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Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 21, 2019, Proper 11, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 8:1-12)

Through the image of a basket of ripe fruit, the Lord shows Amos that Israel is about to be consumed. Eager only for profit, they have been cheating in business and abusing the poor. A time of bitter mourning is coming, a time in which the word of the Lord cannot be found.

Psalm (52)

For those who boast of their misdeeds, the Psalmist has a warning: the Lord will take action against them. The upright, trusting in God for their security, will be vindicated at the downfall of the wicked. God’s actions show him to be faithful and good, worthy to be praised.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus teach instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Better to trust in God than simply be content with doing good

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-10a)

The Lord comes to Abraham in the form of three men whom he invites to share in his hospitality. He waits on them while his wife Sarah prepares a meal in the tent. Waiting for them to finish, he is told by one that by the time he returned the barren Sarah would have a son.

Psalm (15)

The Psalmist insists that, in order to remain in relationship with the Lord, a person must lead an upright life. Their actions should support others, their word is to be their bond and their money is to be held lightly. This is the path to a settled and secure life.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Practicing hospitality is good; listening to God is better

 

 

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Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 1, 2018, Proper 8, 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 1:1, 17-27)

David, as king-in-waiting, greatly laments the deaths of both King Saul and his son Jonathan in battle. He recounts how mighty they were as warriors and is especially grieved over Jonathan, whom he loved. O how the mighty have fallen!

Psalm (130)

The Psalmist cries out to the Lord in his need, aware of his sins but also longing for the forgiveness he knows is available. Out of this conviction he encourages all Israel to hope in the Lord whose steadfast love offers both powerful redemption and forgiveness.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 8:7-15)

Jewish Christians in Jerusalem are in distress and Paul has started to collect an offering from his Gentile churches. He urges the Corinthians to complete their contribution based on love, thankfulness for their riches in Christ, their ability to give, and fairness.

Gospel (Mark 5:21-43)

Jesus is on his way to Jairus’ house to attend to his dying daughter when a desperate woman who has been suffering hemorrhages for 12 years touches his garment and is healed. Jesus commends her faith and then restores the deceased 12 year old to life.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord meets us in our grief
  • Jesus reveals his divinity by demonstrating his power over sickness and death, in the face of which we are utterly helpless
  • The suffering of others is not ignored by God and should not be ignored by us
  • When those we love are suffering we sense something of the love of God for humanity

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Lamentations 3:23-35)

In the midst of profound loss and sensing divine rejection, the author nevertheless
affirms the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness. In the end He will act to save his people. They need to wait quietly in hope for the God who willingly afflicts no one.

Psalm (30)

The Psalmist is thankful that the Lord responded to his plea when he was in very serious difficulty. By turning his mourning into dancing the Lord has shown that his anger only lasts for a moment but his favour lasts for a lifetime.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 8:7-15)

Jewish Christians in Jerusalem are in distress and Paul has started to collect an offering from his Gentile churches. He urges the Corinthians to complete their contribution based on love, thankfulness for their riches in Christ, their ability to give, and fairness.

Gospel (Mark 5:21-43)

Jesus is on his way to Jairus’ house to attend to his dying daughter when a desperate woman who has been suffering hemorrhages for 12 years touches his garment and is healed. Jesus commends her faith and then restores the deceased 12 year old to life.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The Lord is predisposed to do good for his people and not reject them
• Jesus reveals his divinity by demonstrating his power over sickness and death, in the face of which we are utterly helpless
• The suffering of others is not ignored by God and should not be ignored by us
• Give thanks in all things
• In spite of appearances, the Lord is able to transform our sorrow into gladness

 

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Readings for July 16, 2017 Year A Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 25:19-34
  • Psalm 119:105-112

OR

  • Isaiah 55:10-13
  • Psalm 65:(1-8), 9-13

Second Reading

  • Romans 8:1-11

Gospel

  • Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

With the provision of Rebekah as a wife for Isaac, Yahweh’s word of many descendants for Abraham takes the next step to fulfillment. Her barrenness is only a temporary threat that is soon overcome and she soon conceives twins. Yahweh’s word to her is that, contrary to custom, the older will serve the younger. Later, a famished Esau despises his birthright, thoughtlessly selling it to Jacob for a simple meal. The Psalmist, although severely afflicted and under threat, declares his confidence in the word of Yahweh as his heritage forever. The divine word will light his way and provide him with life. St. Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the Law and its requirements and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life. Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom. But it will not grow properly in those who do not understand, persist in persecution or allow wealth or the cares of the world to distract them.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

With the provision of Rebekah as a wife for Isaac, Yahweh’s word of many descendants for Abraham takes the next step to fulfillment. Her barrenness is only a temporary threat that is soon overcome and she soon conceives twins. Yahweh’s word to her is that, contrary to custom, the older will serve the younger. Later, a famished Esau despises his birthright, thoughtlessly selling it to Jacob for a simple meal.

Psalm

The Psalmist, although severely afflicted and under threat, declares his confidence in the word of Yahweh as his heritage forever. The divine word will light his way and provide him with life.

Second Reading

St. Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the Law and its requirements and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom. But it will not grow properly in those who do not understand, persist in persecution or allow wealth or the cares of the world to distract them.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Isaiah affirms that Yahweh’s word is as fruitful as rain and snow on the earth, always accomplishing its purpose. He then tells Israel that the nation will come back from exile in great joy and peace. The event will serve as an everlasting memorial as even creation itself is transformed. The Psalmist celebrates God’s active care in answering prayer, forgiving sins, living among his people and delivering them. As creator and sustainer he is the hope of all humanity who benefit directly from his watering of the earth, causing it to produce abundant fruit. St. Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the Law and its requirements and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life. Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom. But it will not grow properly in those who do not understand, persist in persecution or allow wealth or the cares of the world to distract them.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Isaiah affirms that Yahweh’s word is as fruitful as rain and snow on the earth, always accomplishing its purpose. He then tells Israel that the nation will come back from exile in great joy and peace. The event will serve as an everlasting memorial as even creation itself is transformed.

Psalm

The Psalmist celebrates God’s active care in answering prayer, forgiving sins, living among his people and delivering them. As creator and sustainer he is the hope of all humanity who benefit directly from his watering of the earth, causing it to produce abundant fruit.

Second Reading

St. Paul contrasts the way of Law with the way of the Spirit of Christ. Jesus has fulfilled the Law and its requirements and it has no more power over those who belong to him. The Law leads to death because of the flesh, while the Spirit, given to each Christian, leads to life.

Gospel

Jesus uses the parable of the sower to demonstrate the extreme fruitfulness of the word of the kingdom. But it will not grow properly in those who do not understand, persist in persecution or allow wealth or the cares of the world to distract them.