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

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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
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Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 23, 2019, Proper 7, Year C

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Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Kings19:1-4, [5-7] 8-15a)

Queen Jezebel threatens the life of Elijah, the prophet of the Lord who had just bested and destroyed the prophets of Baal, her god. Elijah flees to the desert but falls into depression. The Lord comes to him at Sinai in the silence after earthquake and fire.

 Psalms (42 and 43)

In spite of despairing in the seeming absence of God and being oppressed by his enemies, the Psalmist finds refuge in his memory of past encounters with the Lord. He knows that he will be vindicated in the end and again rejoice in divine help.

Second Reading (Galatians 3:23-29)

Before Christ came the way to God was by means of law but now it is by means of faith. Law imprisons but faith, by joining us to Christ, enables us to share in being children of God. All other distinctions such as race, gender or social status, no longer apply.

Gospel (Luke 8:26-39)

Venturing into Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a man totally possessed by demons. Jesus sovereignly casts them out into a herd of swine, who drown themselves. The local people are filled with fear and Jesus departs, leaving the healed man to bear witness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Christ always leaves a witness
  • The Lord is superior to all who are opposed to him
  • The Lord is sovereign over all the world and all powers
  • God’s children are never in foreign territory
  • Opposition to God, while powerful, is unable to stand in his way

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 65:1-9)

Isaiah expresses his frustration at being rebuffed by the people of Israel who were following other gods and foreign religious practices. The Lord declares that they will be punished, but, for the sake of his servant, restored instead of destroyed.

Psalm (22:19-28)

Under vicious attack from his enemies, the Psalmist cries out to the Lord for help. He remains confident of a favourable response because of previous deliverances. All the earth will turn to the Lord and worship him because he rules supreme over the earth.

Second Reading (Galatians 3:23-29)

Before Christ the way to God was by means of law but now it is by means of faith. Law imprisons but faith, by joining us to Christ, enables us to share in being children of God. All other distinctions such as race, gender or social status, no longer apply.

Gospel (Luke 8:26-39)

Venturing into Gentile territory, Jesus encounters a man totally possessed by demons. Jesus sovereignly casts them out into a herd of swine, who drown themselves. The local people are filled with fear and Jesus departs, leaving the healed man to bear witness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Christ always leaves a witness
  • The Lord is superior to all who are opposed to him
  • The Lord is sovereign over all the world and all powers
  • God’s children are never in foreign territory
  • Opposition to God, while powerful, is unable to stand in his way
  • We cannot earn our salvation

 

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Nativity of the Lord – Proper II, December 25, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 62:6-12)

Jerusalem will enjoy a reversal of its low estate when the Lord’s salvation comes. Its inhabitants will reap the rewards of their labour and be known throughout the whole earth as a holy people, redeemed by the Lord and living in a city no longer forsaken.

Psalm (97)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that the Lord is king over the whole earth and calls all people to joyful thanksgiving. The nations behold his superior power and majesty over all other pretenders. His light dawns over the righteous, rescuing them from the wicked.

Second Reading (Titus 3:4-7)

The goodness and love of God has appeared and has saved us through the waters of rebirth and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was through his mercy and not our own efforts that this occurred, making us heirs of eternal life through grace alone.

Gospel (Luke 2: [1-7], 8-20)

St. Luke tells how Jesus is born in the line and city of David to the praise of angels. They appear to a band of humble shepherds in glorious light, directing them to a simple manger. There they encounter the tiny Messiah whose coming had so stirred the angels.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • Hoping in God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • The Light shines in the darkness
  • God lifts up the fallen who cannot save themselves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Micah 5:2-5a)

The prophet Micah declares that Israel’s ruler will come, as promised, from the smallest clan of Judah in the little town of Bethlehem. They will be bereft until a woman has given birth to a son and his people return. He shall shepherd them securely in the peace and strength of the Lord.

Psalm/Canticle ([Magnificat] Luke 1:46b-55)

Mary praises God for raising her from obscurity to become the mother of the Lord. She sees this as part of God’s pattern of lifting up the lowly and needy and putting down the proud and rich. This is a pattern rooted in the covenant promise made to Abraham and his descendants.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:5-10)

The coming of Christ means the end to the old sacrifices and offerings as his body is offered once for all instead. Those sacrifices and offerings under the law were unable to please God and it was his will to send Christ into the world that through his body we might be truly sanctified.

Gospel (Luke 1:39-45)

After Gabriel’s visit, Mary hurries to her cousin Elizabeth who is indeed pregnant. Her child leaps for joy at Mary’s greeting and Elizabeth herself is filled with the Holy Spirit. She tells Mary that her baby is blessed, as is she, because she had believed the word of the Lord.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has not lost sight of the humble and lowly
  • Mary, as a humble believer in God’s word, is lifted up
  • Part of God’s lifting up of the humble involves the sacrifice of his Son.
  • The promises of God are sure

OR

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Micah 5:2-5a)

The prophet Micah declares that Israel’s ruler will come, as promised, from the smallest clan of Judah in the little town of Bethlehem. They will be bereft until a woman has given birth to a son and his people return. He shall shepherd them securely in the peace and strength of the Lord.

