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Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany, February 7, 2021

Please see Using 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 the Lord 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 the Lord 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

Posted on

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 29, 2019, Proper 21, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15)

Because of his refusal to be a “good news” prophet Jeremiah is under house arrest as Jerusalem is fatally besieged by Babylon. The Lord tells him to buy a soon-to-be worthless piece of land and is assured that the land will be restored and the property will resume its normal value.

Psalm (91:1-6, 14-16)

The Psalmist assures his audience that those who love the Lord and call upon his name will escape any and everything that threatens their life and, taking refuge in him, come to experience the wonderful richness of his salvation.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

St. Paul warns Timothy that pursuing money above all else leads to spiritual ruin, while the pursuit of righteousness will ultimately result in the “life that really is life” when Jesus Christ finally appears. Those Christians who are wealthy are urged to be rich in good works as well.

Gospel (Luke 16:19-31)

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who lived in luxury and the poor man Lazarus who lived in misery. After death the rich man was in torment while Lazarus was with the saints in heaven. Even a warning from beyond the grave would be ineffective to overcome our love of money.

Connection Suggestions

  • Reversals of fortune at the hand of God
  • The true riches of God’s salvation in Christ
  • The love of money is the root of all evil, blinding us to the good
  • The promises of God’s blessing are often not fully realized in this present life
  • The Lord’s eye is especially upon the poor and needy

 

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Amos 6:1a, 4-7)

Amos decries the rich who are “at ease in Zion” even as the nation disintegrates around them. Instead of grieving over the coming disaster they are blinded by their enjoyment of material wealth.

Psalm (146)

The Psalmist declares that the way of the wicked will come to ruin. But he adds that the Lord will bless the faithful, especially those in desperate need, first with the hope of his reign and then with its realization. All this causes him to exhort his audience to praise such a God.

Second Reading (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

St. Paul warns Timothy that pursuing money above all else leads to spiritual ruin, while the pursuit of righteousness will ultimately result in the “life that really is life” when Jesus Christ finally appears. Those Christians who are wealthy are urged to be rich in good works as well.

Gospel (Luke 16:19-31)

Jesus tells the parable of the rich man who lived in luxury and the poor man Lazarus who lived in misery. After death the rich man was in torment while Lazarus was with the saints in heaven. Even a warning from beyond the grave would be ineffective to overcome our love of money.

Connection Suggestions

  • Reversals of fortune at the hand of God
  • The true riches of God’s salvation in Christ
  • The love of money is the root of all evil, blinding us to the good
  • The promises of God’s blessing are often not fully realized in this present life
  • The Lord’s eye is especially upon the poor and needy