Posted on

Maundy Thursday, April 18, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 12:1-4, [5-10], 11-14)

The Lord announces the last of the plagues against Egypt. He will go through the land destroying all first-born males. The Israelites are to eat a pure lamb, putting its blood on their door to ensure that they are passed over. The event is to be celebrated annually.

Psalm (116: 1-2, 12-19)

Knowing his prayers have been heard, the grateful Psalmist realizes that the best response is to orient his entire life toward the Lord, especially in giving thanks, fulfilling his vows and lifting up the cup of salvation.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

St. Paul reminds the Corinthians that it was Jesus himself who instituted the Lord’s Supper. It is to be repeated in remembrance of his death on their behalf until he comes again.

Gospel (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)

As Passover approaches Jesus realizes that his hour to die has now come. Although returning to his Father, he will be leaving behind his beloved disciples. He washes their feet, impressing upon them that loving one another will mark them as his disciples.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Passover, Jesus’s crucifixion, and the Lord’s Supper share profound connections
  • The wages of sin is death
  • Jesus fulfills not only the prophetic traditions of Israel but also its very institutions and history
  • God provides a substitute
  • Remembrance is critical to the exercise of faith

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Sixth Sunday in Lent (Passion Sunday), April 14, 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 50:4-9a)

Isaiah envisions YAHWEH’s obedient Servant under assault: enduring insults, spitting and striking. He is determined not to flinch or waver from his conviction that YAHWEH is his help and vindication. In such light his adversaries fade into insignificance.

Psalm (31:9-16)

Under serious affliction from all those around him, the Psalmist is driven to tears, misery and extreme physical weakness. In spite of these attacks in which even his life is in danger, he remains confident that YAHWEH will deliver him.

Second Reading (Philippians 2:5-11)

St. Paul encourages the Philippians to be like Jesus who, although divine, humbled himself and endured a demeaning death. In the end, he was exalted by God to be Lord over all, with every knee in heaven and earth bowing before him.

Gospel (Luke 22:14-23:56)

Sharing Passover with his disciples, Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper and tells them to serve one another. He is arrested and then abused by the temple authorities, the Jewish council, Pilate and Herod. Cravenly, Pilate hands him over for crucifixion and burial.

OR

Alternative Gospel (Luke 23:1-49)

The Jewish authorities bring the captive Jesus to Pilate, the Roman governor. Finding him innocent, Pilate sends him to Herod but neither finds reason for crucifixion. Finally, Pilate gives in to the crowd and Jesus’ followers have to watch as he gives up his spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Divine vindication of the innocent may take an unexpected form
  • The servant of God is to be obedient, confident in divine vindication
  • Our task is to remain humble, leaving any exaltation to the Lord
  • Obedience to God can lead to insults and persecutions by those in opposition

 

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

First Sunday in Lent, March 10, 2019, Year C

Lection Connection for Ash Wednesday 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 (Deuteronomy 26:1-11)

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to the Lord whilst reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. The harvest is to be celebrated as part of the Lord’s abundant provision.

Psalm (91:1-2, 9-16)

The Psalmist proclaims that those who habitually live close to the Lord, who put their trust entirely in him, are under the care of his angels and have nothing to fear. They will be delivered from every adversary, live to a satisfying old age, and see God’s salvation.

Second Reading (Romans 10:8b-13)

Paul writes that he proclaims the word of faith: in order to be saved one must believe from the heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confess that he is Lord of all. As such, he is eager to respond to all who call upon his name in faith, Jew and Gentile alike.

Gospel (Luke 4:1-13)

Luke records how Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil after a forty day fast. He counters by quoting Scripture taken from Israel’s wilderness experience. Unlike Israel, Jesus does not disobey God, and the devil departs.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Trusting in the Lord
  • God provides in difficult circumstances
  • Temptation
  • The spiritual power of God’s Word

 

 

Posted on

Ash Wednesday, March 6, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

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

Transfiguration Sunday, March 3, 2019, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 34:29-35)

Moses receives the Ten Commandments for the second time on Mt. Sinai and descends with them to a chastened Israel. They are afraid because his face shines from the Presence of God. He wears a veil over his face and only takes it off whenever he goes in before the Lord.

Psalm (99)

The Psalmist depicts the Lord as a holy and exalted king over Israel and the nations. The earth quakes at his Presence and is called to praise his awesome name. He has spoken to Israel, establishing justice and righteousness and she is humbly to worship on his holy mountain.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2)

Paul writes that under the Old Covenant, minds remain veiled, like the face of Moses coming down from the mountain, until they turn to Jesus and are transformed into his glory by the Spirit. This makes Paul acutely aware of God’s mercy, providing him courage and motivation.

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

  • Jesus reveals the glory of God in his own being
  • In the presence of God there is revelation of truth
  • Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity
  • Jesus, as the Son of God, completes and supersedes all who came before

 

 

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