Day of Pentecost, May 31, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:1-21)

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Amidst the sound of a strong wind, tongues of fire appear upon them. They proclaim God’s power in the languages of many amazed pilgrims and Peter explains that the age to come has arrived.

Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)

The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 12:3b-13)

Paul emphasizes that, while there is a wide variety of spiritual gifts, services, and activities, they all come from the one Lord and are for the common good. Just as our bodies are made up of very different parts, so the Spirit orders his gifts into a unified whole.

Gospel (John 20:19-23)

John relates the initial post-resurrection appearance of Jesus on Easter evening. The Lord first bestows peace upon his disciples and then shows them his hands and side. Finally, he breathes the Holy Spirit upon them and sends them out to continue his work of the forgiveness of sins.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation, ordering everything aright.
  • The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable and extend the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
  • The Holy Spirit is Christ-with-us and in us
  • The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in us the fire of your love.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and everliving God,
who fulfilled the promises of Easter
by sending us your Holy Spirit
and opening to every race and nation
the way of life eternal,
keep us in the unity of your Spirit,
that every tongue may tell of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

 

Based on the Alternate Readings

First Reading (Numbers 11:24-30)

To spread the burden of leadership, the Lord bestows some of the Spirit Moses had been given on seventy elders. Moses is criticized when two elders not present begin to prophesy as well. He responds by saying he wishes all of God’s people were given the Spirit.

Psalm (104:24-34, 35b)

The Psalmist celebrates the wisdom of the Lord in the creation and sustaining of all things, both animate and inanimate. He accomplishes this by means of his Spirit and the Psalmist responds with heartfelt praise.

Second Reading (Acts 2:1-21)

On the Day of Pentecost Jesus’ followers are filled with the Holy Spirit as he promised. Amidst the sound of a strong wind, tongues of fire appear upon them. They proclaim God’s power in the languages of many amazed pilgrims and Peter explains that the age to come has arrived.

Gospel (John 7:37-39)

Jesus attends the Feast of the Tabernacles which usually involved the pouring of pure water on the Temple altar. There he invites anyone who thirsts to come to him and have rivers of living water flow out of their heart. John says that Jesus is referring to the Holy Spirit in each believer.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit marks the beginning of a (new) creation
  • The Holy Spirit is given in order to enable the Church’s witness to the Christ-event
  • The Holy Spirit continues the mission of the ascended Jesus
  • The Holy Spirit more than makes up for the physical absence of Jesus

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful; and kindle in us the fire of your love.

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

Almighty and everliving God,
who fulfilled the promises of Easter
by sending us your Holy Spirit
and opening to every race and nation
the way of life eternal,
keep us in the unity of your Spirit,
that every tongue may tell of your glory;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN