that God’s blessing will come to those who treat others as themselves not expecting a reward.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The final blessing of God far exceeds our expectations
  • Loving those who abuse us opens the door to God’s blessing for us and for them
  • The way of Jesus is not something that comes naturally, especially in the face of the success of those who do not follow him
  • God will provide what we need when we need it