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Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

 

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 2:14a, 36-41)

In his Pentecost sermon to the Jews in Jerusalem, Peter affirms that Jesus’ resurrection means that God has made him whom they crucified both Lord and Messiah. Three thousand accept his invitation to repent of their sins and receive Christian baptism.

Psalm (116:1-4, 12-19)

The Psalmist declares his love for the Lord because when he called upon him, he was saved from the bonds of death. The death of the faithful is always precious to the Lord and for this reason he is worthy of both thanks and praise.

Second Reading (1 Peter 1:17-23)

Peter affirms that the death and resurrection of Jesus are “end-time” events, making its future blessedness at least partly a present reality for those who believe. It is being born again to a new way of life marked by mutual love and obedience to the truth.

Gospel (Luke 24:13-35)

Two disillusioned disciples leave Jerusalem after the discovery of the empty tomb and are joined by a stranger who shows them that the entire Old Testament predicted both Messiah’s death and resurrection. He vanishes after they recognize that it is Jesus.

 

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The bodily resurrection of Jesus marks the critical moment in God’s plan
  • The resurrection of Jesus provides the entrance to new life for all who believe
  • The resurrection of Jesus marks the partial eruption of God’s future into our present existence
  • The resurrection of Jesus provides hope and meaning in the midst of this life

SCRIPTURE SENTENCE (BAS, Canada)

Lord Jesus, open to us the scriptures; make our hearts burn within us while you speak. See Luke 24.32

COLLECT OF THE DAY (BAS, Canada)

O God,
your Son made himself known to his disciples
in the breaking of bread.
Open the eyes of our faith,
that we may see him in his redeeming work,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. AMEN

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Third Sunday of Easter, Year C, May 5, 2019

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 9:1-6, [7-20])

On his way to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, the young rabbi Saul is stopped in his tracks by the risen Lord. Blinded by the encounter, he is led to a nervous Ananias for healing. The Lord had told Ananias of Saul’s calling to preach the Gospel to all, including the Gentiles.

Psalm (30)

The Psalmist rejoices in the fact that he has been restored to life from the Pit. He urges God’s people to rejoice in such a God, whose favour outlasts his righteous anger and who replaces weeping with joy. In his present need the Psalmist appeals to God to turn things around again.

Second Reading (Revelation 5:11-14)

John describes a heavenly scene of myriads of creatures, earthly and heavenly, strange and familiar, surrounding the throne of God and the Lamb. The Lamb, although slaughtered, is now worthy to receive every imaginable glory, honour, and blessing, and all present say Amen!

Gospel (John 21:1-19)

John describes a third appearance of the recently risen Christ to his disciples. He directs them unerringly to a huge catch of fish and then invites them to breakfast with him. He then asks Peter three times if he loves him and then commissions him to feed his sheep.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • There is no situation that the God of resurrection cannot turn around for good
  • Weeping, loss, and even death, are not the final answers for God’s people
  • No matter what we do, we are not beyond the grace of God
  • In God’s plan, exaltation follows humiliation
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Third Sunday in Easter, April 15, 2018, Year B

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Acts 3:12-19)

To those who had seen Peter heal a lame man near the temple, he proclaims that it was due to faith in the risen Jesus, the same one they had rejected and killed. The prophets had predicted this but if they now repented and turned to God they would be forgiven.

Psalm (4)

The Psalmist appeals to God for help, the God who has heard and answered him before. He counsels patience and trust when YAHWEH is silent, remembering how he has always abundantly provided all things necessary in the past.

Second Reading (1 John 3:1-7)

By calling us his children God shows his love for us, even though we are not yet all we shall be when we are finally in his presence. This hope leads us to purify ourselves by doing right and abiding in the sinless one, who came to take away sin.

Gospel (Luke 24:36b-48)

Jesus appears to all of his disciples after walking with two on the road to Emmaus. He offers proof that he is not a ghost and shows them how the Messiah was to suffer and be raised. They are witnesses to these things, preaching repentance among the nations.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Jesus’ followers are to continue and expand his mission, preaching repentance and forgiveness in his name
  • Salvation and forgiveness from sin are based on the work of Christ on the Cross
  • Beyond the grave, Jesus is still present to the believer
  • The key to the interpretation of Scripture is Jesus Christ himself
  • The resurrection of Jesus is God’s ultimate answer to the prayer and patience of his people