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The Epiphany, January 6, 2018, Year B

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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 YAHWEH will so shine upon them that the nations will be attracted and bring their wealth, including gold and frankincense, to a joyful 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 can come by faith.

Gospel (Matthew 2:1-12)

Wise men from the East arrive at King Herod’s court to tell of another king whose nearby birth was marked by a heavenly sign. Sent to Bethlehem and following the star, they find and worship the infant, presenting him with gold, frankincense and myrrh. Being warned in a dream, they do not report back to jealous Herod.

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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The First Sunday after Christmas Day, December 31, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:10-62:3)

Isaiah is caught up in rejoicing over the vindication of Israel that is surely coming. She will appear gloriously clothed in righteousness and salvation, with a new name, and as a royal crown in the hand of Yahweh. All the nations will see it.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist calls upon all that composes heaven and earth, animate and inanimate, to worship Yahweh in a crescendo of praise. Yahweh’s glory is unsurpassed and he is raising up a mighty leader for his people.

Second Reading (Galatians 4:4-7)

St. Paul celebrates the fact that when the time was right God sent his Son to be born under the Law in order that Gentiles might be adopted as God’s children. Having been given the Spirit of the Son, they enjoy an intimate relationship with the Father, no longer slaves but heirs.

Gospel (Luke 2:22-40)

At the infant Jesus’ Presentation in the temple his Messiahship is revealed to Simeon, a faithful Jew who predicts that the child will be a light to Gentiles and bring glory to Israel even though he will disturb many. Later on the same occasion, the prophet Anna recognizes the child and points him out to those looking for Messiah.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Great things of God are about to happen
  • Yahweh is the universal God
  • Gentiles are included in the salvation brought by Christ
  • Rejoice!
  • The Christ-event fulfills the greatest expectations of Israel
  • The Christ-event divides history into before and after

 

 

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Nativity of the Lord – Proper 3, December 25, 2017, Year B

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Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:7-10)

Jerusalem’s watchmen, seeing Yahweh return with salvation for the ruined city, are exhorted to call it to joyful celebration. All nations will observe its people comforted and redeemed as Yahweh acts in sovereign power.

Psalm (98)

All nature is called to loudly celebrate the coming victory of Yahweh on behalf of Israel. Every nation will observe the powerful vindication of his people, aware that, as universal judge, he will act fairly and rightly.

Second Reading (Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12)

The author celebrates the fact that God has now spoken through his Son, who, reflecting him perfectly, is both creator and heir of all things. Much superior to the angels who worshipped him at his birth, he has made purification for our sins and his kingdom is never ending.

Gospel (John 1:1-14)

St. John tells us that with the Word active in creation taking on flesh, God himself has come among us as light and life. John the Baptist serves as a witness to this light but not all to whom the Word is sent receive him. Believers, conversely, are born of God and made his children.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Creation, all over again
  • New beginnings
  • Announcing/giving witness to the Word
  • The difference made by God’s arrival: its like night and day
  • Celebrating new birth
  • All things made new

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nativity of the Lord – Proper 2, December 25, 2017, Year B

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 current debasement when Yahweh’s salvation comes. Its inhabitants will reap the rewards of their labour and be known throughout the whole earth as the holy people, redeemed by Yahweh and living in a city no longer forsaken.

Psalm (97)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that Yahweh is universal king over the earth and calls all to joyful thanksgiving. The peoples 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 appeared and he saved us through the waters of rebirth and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was his mercy and not our own efforts that did this, making us heirs of eternal life through grace alone.

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

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

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • The Light has come and God has acted
  • God lifts up the fallen who cannot help themselves

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Nativity of the Lord – Proper 1, December 25, 2017, Year B

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Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 9:2-7)

Isaiah, writing at the darkest point in Israel’s history, sets forth a bright vision in which the nation’s fortunes are miraculously reversed. A son is born to the throne of David who will exercise his power wisely, ruling forever over a kingdom of peace, justice and righteousness. This is the great desire of YAHWEH.

Psalm (96)

The Psalmist calls the nations to abandon their idols and come to worship YAHWEH in a song. He is coming to judge the peoples fairly and bringing salvation with him. As a result even nature will join in a universal outpouring of praise.

Second Reading (Titus 2:11-14)

St. Paul declares that through the death of Jesus Christ God’s grace bringing salvation to all has come into a world opposed to him. This same grace is preparing us to live godly lives as we await his final appearing at the end of the age.

Gospel (Luke 2:1-20)

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

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • Hoping in God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • Nothing can frustrate the plan of God
  • The Light shines in darkness

 

 

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Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 24, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16)

Having established his kingdom, David presumes that it would now be a good time to build a house for Yahweh. Instead, Yahweh proposes to build a house for David, a line of descendants on the throne of Israel forever, ruling over a kingdom of lasting peace.

Psalm (Luke 1:46b-55)

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same thing happening to many others as God acts to honor his age-old promise to Abraham’s descendants.

OR

Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26

After extolling the unending nature of Yahweh’s love, the Psalmist celebrates the Davidic covenant. Exalted to the throne of Israel and, calling Yahweh “Father”, David was firmly promised that his descendants would rule forever.

Second Reading (Romans 16:25-27)

In closing his letter to the Romans St. Paul commends them to God. Paul reminds them again of his role in revealing the mystery that Gentiles are as eligible as Jews to be included in God’s people. This exalted standing is based on the teaching of Jesus and the prophets.

