Seventh Sunday in Easter, May 13, 2018, Year B

Here are the lections for Ascension Day if being used for Sunday, May 13, 2018

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 1:15-17, 21-26)

Luke relates how, following the ascension of Jesus, the early Christian community chose Matthias to replace Judas in the band of apostles. By betraying Jesus, Judas had turned aside to his own way.

Psalm (1)

As the first entry in the Psalter, this Psalm appropriately sets before the reader the two ways of living: God’s or that of the wicked. God’s way results in fruitfulness and stability while the wicked are like useless chaff that is blown away in the wind.

Second Reading (1 John 5:9-13)

John tells us that believers, in coming to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, have responded to the testimony of God himself in their hearts. Only those who have the Son have eternal life and John has written to assure his readers that this is true of them.

Gospel (John 17:6-19)

Praying for his disciples, Jesus affirms the mutuality of relationship between them, his Father and himself. All he has given them was from the Father and they belong to both him and the Father. He asks for their safety as he sends them out into a wicked world.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The way of God stands in contrast to the way of the world (our own way)
  • The way of God leads to eternal benefits, while a wicked life leads to ruin
  • Jesus’ ministry does not end with his ascension but continues in those who are committed to follow him
  • Both God and Jesus identify with those who accept the testimony of the Father that Jesus is indeed his Son