Psalm (80:1-7)

The Psalmist, aware of Yahweh’s displeasure with his people, asks him three times to shine his face upon them that they might be saved. They have suffered greatly but Yahweh remains in their midst and will surely respond to their calls upon his name.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:5-10)

The coming of Christ means the end to the old sacrifices and offerings as his body is offered once for all instead. Those sacrifices and offerings under the law were unable to please God and it was his will to send Christ into the world that through his body we might be truly sanctified.

Gospel (Luke 1:39-55)

After Gabriel’s visit, Mary hurries to her cousin Elizabeth who is indeed pregnant. Her child leaps in joy at Mary’s greeting and Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Mary praises God for lifting up lowly Israel, fulfilling the covenant made with Abraham and his descendants forever.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God has not lost sight of the humble and lowly
  • Mary, as a humble believer in God’s word, is lifted up
  • Part of God’s lifting up of the humble involves the sacrifice of his Son.
  • The promises of God are sure

 

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Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018, Year C

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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

 

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Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Malachi 3:1-4)

The prophet Malachi speaks of a time when temple worship is corrupt, but the Lord takes action, sending a messenger of the covenant before him. The messenger will act like a purifying and refining fire, reforming the priesthood and restoring righteous worship to the temple.

Psalm/Canticle (The Song of Zechariah-Luke 1:68-79)

Upon the miraculous birth of his son John, Zechariah prophesies by the Spirit that the Lord is about to fulfill the ancient promise of salvation through the line of David. John’s role is to prepare Messiah’s way as the time of salvation dawns, banishing darkness and bringing peace.

Second Reading (Philippians 1:3-11)

Paul continues to pray for his converts in Philippi, confident that God will continue his good work in and through them. He longs to see them filled with knowledge, producing a crop of righteousness through Christ, ready for the Day of his return. All this will be to God’s glory.

Gospel (Luke 3:1-6)

John the son of Zechariah appears in the wilderness around the Jordan river and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of one who will prepare the way for the salvation of the Lord that is coming in the sight of all humanity.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • John the Baptist
  • Preparing the way of the Lord
  • Salvation is of the Lord
  • Righteousness as preparation for the coming of the Lord

 

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First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 33:14-16)

In the last days of Judah, just before the nation went into exile and the line of David removed from the throne, the prophet Jeremiah has a startling word from the Lord. He says that a Day is coming when Judah and Israel will be restored under a righteous Davidic king ruling in justice.

Psalm (25:1-10)

The Psalmist turns to the Lord for protection asking for knowledge of his ways and to be led in his truth. He acknowledges his sin and makes his appeal based only on God’s mercy and love. He is the one who leads humble sinners in his blessed ways as they keep faith with him.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)

St. Paul is excited about the possibility of seeing the Thessalonians and asks the Lord to guide his way. He asks for their love for all to increase just as his has for them. And so that they might be blameless when Jesus comes, he prays that their hearts may be strengthened in holiness.

Gospel (Luke 21:25-36)

Jesus talks of fearful signs in the heavens and on the earth before the Son of Man comes in great glory. These things will indicate that the kingdom of God is near. He gives his word on it, urging us to live accordingly and to pray for strength both to escape and to stand before him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Day of the Lord marks both an end and a beginning
  • The anticipation of the return of Christ should positively affect the way we live
  • Jesus will be coming as Judge of all the earth
  • Jesus is the expected Davidic king
  • God will make a way where none seems possible

 

 

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Last Sunday after Pentecost (Christ the King), Nov. 25, 2018, Proper 29, Year B

Lection Connection for US Thanksgiving Day 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 Samuel 23:1-7)

David’s last words acknowledge that all of his greatness as a just ruler is due to the Lord. Marvelling that the Lord has made an everlasting covenant with him, he is assured of divine help to further his goals, unlike the godless who will inevitably come to naught.

Psalm (132:1-12, [13-18])

A prayer for the son of David, this Psalm remembers David’s desire to build a house for God and God’s promise to build a house for David, that is, a descendant of his on Israel’s throne forever. The Lord lives in Zion, his chosen city, blessing it with salvation and shaming its enemies.

Second Reading (Revelation 1:4b-8)

Writing to the seven churches of Asia, John blesses them in the name of Christ, the Alpha and Omega, who rules over all earthly kings. He loves us, and his blood has freed us from our sins, making us a kingdom of priests. Every eye shall see him when he comes to judge the earth.

Gospel (John 18:33-37)

Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews and Jesus goes on to explain that he is a king but his kingdom is not of this world. If it was, his followers would be fighting to free him. As it is, he has come to testify to the truth and everyone who belongs to the truth will listen to him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The eternal rule of Christ fulfills God’s covenant promise to David
  • The reign of Christ is continuous with earthly rule but transcends it as well
  • Earthly rulers are answerable to Christ and subject to his Judgment
  • The king of all the earth has subjected himself to it, in order to save it

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14)

In his vision, Daniel sees the Ancient of Days amidst myriads of attendants ascending his fiery throne to sit in judgment. He also sees a human figure like a “Son of Man” coming on the clouds to be given dominion over all peoples and nations in a kingship that endures forever.

