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Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, July 21, 2019, Proper 11, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 8:1-12)

Through the image of a basket of ripe fruit, the Lord shows Amos that Israel is about to be consumed. Eager only for profit, they have been cheating in business and abusing the poor. A time of bitter mourning is coming, a time in which the word of the Lord cannot be found.

Psalm (52)

For those who boast of their misdeeds, the Psalmist has a warning: the Lord will take action against them. The upright, trusting in God for their security, will be vindicated at the downfall of the wicked. God’s actions show him to be faithful and good, worthy to be praised.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus teach instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Better to trust in God than simply be content with doing good

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Genesis 18:1-10a)

The Lord comes to Abraham in the form of three men whom he invites to share in his hospitality. He waits on them while his wife Sarah prepares a meal in the tent. Waiting for them to finish, he is told by one that by the time he returned the barren Sarah would have a son.

Psalm (15)

The Psalmist insists that, in order to remain in relationship with the Lord, a person must lead an upright life. Their actions should support others, their word is to be their bond and their money is to be held lightly. This is the path to a settled and secure life.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:15-28)

After proclaiming the exalted place of Jesus over both creation and the church, Paul describes him as the embodiment of the fullness of God. The gospel reveals the mystery that by his suffering Christ has reconciled all humanity to God, especially Gentiles like the Colossians.

Gospel (Luke 10:38-42)

Martha invites Jesus into the home she shares with her sister Mary. Focussed soley upon being hospitable, Martha is upset that Mary simply listens to Jesus instead of helping her. Jesus notices her frustration and tells her that it is Mary who actually has her priorities right.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The priority of paying attention to God above all else (the superiority of Christ)
  • Bad deeds have serious consequences
  • Good deeds have serious consequences
  • Practicing hospitality is good; listening to God is better

 

 

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Second Sunday after Pentecost, June 3, 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 the Lord unexpectedly comes to the boy Samuel who was serving under Eli the priest. It is a challenging message for the budding prophet as it concerns the Lord’s coming punishment upon Eli and his sons.

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

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

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:5-12)

Paul emphasizes that any glory and power seen in his or our ministry is merely a reflection of Jesus within us. Even in our many shortcomings and sufferings we manage to reflect this inner treasure, showing him to be the source of life in us.

Gospel (Mark 2:23-3:6)

On a Sabbath, Jesus’ disciples harvest a bit of grain to eat while he heals a man’s hand. Watching Pharisees see this as breaking the law but, to their dismay, Jesus shows that the law as written was to be a benefit to us and then even claims superiority over it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Word of God often has a disturbing quality
  • God is interested in the heart, not in exterior matters
  • Humility is the best attitude to have toward God and his Word
  • God is pleased to use broken vessels to do his work

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 5:12-15)

As they are about to enter the Promised Land, Moses reminds the Israelites of the law to not work on the Sabbath. It applies to their animals and slaves as well. For they too were slaves before the Lord set them free from their terrible labour and oppression.

Psalm 81:1-10

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to celebrate the Lord their God on their holy days because he freed them from terrible labour and oppression in Egypt. Now they should listen to him alone and have no other gods, for he will bless them with all they need.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 4:5-12)

Paul emphasizes that any glory and power seen in his or our ministry is merely a reflection of that of Jesus within us. Even in our many shortcomings and sufferings we manage to reflect this inner treasure, thus proving that he, not ourselves, is responsible.

Gospel (Mark 2:23-3:6)

On a Sabbath Jesus’ disciples harvest a bit of grain to eat while he heals a man’s hand. Watching Pharisees regard all this as breaking the law but, to their anger, Jesus shows that the law as written was intended to be beneficial and then claims superiority over it.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Sabbath relief from labour is a reminder that we are no longer slaves
  • God’s laws are meant for our benefit, not as labourious demands
  • God is interested in the heart more than in exterior matters
  • The spirit of the law is as important, perhaps more important, than the letter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Trinity Sunday, May 27, 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 6:1-8)

Isaiah is called to his prophetic task through a vision in which he finds himself in the awesome presence of YAHWEH seated upon his heavenly throne. Seraphs thunder their threefold chants of “Holy” while one purifies Isaiah’s unclean lips, qualifying him to proclaim God’s word.

Psalm (29)

The Psalmist calls all heavenly creatures to worship YAHWEH garbed in perfect holiness. His voice is altogether powerful, a rushing mighty flame of fire able to strip the forest bare. All in his temple call “Glory!” to the eternal king. May he bless his people with strength and peace.

Second Reading (Romans 8:12-17)

St. Paul affirms that it is by the Holy Spirit that Christians conquer over the “flesh” and are granted eternal life. All who possess the Holy Spirit are God’s adopted children. Instead of fearful slaves in his presence, they are heirs with Christ, sharing in his glory through suffering.

