Posted on

Second Sunday after Christmas Day, January 3, 2021

Please see Using Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 31:7-14)

Jeremiah calls the remnant of Israel to celebrate the fact that the Lord will ransom and redeem them from their disastrous exile. The nations will see him gather his sheep and restore them to the Land, numerous, healthy and prosperous, under his fatherly care.

Psalm (147:12-20)

The Psalmist exhorts Israel to praise the Lord who gives them both protection and peace. Through his commanding word all of nature provides for their needs. The divine word is also expressed in his beneficial laws given uniquely to them, of all the nations.

Second Reading (Ephesians 1:3-14)

Paul joyfully recites the many blessings we have as people who have been made partakers in what Christ has done. We share in God’s glorious future: blameless, chosen, adopted, redeemed and forgiven. The Spirit within is our guarantee that of all of this is true.

 Gospel (John 1:1-18)

John tells us that with the Word of creation taking on flesh, God himself has come among us as light and life, as grace and truth. John the Baptist serves as witness but not all to whom the Word is sent receive him. Believers, conversely, are born of God and made his children.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• Celebrate: God has done so much for us
• God is with us in so many ways
• We owe everything to the Word of God
• Jesus is the final and ultimate Word of God
• God’s word accomplishes God’s purposes

 

 

Posted on

Transfiguration Sunday, Year A, February 23, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection.

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 24:12-18)

The Lord calls Moses and Joshua up Mt. Sinai to receive the Commandments in the form of stone tablets. For six days all the people can see the glory-cloud covering the mountain. Then Moses alone is summoned into the divine presence at its fiery centre.

Psalm (2)

The Psalmist mocks the nations who imagine they can threaten the king of Israel whom the Lord has set upon his holy hill as his newly begotten son. As such, he will surely conquer and rule over the nations, who are exhorted to serve such an awesome God.

Alternative Psalm (99)

The Lord is the holy and exalted king over all the earth. Resident in Mount Zion, he has executed righteousness and justice for everyone to see. His laws were given through his servants who met with him in the pillar of cloud. All are to worship him on his mountain.

Second Reading (2 Peter 1:16-21)

Peter stresses that the power and glory of Jesus is no myth because he himself was one of the eyewitnesses to the Transfiguration. He exults in this event as a fulfillment of scriptural prophecy, which always is to be regarded as God’s own word.

 Gospel (Matthew 17:1-9)

After teaching his disciples about his impending death, Jesus goes up onto a mountain where his appearance is transformed in brilliant light. When he is joined by Moses and Elijah, a heavenly voice clarifies that Jesus, as God’s son, deserves our full attention.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus reveals the power and glory of God in his own being
  • Divine revelation is given by God to his chosen recipients
  • Jesus shares the characteristics of divinity
  • Jesus, as the Son of God, completes and supersedes all who came before
  • Mountain-top experiences with the Lord are important