Psalm (93)

The Psalmist depicts the Lord as King, with spectacular robes and great strength. He has made the world secure and established his throne. The waters lift their voice to one even mightier than themselves. His testimonies are sure and his house is beautified with holiness forever.

Second Reading (Revelation 1:4b-8)

Writing to the seven churches of Asia, John blesses them in the name of Christ, the Alpha and Omega, who rules over all earthly kings. He loves us, and his blood has freed us from our sins, making us a kingdom of priests. Every eye shall see him when he comes to judge the earth.

Gospel (John 18:33-37)

Pilate asks Jesus if he is the king of the Jews and Jesus goes on to explain that he is a king but his kingdom is not of this world. If it was, his followers would be fighting to free him. As it is, he has come to testify to the truth and everyone who belongs to the truth will listen to him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The reign of Christ is continuous with earthly rule but transcends it as well
  • Earthly rulers are answerable to Christ and subject to his Judgment
  • The king of all the earth has subjected himself to it, in order to save it
  • The Christian can rest secure in the reign of Christ over all other powers

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 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 2:21-27)

The prophet Joel reveals that the whole earth, nature, and Israel are to join in celebrating a coming era of abundant harvests. Their time of punishment and failed crops is coming to an end. These events will demonstrate that the Lord alone is God.

Psalm (126)

Reflecting on those blessed occasions when Yahweh had restored Israel’s fortunes in the past, the Psalmist calls upon him once again to act in like manner. Although his people have sown with tears he is confident that they shall reap in joy under Yahweh’s hand.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 2:1-7)

Speaking as the apostle to the Gentiles, St. Paul encourages prayers and thanksgivings to be made for everyone, including those with power to protect the church. It is God’s desire that all be saved through the mediation of Christ Jesus, the ransom for all.

Gospel (Matthew 6:25-33)

Jesus says that instead of striving and worrying over the necessities of life, his disciples are to seek God’s kingdom above all else. God marvelously provides for all his creation and we can trust him to provide for us, as we are the most valuable of his creatures.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Giving thanks for God’s provision for the necessities of life
  • God is still at work in creation and through people
  • God turns around our disobedience, tears, and worry and brings joy instead
  • The welfare of humankind is God’s primary focus

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, November 18, 2018, Proper 28, 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 1:4-20)

At the end of the time of the Judges, Hannah is tormented by a rival wife because she is barren. Even though she is loved by her husband, she is depressed. She vows to the Lord that if she has a son she will dedicate him to divine service. As a result, Samuel is born.

Psalm (1 Samuel 2:1-10)

Hannah praises the Lord, exulting in her victory over her rival. He is her Rock, the one who reverses the plight of the weak, the hungry and the barren. He controls our lives as the all-powerful creator, the judge who will conquer his foes and make everything right.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:11-14, [15-18], 19-25)

Normal priests can only repeatedly offer ineffective sacrifices for sin. Christ offered himself once for all, perfecting sinners and putting the law in their hearts under a new covenant. We should therefore gather to encourage each other as the Day comes near.

Gospel (Mark 13:1-8)

Jesus’ disciples are impressed by the magnificent temple, but he tells them it will be destroyed. Wanting to know more and Jesus warns them that imposters will come, and many wars with earthquakes and famines, but these are only birth pangs, not the end.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering can lead to joy as the Lord works out his salvation
  • God will bring human suffering and strife to an end
  • The work of Christ will both suffice and endure forever
  • In our helplessness and need we can find solace in God’s ultimate provision

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Daniel 12:1-3)

In a vision, the prophet Daniel sees Michael, Israel’s guardian angel, deliver them during a time of great anguish. Many shall rise from the dead and be judged. The wise and those who led many to righteousness receive great glory, but others receive only shame.

Psalm (16)

The Psalmist takes refuge in the Lord, his portion and cup, who shows him the path of a rewarding life. Sorrow comes to those who follow other gods, while those who trust in the Lord will be kept secure, avoid the Pit, and enjoy eternal joy in his Presence.

Second Reading (Hebrews 10:11-14, [15-18], 19-25)

Normal priests can only repeatedly offer ineffective sacrifices for sin. Christ offered himself once for all, perfecting sinners and putting the law in their hearts under a new covenant. We should therefore gather to encourage each other as the Day comes near.

Gospel (Mark 13:1-8)

Jesus’ disciples are impressed by the magnificent temple, but he tells them it will be destroyed. Wanting to know more and Jesus warns them that imposters will come, and many wars with earthquakes and famines, but these are only birth pangs, not the end.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Suffering can lead to joy as the Lord works out his salvation
  • God will bring his people through judgment into his Presence
  • The work of Christ will both suffice and endure forever
  • In our helplessness and need we can find solace in God’s ultimate provision