Please see How to Use Lection Connection.
Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Exodus 12:1-14)
The Lord tells Moses to prepare for the final plague upon Egypt: the death of all firstborn males. Israelite households are to smear the blood of a slaughtered lamb on their doorways so the angel of death will pass over, and each year it is to be reenacted.
Psalm (149)
Calling upon the people to render joyful and melodic praise to their Maker and their King, the Psalmist reminds them that the Lord takes pleasure in them, giving victory to the humble. They are also to be God’s instrument of judgment upon the nations.
Second Reading (Romans 13:8-14)
Like Jesus, St. Paul asserts the truth that to love one’s neighbour as oneself is to fulfill the law. He asserts that our final salvation is nearer now than ever, and we need to prepare by “putting on” Christ and refusing any inclination to live contrary to him.
Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)
Jesus stresses winning back an offending fellow disciple rather than asserting our own rights. They are to be confronted sensitively and carefully, up to the point of ex-communication itself. Such a decision will bear the awesome authority of heaven.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The importance of dealing with sin through repentance and change
- The deadly seriousness of sin: it always leads to death
- The importance of loving one another
- God’s intentions, even in discipline, are for our good
- New beginnings with God are possible
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5.19
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people,
that richly bearing the fruit of good works,
we may by you be richly rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.AMEN
Based on the Alternate Readings
First Reading (Ezekiel 33:7-11)
The Lord appoints Ezekiel as a watchman to deliver his dire warnings to the wayward Israelites. This is a heavy responsibility because unless he does so, he will share in their punishment. He is to proclaim that the Lord prefers they repent rather than perish.
Psalm (119:33-40)
The Psalmist, appreciating that the way of life is living by the law of the Lord, expresses his desire to know, understand, and delight therein. He realizes that to follow it faithfully he needs the Lord to turn his heart away from all evil and grant him life.
Second Reading (Romans 13:8-14)
Like Jesus, Paul asserts the truth that to love one’s neighbour as oneself is to fulfill the law. He asserts that our final salvation is nearer now than ever, and we need to resist by “putting on” Christ and refusing any inclinations to live contrary to him.
Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)
Jesus stresses winning back an offending fellow disciple rather than asserting our own rights. They are to be confronted sensitively and carefully, up to the point of ex-communication itself. Such a decision will bear the awesome authority of heaven.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- The ways of God are the ways of life
- The importance of dealing with sin through repentance and change
- The deadly seriousness of sin: it always leads to death
- The importance of loving one another
- God’s intentions, even in discipline, are for our good
- We must follow Jesus from the inside out
Scripture Sentence (BAS, Canada)
God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, and he has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5.19
Collect of the Day (BAS, Canada)
Stir up, O Lord,
the wills of your faithful people,
that richly bearing the fruit of good works,
we may by you be richly rewarded;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.AMEN