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First Sunday in Lent, Feb. 18, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 9:8-17)

After Noah, his family and the animals safely emerged from the ark, God made a covenant with them that he would not again destroy the earth with a flood. He said he would remember this covenant every time he saw its sign, a rainbow in the clouds.

Psalm (25:1-10)

Knowing that he can trust in the steadfast love and mercy of YAHWEH, the Psalmist looks to him, asking to be led in his truth and forgiven his youthful sins. YAHWEH will lead the sinner and the humble into his paths of faithful love as they keep his covenant.

Second Reading (1 Peter 3:18-22)

Christ the righteous one died for sinners to bring them to God. Made alive in the spirit, he then preached to the captive spirits of those lost in Noah’s flood. Those saved in the ark, however, prefigured our baptism. Christ is now gloriously ascended and sovereign over all.

Gospel (Mark 1:9-15)

When John baptizes Jesus a heavenly voice identifies him as God’s Beloved Son. The Spirit then drives him into the wilderness where Satan tempts him for forty days. After, Jesus begins preaching repentance and belief in the good news of the impending arrival of God’s kingdom.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment: two sides of the same coin
  • God’s covenants with his creatures reflect his constancy and love
  • Water as an instrument of judgment and/or salvation
  • Forty days mark a new beginning in our relationship with God

 

 

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Transfiguration Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 2:1-12)

The young prophet Elisha refuses to let his mentor Elijah pass from this world until he is assured a double portion of his spirit. Elijah makes this promise and then is taken into heaven in a whirlwind by a chariot and horses of fire.

Psalm (50:1-6)

Yahweh the righteous judge shines out of Zion and summons the entire earth before him. He appears in a consuming fire in the midst of a powerful whirlwind, executing justice for his people.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:3-6)

For St. Paul the gospel he proclaims is a brilliant light in the darkness, reflecting the glory of God seen in the face of Jesus Christ. Paul points, not to himself, but to Jesus Christ who is Lord. To be unable to see this light is to be blinded by the god of this age.

Gospel (Mark 9:2-9)

After identifying himself as the suffering Messiah and puzzling his disciples, Jesus is transfigured, appearing in dazzling white between Moses and Elijah. A voice from heaven affirms him as his beloved Son and the one to whom all should listen.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is on the side of light and against darkness
  • God’s word is good news and glorious light
  • 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

 

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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 4, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 40:21-31)

In their time of crisis many Israelites are convinced that Yahweh does not intervene because he is unaware of their need. Isaiah reminds them that Yahweh is the awesome Creator and Sustainer, not only of the entire universe but also of the faithful individual.

Psalm (147:1-11, 20c)

The Psalmist calls for Israel to praise Yahweh because the great Creator and Sustainer of the universe is the same One who lifts up the downtrodden and gathers the outcasts to a restored Jerusalem. He delights not in the powerful but in those who trust in his love.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 9:16-23)

St. Paul indicates how his primary motivation is to bring as many as possible to salvation through the proclamation of the Gospel. For this reason he has labored without pay and adapted himself to all kinds and conditions of humanity. His reward is simply in the doing.

Gospel (Mark 1:29-39)

Jesus’ early Galilean ministry continues as he heals Peter’s mother-in-law, causing the whole city to bring him the sick and demon-possessed. Ordering the cast-out spirits to keep his identity secret, after a time of prayer he urgently moves on through the region.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God meets our needs, in his time and in his way
  • God is keenly aware of our need
  • We need to trust in God’s love when he does not appear to be present
  • When God does bring salvation it comes with urgency
  • God has a special concern for the downtrodden and outcast

 

 

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Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany, January 28, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 18:15-20)

Yahweh, given Israel’s reluctance to encounter him directly like they recently did at Sinai, will provide them with prophets like Moses to mediate his word. Those who hear it will be under a serious obligation to obey and woe betide the false prophet.

Psalm (111)

The works of Yahweh incite the Psalmist to praise because they reveal his merciful and majestic nature and provide for the material and spiritual well being of his people. True wisdom begins with this realization and leads to unending praise.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 8:1-13)

St. Paul turns to the issue of eating meat that had been offered to idols. Those mature in faith can see that such meat is merely food but they should not exercise their freedom to eat if it leads weaker Christians to partake in something they still consider wrong.