Gospel (Luke 1:26-38)

Gabriel tells the virgin Mary that she will bear a son named Jesus who will occupy the throne of David forever and even be called the Son of God. She is assured that this birth will be a work of God’s Spirit, transforming her questioning confusion into humble acceptance.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is in the business of exalting the humble
  • The fulfillment of prophecy in the coming of Jesus
  • The unexpected nature of the Christ-event
  • God directs history to his purpose
  • The two advents of our Lord

 

 

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Third Sunday of Advent, December 17, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

Isaiah has been anointed by Yahweh’s Spirit to announce the good news to Israel that all the calamities that have befallen them will be reversed. As Yahweh clothes them with salvation and righteousness, as his blessed people they will display his glory before the nations.

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.

OR

Luke 1:47-55

In response to Elizabeth’s exuberant blessing of her and her unborn child, Mary praises God for exalting her so highly. She sees the same thing happening to many others as God acts to honor his age-old promise to Abraham’s descendants.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24)

St. Paul sets out how to live in order to be ready for the coming of Jesus. Live a sound and blameless life, open to the Spirit and the prophets, rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks in all circumstances.

Gospel (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

John starts his Gospel with the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness as a witness to the light that is coming. In response to the questioning of the Jewish religious authorities he denies being the Messiah or even a prophet. Rather his baptism is preparation for a much greater individual who will shortly make his presence felt.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God raises up the humble and oppressed
  • Preparing for the arrival of the Lord
  • The need for good news
  • Confidence in God’s arrival transforms the waiting time
  • God’s people will endure suffering and trouble but are assured of ultimate relief in God’s time
  • The joy of participating in the mission of God

 

 

 

 

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Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-11)

Yahweh commands Isaiah to comfort his people with the good news that the time of waiting is over and he is coming in great power to set things right. A voice in the wilderness will call the people to prepare for his arrival. Unlike humans, both Yahweh and his word are utterly dependable.

Psalm (85:1-2, 8-13)

Based on Yahweh’s faithfulness in the past, the Psalmist is confident of the imminent arrival of his salvation with his glory filling the restored land. Righteousness will go before him, preparing the way for an overflowing of love, peace and faithfulness.

Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-15a)

Given the seeming delay in the Day of the Lord St. Peter asserts that God is not bound by our reckoning of time. Be assured that his promise of a new cosmos will come true, dramatically and without warning. Delay allows time to come to repentance and gives opportunity for holy living, hastening the Day.

Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)

St. Mark begins his Gospel with the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy regarding events preceding the arrival of Yahweh. John is preaching a baptism of repentance and announcing the coming of a greater one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Preparing the way of the Lord
  • The coming of the Lord
  • God and time
  • The purpose of God’s delay
  • Voices in the wilderness
  • Good News and Bad News

 

 

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First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 64:1-9)

Yahweh having hidden his face, Isaiah pleads for him to act mightily for those who wait for him. Many Israelites have taken Yahweh’s silence as occasion to sin: indeed all have fallen into iniquity. The prophet asks for mercy because they are his people and he is their father.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

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 on his name.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

St. Paul is thankful for the grace of God given to the Corinthians as evidenced in their speech and knowledge. Indeed, they lack no spiritual gift as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus and are assured of being strengthened to the end, made blameless by the God who is faithful.

Gospel (Mark 13:24-37)

In various ways Jesus encourages his disciples to be ready for his sudden return in great power and glory after a period of earth shaking events. These will occur within a generation and should serve to keep everyone alert, given that his words are more solid than the cosmos itself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The people of God are called to wait expectantly for him in troubled times
  • Faithfulness in a time of waiting
  • Faithfulness in the silence of God
  • Waiting is difficult and dangerous
  • When God finally acts it will be decisive and unmistakable
  • God has provided what we need to remain faithful to the end
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Reign of Christ, Nov. 26, 2017, Proper 29, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

The Lord God proclaims that he will gather the people of Israel together from their places of exile like a shepherd who gathers his sheep and provides them with lavish care. Those who have abused the weak will be destroyed and the nation’s relationship with God will be restored under David as its shepherd-king.

Psalm (100)

The Psalmist exhorts the whole earth to joyful praise of Yahweh, creator of all, and to come into his presence as his people, sheep of his pasture. Yahweh is good, loving and faithful across the generations.

OR

Psalm (95:1-7a)

The Psalmist invites the people of God into the joyful presence of Yahweh with thanks and praise. As creator of all things he is king over all other powers and we are his sheep, fed in his pasture.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:15-23)

St. Paul is caught up in the knowledge of God’s great power made known in the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to a place above all other rule and authority. He prays that the Ephesians will experience this power more and more as they come to know Christ in whom their hope for redemption is secure.

Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46)

Using the image of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats, Jesus teaches that he himself will occupy a throne of solemn judgment when he returns in great glory. All the nations will be held to account for how they have treated the least of those whom he identifies as extensions of himself, his family.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God/Christ as shepherd-king: savior, provider, protector, judge
  • The people of God as “sheep” and God/Christ as “shepherd”
  • The relationship/identification of God/Christ with his people
  • Trusting in the awesome power of God, creator, re-creator, king
  • God/Christ as the shepherd who sets all things right
  • In the presence of God/Christ