Gospel (John 3:1-17)

Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born from above in order to enter the Kingdom of God. While this is a mysterious work of the Spirit, Jesus, being from heaven, can testify to its truth. God sent him out of love, in order that all who believe in him might not perish but be saved.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God makes a way for sinful humankind to draw near to him: from being estranged to being an heir
  • The interrelated work of Father, Son and Holy Spirit
  • The holy and majestic nature of God
  • Being in the presence of God is not something to be taken lightly

 

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Readings for July 23, 2017 Year A Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

The format for Lection Connection has changed slightly. Please see How to Use Lection Connection for an explanation of these changes.

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 28:10-19a
  • Psalm 139:1-12, 23-24

OR

  • Isaiah 44:6-8
  • Psalm 86:11-17

Second Reading

  • Romans 8:12-25

Gospel

  • Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading

On his way to find a wife among his relatives in Haran, Jacob has a dream of a ladder between earth and heaven right where he lay. Yahweh confirms that he is heir to the same promise he had made to Abraham and vows that he will not leave him until all is accomplished and the whole earth is blessed. Awestruck at the presence of Yahweh, Jacob calls the place Beth-el, or “house of God”.

Psalm

The Psalmist, awestruck that Yahweh knows him so intimately, invites divine examination in order to expose any wickedness and be led in the everlasting way. Because there is no place where the Spirit of the LORD is absent, he remains confident that Yahweh’s hand will protect him wherever he goes.

Second Reading

St. Paul continues to show how being led by the Spirit contrasts with being led by the flesh. The former leads to death, the latter to life, and adoption as God’s children and so heirs of his coming new creation. Any suffering along the way cannot compare to this coming glory for those already bearing the first fruits of the Spirit.

Gospel

Jesus tells the crowd about a farmer who sowed good seed on his land only to discover that an enemy had also sowed weeds. He decides to put off separating the weeds and the wheat until harvest. To his disciples he explains that this is about how both children of the kingdom and the children of the evil one exist side by side in the present world but that at the end of the age they will be separated, the former to shine in the sun, the latter to burn in the furnace of fire.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • led by the Lord/the Spirit
  • the work of the Spirit
  • the way of the Lord versus the way of the world
  • a new world coming for the faithful
  • awe at the presence of God
  • justice will prevail in spite of current circumstances

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading

In straightforward simplicity Yahweh asserts his uniqueness as the one and only God. He challenges other so-called gods to prove themselves by predicting the future as he has done. Israel, witnessing this truth over and over again throughout history, has every reason to trust in him and not be afraid of current circumstances.

Psalm

The Psalmist pleads for an undivided heart, focused wholly upon Yahweh and serving him alone, glorifying his name in worship. Based upon his history with Yahweh, whose steadfast love has delivered him before, he asks for deliverance from those who disregard the ways of Yahweh and now threaten his very life.

Second Reading

St. Paul continues to show how being led by the Spirit contrasts with being led by the flesh. The former leads to death, the latter to life, and adoption as God’s children and so heirs of his coming new creation. Any suffering along the way cannot compare to this coming glory for those already bearing the first fruits of the Spirit.

Gospel

Jesus tells the crowd about a farmer who sowed good seed on his land only to discover that an enemy had also sowed weeds. He decides to put off separating the weeds and the wheat until harvest. To his disciples he explains that this is about how both children of the kingdom and the children of the evil one exist side by side in the present world but that at the end of the age they will be separated, the former to shine in the sun, the latter to burn in the furnace of fire.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • led by the Lord/the Spirit
  • the work of the Spirit
  • the way of the Lord versus the way of the world
  • a new world coming for the faithful
  • there is only one God and, all powerful, he will accomplish his purpose
  • justice will prevail in spite of current circumstances
  • trust on the basis of God’s historical acts of salvation

 

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Readings for June11, 2017 Year A Trinity Sunday

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 1:1-2:4a
  • Psalm 8

Second Reading

  • 2 Corinthians 13:11-13

Gospel

  • Matthew 28:16-20

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish. The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor. St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

God creates the cosmos as his wind (or Spirit) sweeps across the chaos, transforming it into order, step by step. He majestically commands its various elements into existence, starting with the natural environment followed by its inhabitants and ending with humankind. The latter are made in God’s image and then given rule over the others in order that all may flourish.

Psalm

The Psalmist emphasizes that Yahweh’s name is majestic over the entire earth because of his great and awesome creation. But humankind is not diminished by comparison, having been given dominion over it all and crowned with glory and honor.

Second Reading

St. Paul closes his second letter to the Corinthians with a call to put things in order by means of peace, unity and love, and then commends them to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

Gospel

Matthew ends his Gospel with the account of Jesus’ claim of ultimate authority and follows it with his final command. His followers are to take his message to all nations, making disciples and baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, Jesus assures them of his continuous presence with them until the work is done.