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Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 30, 2019, Proper 8, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14)

As Elijah nears the end of his life, young Elisha refuses to leave his side. After a chariot of fire takes the older man up into heaven, Elisha picks up Elijah’s mantle and inherits a double portion of his spirit. To cross the Jordan he, like Elijah, divides it with his mantle.

Psalm (77:1-2, 11-20)

The Psalmist cries out to the Lord to hear him in his hour of need. He gathers strength from remembering God’s mighty deeds of deliverance of Israel in the past as well as his great power displayed in creation.

Second Reading (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)

Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom is grounded in love and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is not the freedom to sin but to act in accordance with God’s law as the Spirit produces his fruit in our lives. This is life in the Spirit in contrast to life in the flesh.

Gospel (Luke 9:51-62)

As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem for the last time he impresses a sense of urgency upon anyone who would dare to follow him. The advance of the kingdom has supreme priority over all other concerns, legitimate though they might be.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The way of the Lord is not easy, but it comes with his provision and enabling
  • Sometimes we need to get out of God’s way and let go
  • Through his Spirit, God will find a way to accomplish his purposes
  • Where Jesus leaves off, his Spirit continues

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (1 Kings 19:15-16, 19-21)

As part of his encounter with the Lord at Sinai, Elijah is told to go to anoint new kings in Syria and Israel and then anoint Elisha as his successor. He encounters the latter plowing in the field and permits him to say a proper goodbye to his parents.

Psalm (16)

In seeking the protection of the Lord, the Psalmist reflects on the many benefits of trusting in him. He has avoided great sorrows as well as enjoying a pleasant life and heritage. He rests secure in the Lord’s presence, counsel and blessing.

Second Reading (Galatians 5:1, 13-25)

Paul emphasizes that Christian freedom is grounded in love and guided by the Holy Spirit. It is not the freedom to sin but to act in accordance with God’s law as the Spirit produces his fruit in our lives. This is life in the Spirit in contrast to life in the flesh.

Gospel (Luke 9:51-62)

As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem for the last time he impresses a sense of urgency upon anyone who would dare to follow him. Time is running out and the advance of the kingdom has supreme priority over all other concerns, legitimate though they might be.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The kingdom comes with its priorities
  • The way of the Lord is not easy, but it comes with his provision and enabling
  • Through his Spirit, God will find a way to accomplish his purposes
  • Where Jesus leaves off, his Spirit continues

 

 

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Third Sunday after Pentecost, June 10, 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 8:4-11, [12-15], 16-20, [11:14-15])

Israel’s elders, unhappy with the leadership of Samuel’s family, approach him to demand a king like the other nations. The Lord sees this as rejecting him as king, and points out that a human monarch will plunder them. But they insist, making Saul king.

 Psalm (138)

The Psalmist offers thanks and praise to the Lord for his steadfast love and faithfulness in answered prayer. His glory is great and his word exalted. All the kings of the earth will praise him. The Lord also cares for the lowly, and so the Psalmist can trust in his aid.

 Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1)

Paul explains that his continuing zeal for the gospel stems from the resurrection of Jesus in which we participate. Already we are being spiritually renewed in spite of bodily decay. Future glory greatly outweighs temporary troubles as we focus what is eternal.

 Gospel (Mark 3:20-35)

Jesus’ ministry attracts impossible crowds and the scribes claim he using the power of Satan to cast out demons. Jesus logically points out that if so, Satan’s house has collapsed. Ascribing such an obvious good to anyone but the Holy Spirit is blasphemy.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Putting the Lord first in our lives puts things in proper perspective
  • God reigns over all other kings and powers
  • Those in leadership positions need to remember that they serve “under God”
  • Opposition to God’s leading puts us on dangerous ground

 Based on the Alternative Readings

 First Reading (Genesis 3:8-15)

The Lord God confronts Adam and Eve after they had sinned by eating from the forbidden tree. Adam blames Eve and Eve blames the serpent. God tells the serpent that, while his offspring would strike the heel of Eve’s, hers would strike his head.

 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. On this conviction he encourages all Israel to hope in the Lord whose steadfast love offers both powerful redemption and forgiveness.

 Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1)

Paul explains that his continuing zeal for the gospel stems from the resurrection of Jesus in which we participate. Already we are being spiritually renewed in spite of bodily decay. Future glory greatly outweighs present troubles as we focus what is eternal.

 Gospel (Mark 3:20-35)

Jesus’ ministry attracts impossible crowds and the scribes claim he using the power of Satan to cast out demons. Jesus logically points out that if so, Satan’s house has collapsed. Ascribing any such obvious good to anyone but the Holy Spirit is blasphemy.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus’ victory over Satan and death is “from the beginning”
  • Putting the Lord first in our lives puts things in proper perspective
  • Opposition to God’s leading puts us on dangerous ground
  • Satan unbound/Satan bound (Adam’s failure/Christ’s victory)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Readings for June 25,2017 Year A Third Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 21:8-21
  • Psalm 86:1-10, 16-17

OR

  • Jeremiah 20:7-13
  • Psalm 69:7-10 (11-15), 16-18

Second Reading

  • Romans 6:1b-11

Gospel

  • Matthew 10:24-39

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

After Isaac, the son of promise is born, his mother Sarah wants Abraham to get rid of Hagar and her son Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. Although reluctant to do so, Abraham complies after assurances from God that all would be well. Indeed, God immediately saves them from certain death after hearing their cries in the desert. In a time of great need the Psalmist pleads with Yahweh for deliverance, confident of the steadfast love of the one true God for all those who cry out to him. St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus. Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

After Isaac, the son of promise is born, his mother Sarah wants Abraham to get rid of Hagar and her son Ishmael, Isaac’s half-brother. Although reluctant to do so, Abraham complies after assurances from God that all would be well. Indeed, God immediately saves them from certain death after hearing their cries in the desert.

Psalm

In a time of great need the Psalmist pleads with Yahweh for deliverance, confident of the steadfast love of the one true God for all those who cry out to him.

Second Reading

St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus.

Gospel

Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Jeremiah complains to Yahweh because of the persecution he has suffered at the hands of his fellow Israelites for delivering an unwelcome message. He has had no choice because it is the word of the LORD and he has been compelled to proclaim it. In this he is aware that Yahweh is with him and will prevail. The Psalmist itemizes the negative things that have happened to him because of his faithfulness to Yahweh, including the estrangement of his family. At the same time he is prayerfully trusting in the steadfast love of the LORD for deliverance. St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus. Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Jeremiah complains to Yahweh because of the persecution he has suffered at the hands of his fellow Israelites for delivering an unwelcome message. He has had no choice because it is the word of the LORD and he has been compelled to proclaim it. In this he is aware that Yahweh is with him and will prevail.

Psalm

The Psalmist itemizes the negative things that have happened to him because of his faithfulness to Yahweh, including the estrangement of his family. At the same time he is prayerfully trusting in the steadfast love of the LORD for deliverance.

Second Reading

St. Paul points out the implications of being united with Christ through our baptism into his death and resurrection. Firstly we die with him, putting to death our old self and its orientation to sin. Secondly we are raised to new life with him, alive to God and enabled to walk in his ways. The impulse to sin should be abhorrent to those who truly seek to follow Jesus.

Gospel

Jesus warns of a future in which his followers would come under persecution after publically proclaiming everything he said. But do not fear, the Father has his eye on even the tiniest bird that falls and he will watch over them. The command to follow Jesus takes precedence even over family and it will take deep commitment to remain faithful. But even in death they will find new life.