Gospel (Mark 1:21-28)

Jesus astounds his listeners at Capernaum by teaching with unique authority. When he casts out an unclean spirit from a man after it had recognized him as the One God had sent to destroy his kind, everyone is even more amazed and his fame spreads.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s (Christ’s) works reveal who he is
  • By various means God makes his will known to humanity
  • No other spiritual power can stand against the one true God
  • The true prophet speaks with God’s authority
  • That there is only one God has implications for the way we live

 

 

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Third Sunday after the Epiphany, January 21, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jonah 3:1-5, 10)

Yahweh comes to Jonah again, sending him to the great foreign city of Nineveh to warn its inhabitants of impending judgment. He does so and they sincerely repent, causing God to spare them.

Psalm (62:5-12)

The Psalmist puts his hope in God alone, the rock upon whom he rests for salvation and refuge. Other humans are of no help and riches, ill-gotten or not, provide false confidence. Only God has the power to make things right.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)

Because God’s future is fast arriving, says St. Paul to the Christians at Corinth, they should live accordingly. All their normal relationships, losses, successes, all their buying and selling, should not distract them from the urgency of the times.

Gospel (Mark 1:14-20)

Jesus begins his public ministry with the announcement that the long-awaited time has arrived, issuing a call to repent and believe the good news that the kingdom of God is near. Simon, James and John respond immediately to his invitation to follow him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The call to repentance is an expression of God’s mercy entrusted to his servants
  • The call to follow Jesus interrupts our patterns of living
  • The urgency of the Gospel resets our priorities
  • There is nothing more important than being in relationship with God and in tune with his activity

 

 

 

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Second Sunday after the Epiphany, January 14, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (1 Samuel 3:1-10, [11-20])

Toward the end of the rule of the judges, the word of Yahweh unexpectedly comes to the boy Samuel serving under Eli the priest. It is a difficult word for the budding prophet because it regards Yahweh’s coming punishment upon Eli and his sons.

Psalm (139:1-6, 13-18)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that Yahweh not only knows him inside out, but also, knowing what plans he had for him, wondrously formed him his mother’s womb. Such a God far exceeds the Psalmist’s ability to understand.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)

In stressing the freedom of Christians, St. Paul takes care to point out that not all things are beneficial. He is especially concerned about sexual sins because they violate the body, which is made for the Lord, for his glory, and is the temple of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel (John 1:43-51)

After responding to Jesus’ invitation to follow him, Philip tells his brother Nathaniel that he has found the Expected One. After Jesus shows that he had intimate prior knowledge of him Nathaniel believes and is told that he will come to understand more about the true identity of the Son of Man.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The call of God
  • God makes himself known (reveals himself)
  • We are personally known and cared for by the Lord
  • The Lord orders our life for his purposes
  • Bodily existence is spiritually significant

 

 

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Baptism of the Lord, January 7, 2018, Year B

Lection Connection for Epiphany, January 6, 2018, 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 (Genesis 1:1-5)

In the beginning, God commands light to burst upon both the formless earth and the dark waters of the deep over which his Spirit is hovering. He declares the light “good” and names it “day” and the darkness “night”, evening and morning forming the first day.

Psalm (29)

All in heaven are called to worship Yahweh for his glory and strength, his voice shaking the very earth itself. All in his temple cry “Glory!” to the eternal king who sits above the flood. May he bless his people with strength and peace.

Second Reading (Acts 19:1-7)

When St. Paul first arrives at Ephesus he encounters a group of disciples who have been baptized into John’s baptism. He explains that John pointed to Jesus and when they are baptized in Jesus’ name the Holy Spirit comes upon them with tongues and prophecy.

Gospel (Mark 1:4-11)

St. John appears in the wilderness baptizing great throngs for the forgiveness of sins. However, he wants them to look to another who will baptize them with the Holy Spirit. When he baptizes Jesus the Holy Spirit descends and a heavenly voice declares him to be “my Son with whom I am well-pleased.”

