Posted on

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 19, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 49:1-7)

Isaiah speaks of the Lord’s chosen servant who is to turn Israel back to God and be used for his glory, manifesting the light of salvation to the nations. Presently despised, Israel will be so noticeably blessed that even foreign kings shall worship the Lord.

Psalm (40:1-11)

The Psalmist speaks as someone whom the Lord has rescued from the pit, set on a rock, and enabled to sing a new song that leads many to faith. It is not temple sacrifices that have saved him, but simply God’s love and mercy, and he now delights in his law.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:1-9)

St. Paul celebrates the grace of God that has been manifested to the Corinthians as part of the fellowship of Christ being instituted throughout the entire world. Through grace they have been enriched by having every spiritual gift poured out upon them.

Gospel (John 1:29-42)

John the Baptist appears as a mere servant pointing to a greater one to come. Seeing the Holy Spirit descend upon his cousin Jesus, John identifies him as both the Son and Lamb of God. Two of John’s disciples follow Jesus and then recruit Peter, or “the Rock”.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Grace is characteristic of the manifestation of the Lord
  • God uses those he has lifted up for his greater glory
  • The ones God has saved are set upon the surest of foundations
  • We cannot be silent about what God has done for us
  • When God’s people wholeheartedly proclaim God’s blessings, the whole world will be drawn to him
Posted on

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 20, 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 62:1-5)

Isaiah proclaims that when Israel is vindicated and the nations see her glory, the Lord shall give her a new name. She will be no longer known as forsaken but as the delight of the Lord. Indeed, he will be joined to her in marriage, rejoicing as a groom would celebrate over his new bride.

Psalm (36:5-10)

The Psalmist declares the Lord unmatched in his lovingkindness and faithfulness, profound in righteousness and judgment. In his house is an abundant feast and all peoples may take shelter in him. Continue in your favour toward your people, O Lord, source of our life and light!

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

Paul informs the Corinthians that the diversity of spiritual gifts in their midst is actually a sign of unity since they are given by the same Holy Spirit. In fact, the Holy Trinity is behind all truly Christian activity. It is the work of the Spirit to allot a gift to each believer for the common good.

Gospel (John 2:1-11)

Early in his ministry Jesus goes to a wedding in Cana where the wine runs out early. He changes a considerable amount of water into wine. The steward is impressed that its excellent quality was saved to serve last. By this first sign Jesus reveals his glory and his disciples believe in him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God as married joyfully to his people
  • When people encounter the glory of Almighty God they are drawn to believe in him
  • The wedding feast as a metaphor for the Kingdom of God
  • It is the desire of God for his people ultimately to dwell in an abundance of both material and spiritual gifts

 

 

Posted on

Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 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 (1 Samuel 3:1-10, [11-20])

Toward the end of the rule of the judges, the word of Yahweh unexpectedly comes to the boy Samuel serving under Eli the priest. It is a difficult word for the budding prophet because it regards Yahweh’s coming punishment upon Eli and his sons.

Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that Yahweh not only knows him inside out, but also, knowing what plans he had for him, wondrously formed him his mother’s womb. Such a God far exceeds the Psalmist’s ability to understand.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

In stressing the freedom of Christians, St. Paul takes care to point out that not all things are beneficial. He is especially concerned about sexual sins because they violate the body, which is made for the Lord, for his glory, and is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel (John 1:43-51)

After responding to Jesus’ invitation to follow him, Philip tells his brother Nathaniel that he has found the Expected One. After Jesus shows that he had intimate prior knowledge of him Nathaniel believes and is told that he will come to understand more about the true identity of the Son of Man.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The call of God
  • God makes himself known (reveals himself)
  • We are personally known and cared for by the Lord
  • The Lord orders our life for his purposes
  • Bodily existence is spiritually significant