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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, February 9, 2020

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 58:1-12)

The Lord asserts that true religion is more than just the observance of religious ceremonies and fasts but must include obedience to him, especially in caring for those in need. Doing so will result in his people showing forth his glory.

Psalm (112:1-10)

The Psalmist affirms that those who fear the Lord are firmly established in the midst of the changes and chances of this life. They delight in his laws and obey them, especially in supporting the poor. They are a light in the darkness for all those around them.

Second Reading (I Corinthians 2:1-16)

St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that their faith was not inspired by great words of worldly wisdom but upon the demonstration and power of the Spirit. He gives them his gifts and the mind of Christ in order to live for God in a world subject to a contrary spirit.

Gospel (Matthew 5:13-20)

Jesus tells his followers they are both the salt of the earth and the light of the world. As they more fully keep the laws of God before a watching humanity, more glory is given to the Father and the kingdom of heaven comes closer to realization.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s people are called and equipped to be light in the world
  • Our witness in the world is dependent upon our faithfulness to God’s commandments
  • The world naturally operates in a way that is contrary to God’s ways
  • Our worship is not acceptable if we persist in disobedience
  • The “foolishness” of God is greater than the “wisdom” of humankind
  • The castoffs of society are the special objects of the Lord’s concern and this must be reflected in our discipleship
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Third Sunday after the Epiphany, Year A, January 26, 2020

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 9:1-4)

Isaiah, speaking at a time of great distress, declares that Galilee, although dominated by Gentiles and held in contempt, will be first to experience the glorious light of God’s liberation. It will be like the outnumbered Gideon’s utter defeat of a powerful enemy.

Psalm (27:1, 4-9)

The Psalmist declares his trust in the Lord who is his light and salvation and in whose presence he hopes to dwell concealed from his enemies. There, he will be sure to rise above them and be safe, if only the Lord will grant him a hearing.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:10-18)

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to live in the unity of the one in whose name they have been baptized. He himself is but a servant who was sent by Christ only to preach the message of the cross that, although seemingly foolish, actually saves by God’s power.

Gospel (Matthew 4:12-23)

Matthew tells us that when Jesus withdrew to Galilee, a region long under a Gentile cloud, he was fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. There he begins to assemble his tiny band of disciples and through him God’s kingdom blessings begin to break out in the darkness.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God can use a few to accomplish amazing things
  • It is never us but “God in us” that furthers his mission in the world
  • The Lord is not indifferent to our times of distress and will act when it is best to do so
  • The Lord often chooses the “least” for his purposes
  • The Lord is made manifest in the changes for good that he brings about

 

 

 

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Baptism of the Lord, Year A, January 12, 2020

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 42:1-9)

The Lord will send his chosen servant to bring about universal justice. Unnoticed, a new era will dawn as he opens blind eyes and sets captives free. A covenant will be made in him, the light of the nations. All glory to the Lord who has declared it so.

Psalm (29)

The Psalmist calls all heavenly beings to worship the Lord for his glory and strength, as seen in his voice shaking the very earth itself. All in his temple cry “Glory!” to the eternal king who sits above the flood. May he bless his people with strength and peace.

Second Reading (Acts 10:34-43)

Peter, his own eyes now opened, tells Gentiles associated with Cornelius that Jesus is Lord of all. While he began his mission among the Jews after John’s baptism, his resurrection shows he is Judge of all humanity and forgives anyone who believes in him.

Gospel (Matthew 3:13-17)

John the Baptist defers to Jesus as his superior, but Jesus insists on undergoing baptism to fulfill all righteousness. Jesus’ baptism culminates with his being anointed with the divine Spirit and the voice of God proclaiming him as his beloved Son.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus assumes God’s role as Judge and Redeemer
  • All that came before Jesus witnesses to him
  • Jesus’ appearance marks the beginning of the time of God’s final Salvation
  • Jesus’ baptism moves the divine plan from the old covenant to the new
  • The person of John the Baptist is important but not as great as Jesus, to whom he bore witness
  • Jesus’ messianic ministry begins after his baptism by John
  • The combination of the humble and the majestic in the life of Jesus
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Epiphany of the Lord, January 6, 2020, Year A

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 60:1-6)

Isaiah informs Israel that, while things are indeed dark at present, a dramatic change is coming. The glory of the Lord will so shine upon them that the nations will be attracted and bring gifts, including gold and frankincense, to a joyfully reunited and thriving Israel.

Psalm (72:1-7, 10-14)

The Psalm is a prayer for the king, that he may rule in justice and righteousness, defending the poor and crushing the oppressor. May the kings of the nations bring him tribute and gifts, bowing down and serving him. May he live forever!

Second Reading (Ephesians 3:1-12)

St. Paul speaks of the mystery, now revealed especially in his own apostleship, of how the Gentiles are to be included in the people of God. This was always God’s purpose in sending Jesus, to whom anyone at all can come by faith.

Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12)

Scholars from the East tell King Herod of another king whose birth was marked by a star. Following it to Bethlehem, they find and worship the child, giving him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Warned in a dream, they avoid a jealous Herod and start home.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The nations come to the King bearing gifts (no nation left behind)
  • The inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God
  • The time of fulfillment is breaking upon us with the birth of Jesus
  • The sheer enormity of the Christ-event
  • Gifts for a King?

 

 

 

 

 

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First Sunday after Christmas, Year A, December 29, 2019

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 63:7-9)

In Isaiah’s day things are not looking good for Israel and he reminds the nation of the Lord’s many past gracious acts to their ancestors. Alluding to their escape from Egypt, he emphasizes that salvation was gained through God’s very Presence with them.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist exhorts the inhabitants of the heavens and the creatures of the earth, animate and inanimate alike, to praise their creator Lord. He has provided a mighty leader for his people and is deserving of their unqualified adulation.

Second Reading (Hebrews 2:10-18)

The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that Jesus, as the pioneer of our salvation, has become one of us, sharing our flesh and blood and our experience. This makes him fit to be both the sacrifice for sin and the faithful high priest to offer it on our behalf.

Gospel (Matthew 2:13-23)

Matthew tells how, under the direct guidance of God’s angel each step of the way, the holy family escapes Herod’s grasp by going down to Egypt and later returns to Israel. He draws attention to how all this resonates with the ancient experience of the nation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord is our protector and deliverer
  • Jesus embodies the history of Israel’s great salvation out of Egypt
  • The incarnation brings God fully into our reality and this brings us to God
  • The birth of Jesus is the result of divine action that extends from creation itself: he is the last piece of the puzzle

 

 

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Third Sunday of Advent, December 15, 2019, Year A

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)

The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.

Psalm (146:5-10)

The Psalmist declares happy all those whose hope is in the Lord because he will keep faith forever. He is the almighty creator and the one who lifts up all who are oppressed and brings down all who are wicked. He will reign in Zion forever.

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
  • The way to exaltation is through humility
  • Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
  • Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
  • Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will

 

Based on the Alternative “Psalm”

First Reading (Isaiah 35:1-10)

The prophet Isaiah foresees a new era when the Lord gloriously bursts into creation and rescues Israel. The parched land will blossom while the blind will see, the lame will walk and the deaf will hear. The Lord will provide a highway to Zion’s everlasting joy for those he ransomed.

Alternative “Psalm” (Luke 1:46b-55)

In Mary’s Song, the Virgin praises God for raising her to become the mother of the Lord. She proclaims this to be part of the divine pattern of lifting up the humble and humbling the proud, as was promised in the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants.

Second Reading (James 5:7-10)

James encourages those looking for the Lord to be as patient as a farmer waiting for his crops. He assures them that since it will not be long before the judge arrives to set things right, they should remain in unity with one another and endure their sufferings like the prophets of old.

Gospel (Matthew 11:2-11)

The imprisoned John the Baptist sends his disciples to Jesus in order to confirm that he is the one to come. Jesus simply refers to the remarkable things they see, including the healing of the blind, the lame, and the deaf. The least in the kingdom, he says, is greater than even John.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • One day God will set things right at last with the return of Christ
  • The way to exaltation is through humility
  • Our present perspective on things is extremely limited
  • Taking God at his word requires patience and humility in the face of our present experience
  • Eyes have not seen and ears have not heard what God has prepared for those who love him, but they will
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Second Sunday of Advent, December 8, 2019, Year A

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 11:1-10)

Through Isaiah, the Lord announces that the line of King David’s father Jesse will be revived with the coming of a righteous and just ruler endowed with the Spirit of God. The nations will notice when the poor and meek thrive and even the brutality of nature is transformed.

Psalm (72:1-7, 18-19)

The Psalmist prays that his current king, or perhaps a future king, will be a righteous judge who delivers the poor and punishes the oppressor. Long may his reign of prosperity, righteousness, and peace, endure. The Lord, whose glory already fills the earth, will accomplish all of this.

Second Reading (Romans 15:4-13)

St. Paul urges the Romans to live in harmony, especially in giving glory to God. They should imitate Jesus, who has welcomed them, as Gentiles, into his kingdom. This was foreseen in the ancient promises of Scripture which looked to the line of Jesse for the hope of the nations.

Gospel (Matthew 3:1-12)

Matthew tells us that the appearance of John the Baptist is the fulfillment of Isaiah’s word regarding the forerunner of the Lord. John insists that what God demands is true repentance and warns that one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and the fire of judgment is coming.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord uses both establishment and outsider types to fulfill his plan
  • Jesus is the hope of the nations
  • The arrival of the Kingdom of God is good news and bad news because Jesus is both universal king and judge
  • Jesus is the expected Davidic king and judge
  • It is all according to Plan
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All Saints Day, November 1, 2019, Year C

Lection Connection for the Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost, Sunday October 3, 2019 can be found here.

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Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Daniel 7:1-3, 15-18)

Daniel envisions four great kings or kingdoms arising out of the earth. Each is described as a horrific “beast”, striking terror in the heart of the prophet. In spite of this threatening scenario, Daniel is assured that the kingdom will finally belong to the holy ones of God forever.