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Holy Spirit as creator
  • Jesus, water, and the Holy Spirit
  • The awesome creative power of God
  • God speaks and things happen
  • Jesus is the one, and no other

 

 

 

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The First Sunday after Christmas Day, December 31, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 61:10-62:3)

Isaiah is caught up in rejoicing over the vindication of Israel that is surely coming. She will appear gloriously clothed in righteousness and salvation, with a new name, and as a royal crown in the hand of Yahweh. All the nations will see it.

Psalm (148)

The Psalmist calls upon all that composes heaven and earth, animate and inanimate, to worship Yahweh in a crescendo of praise. Yahweh’s glory is unsurpassed and he is raising up a mighty leader for his people.

Second Reading (Galatians 4:4-7)

St. Paul celebrates the fact that when the time was right God sent his Son to be born under the Law in order that Gentiles might be adopted as God’s children. Having been given the Spirit of the Son, they enjoy an intimate relationship with the Father, no longer slaves but heirs.

Gospel (Luke 2:22-40)

At the infant Jesus’ Presentation in the temple his Messiahship is revealed to Simeon, a faithful Jew who predicts that the child will be a light to Gentiles and bring glory to Israel even though he will disturb many. Later on the same occasion, the prophet Anna recognizes the child and points him out to those looking for Messiah.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Great things of God are about to happen
  • Yahweh is the universal God
  • Gentiles are included in the salvation brought by Christ
  • Rejoice!
  • The Christ-event fulfills the greatest expectations of Israel
  • The Christ-event divides history into before and after

 

 

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Second Sunday of Advent, December 10, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-11)

Yahweh commands Isaiah to comfort his people with the good news that the time of waiting is over and he is coming in great power to set things right. A voice in the wilderness will call the people to prepare for his arrival. Unlike humans, both Yahweh and his word are utterly dependable.

Psalm (85:1-2, 8-13)

Based on Yahweh’s faithfulness in the past, the Psalmist is confident of the imminent arrival of his salvation with his glory filling the restored land. Righteousness will go before him, preparing the way for an overflowing of love, peace and faithfulness.

Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-15a)

Given the seeming delay in the Day of the Lord St. Peter asserts that God is not bound by our reckoning of time. Be assured that his promise of a new cosmos will come true, dramatically and without warning. Delay allows time to come to repentance and gives opportunity for holy living, hastening the Day.

Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)

St. Mark begins his Gospel with the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy regarding events preceding the arrival of Yahweh. John is preaching a baptism of repentance and announcing the coming of a greater one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Preparing the way of the Lord
  • The coming of the Lord
  • God and time
  • The purpose of God’s delay
  • Voices in the wilderness
  • Good News and Bad News

 

 

Posted on

First Sunday of Advent, December 3, 2017, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 64:1-9)

Yahweh having hidden his face, Isaiah pleads for him to act mightily for those who wait for him. Many Israelites have taken Yahweh’s silence as occasion to sin: indeed all have fallen into iniquity. The prophet asks for mercy because they are his people and he is their father.

Psalm (80:1-7, 17-19)

The Psalmist, aware of Yahweh’s displeasure with his people, asks him three times to shine his face upon them that they might be saved. They have suffered greatly but Yahweh remains in their midst and will surely respond to their calls on his name.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:3-9)

St. Paul is thankful for the grace of God given to the Corinthians as evidenced in their speech and knowledge. Indeed, they lack no spiritual gift as they await the coming of the Lord Jesus and are assured of being strengthened to the end, made blameless by the God who is faithful.

Gospel (Mark 13:24-37)

In various ways Jesus encourages his disciples to be ready for his sudden return in great power and glory after a period of earth shaking events. These will occur within a generation and should serve to keep everyone alert, given that his words are more solid than the cosmos itself.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The people of God are called to wait expectantly for him in troubled times
  • Faithfulness in a time of waiting
  • Faithfulness in the silence of God
  • Waiting is difficult and dangerous
  • When God finally acts it will be decisive and unmistakable
  • God has provided what we need to remain faithful to the end