Psalm (149)

The Psalm calls for praise to the Lord because he gives glorious victory to lowly Israel, setting it over the kings and nobles of the nations.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:11-23)

Paul writes of the glorious inheritance we now have in Christ, rooted in the power exhibited in his resurrection and demonstrated in his being designated head over all things. While he is our head, we are his body and therefore share in his fullness.

Gospel (Luke 6:20-31)

The Beatitudes make it clear that the kingdom of God will be upside down from our normal experience. The lowly will be made great and vice versa. We are called to embody this upside- down way of life, loving our enemies and treating them as we ourselves desire to be treated.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God will grant the kingdom to his humble and holy people
  • Exaltation is not ours to grasp. It will be the gift of God
  • The normal human ways to exalt ourselves over others will ultimately result in our downfall
  • No matter how exalted, no human power will prevail over the kingdom of God
  • As those who belong to Christ, all saints already participate in his exaltation
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Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 20, 2019, Proper 24, Year C

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:27-34)

The Lord promises a new covenant with Israel that will fundamentally change their relationship. While he caused their sufferings for having sinned, he will also oversee their renewal. He will fix his law in their hearts, forgiving and forgetting their sins forever.

Psalm (119:97-104)

The Psalmist exults in the law of God, the practice of which makes him wiser than any of his enemies and even his teachers and elders. Such divine words are sweeter than honey itself.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

Paul reminds Timothy of the divinely inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to heed. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In light of the coming kingdom, Timothy is to persist in his ministry of the Word.

Gospel (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow because she is so persistent. Similarly, God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but how many will persist in faith?

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s Word brings light and life
  • Fixing God’s Word in our hearts
  • Faith that is persistent in spite of circumstances is true faith
  • Given its soul-renewing power, what place does the Word of God have in our life?

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 32:22-31)

Jacob’s audacity and persistence in his wrestling bout with a mysterious “man” pays off with a profound blessing. His new name, Israel, reveals that he has been wrestling with God himself and hints at his descendants’ struggle with both God and humanity.

Psalm (121)

The Psalmist knows that his only help is in the Lord who actively watches over us. It is he who faithfully “keeps” us: unlike others, he will not sleep through our time of crisis. We are assured of his ultimate protection and care.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 3:14-4:5)

Paul reminds Timothy of the divinely inspired nature of the Scriptures and their ability to form spiritually those willing to heed. Not listening guarantees wandering away from the truth. In light of the coming kingdom, Timothy is to persist in his ministry of the Word.

Gospel (Luke 18:1-8)

Jesus tells a parable in which a judge is forced to grant justice to an audacious widow because she is so persistent. Similarly, God will surely not resist the cry of the faithful who suffer. Justice delayed is not justice denied, but how many will persist in faith?

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s Word brings light and life
  • Faith that is persistent in spite of circumstances is true faith
  • Given its soul-renewing power, what place does the Word of God have in our life?
  • The life of faith is a struggle with both God and others
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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 13, 2019, Proper 23, Year C

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Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)

Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon encourages them to settle down and prosper. They are to build houses, take wives and have families as normal. Even more, they are actually to seek the city’s welfare because if it is blessed, they will be blessed as well.

Psalm (66:1-12)

The Psalmist calls the whole earth to acknowledge and worship God because of his greatness as seen in all his works. He calls special attention to his deliverance of the Israelite nation from death in Egypt and his provision of new life in the land of promise.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 2:8-15)

Paul, himself suffering in captivity but carrying on his ministry as normal, urges Timothy to join in his identification with the suffering of Jesus in the firm expectation of sharing in his resurrection. Timothy is to encourage his flock plainly to do the same.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Continuing on his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters ten lepers begging him to have mercy on them. He heals them after he simply tells them to have the priests check their condition. Only the single “foreigner” among them bothers to return and praise God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is at work in the routines of life
  • Jesus specializes in bringing life out of death
  • Praise is the proper response to the work of God
  • Brighten the corner where you are

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c)

A young Israelite, seeking the welfare of her captor Naaman, tells him about the prophet Elisha back home who could cure his leprosy. Naaman is cured once he obeys the straightforward word of the prophet and comes to believe in Israel’s God.

Psalm (111)

The Psalmist calls for thanks to be given to the Lord for his wonderful works. Those works, especially redeeming Israel and giving the Law, have gained him widespread fame. To have faith in the Lord is to be on the path of wisdom.

Second Reading (2 Timothy 12:8-15)

Paul, himself suffering in captivity but carrying on his ministry as normal, urges Timothy to join in his identification with the suffering of Jesus in the firm expectation of sharing in his resurrection. Timothy is to encourage his flock plainly to do the same.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Continuing on his final journey to Jerusalem, Jesus encounters ten lepers begging him to have mercy on them. He heals them after he simply tells them to have the priests check their condition. Only the single “foreigner” among them bothers to return and praise God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • It is not a wise thing to complicate the straightforward word of God
  • Jesus specializes in bringing life out of death
  • Praise is the proper response to the work of God
  • Brighten the corner where you are