Posted on

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 4, 2018, Proper 26, Year B

Lection Connection for All Saints’ Day can be found here.

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Ruth 1:1-18)

Before there were kings in Israel, a widow named Naomi, finding herself bereft of husband and sons in a foreign country, decides to return home to Bethlehem in Judah. Her daughter-in-law Ruth insists on going and staying with her, even adopting her God.

  Psalm (146)

The Psalmist will praise the Lord all his days because, unlike human beings, he is not changeable and will always keep his promises. He provides justice for the oppressed, reversing their plight, while watching over strangers, widows and orphans.

Second Reading (Hebrews 9:11-14)

The writer makes it clear that the blood of Jesus our high priest was offered as a once for all sacrifice in the heavenly tabernacle. Himself without sin, he was able to cleanse our consciences from futile works, much more than any earthly sacrifices could ever do.

Gospel (Mark 12:28-34)

A scribe agrees with Jesus who holds the first commandment to be to love God with the totality of one’s being and the second to be to love one’s neighbour as oneself. Jesus tells him that he is close to the kingdom of God. His wisdom finally quieted his accusers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Even the foreigner is our neighbor
  • The Lord cares especially for those in need (and so should we)
  • The Lord supplies what we need to come to him
  • Making God our first priority sets other things in proper order

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 6:1-9)

As part of his farewell address, Moses tells the people of Israel that the laws he has given them are for their own welfare, enabling them to prosper greatly in the Land as the Lord had promised. They must love and obey him with the totality of their beings.

Psalm (119:1-8)

The Psalmist longs to keep the Lord’s commandments by learning them and fixing his attention upon them with the totality of his being. He knows that they that do so shall be kept happy and blameless, with a right to expect God’s assistance.

Second Reading (Hebrews 9:11-14)

The writer makes it clear that the blood of Jesus our high priest was offered as a once for all sacrifice in the heavenly tabernacle. Himself without sin, he was able to cleanse our consciences from futile works, much more than any earthly sacrifices could ever do.

Gospel (Mark 12:28-34)

A scribe agrees with Jesus who holds the first commandment to be to love God with the totality of one’s being and the second to be to love one’s neighbour as oneself. Jesus tells him that he is close to the kingdom of God. His wisdom finally quieted his accusers.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Lord supplies what we need to come to him
  • Making God our first priority sets other things in their proper order
  • The Lord demands the totality of our beings
  • Following the laws of God leads to human flourishing

 

 

Posted on

Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, November 19, 2017, Proper 28, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Lection Connection for Thanksgiving Day, November 23, can be found here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Judges 4:1-7)

In the repeated pattern recorded in the book of Judges, Israel falls into sin and Yahweh hands them over to a local Canaanite king. When the people call out to Yahweh he uses the prophetess Deborah to tell the commander of Israel’s army to attack the king’s army with the assurance of victory.

Psalm (123)

In a time when Israel is suffering the scorn and contempt of the proud, the Psalmist directs his plea for relief to the one he knows has power to help. He looks to Yahweh as a maid would naturally look to her mistress.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • The importance of knowing who is in charge
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Zephaniah 1:7, 12-18)

To those who contentedly believe he will never act in judgment, Yahweh spells out the coming wrath of the Day of the LORD that is at hand. Widespread disobedience to divine commands will bring about worldwide distress, darkness, and destruction.

Psalm (90:1-12)

The Psalmist acknowledges the great gulf between Yahweh’s mighty eternal being and us short-lived mortals. To Yahweh time is of no consideration while humanity struggles to survive but a few passing years. His anger at our sin should inspire us to use our time wisely.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 5:1-11)

St. Paul knows the Thessalonians are well aware that the dreadful Day of the Lord will come unexpectedly and when least expected. He encourages them to be prepared and on constant alert in confident anticipation of Christ’s salvation.

Gospel (Matthew 25:14-30)

To illustrate how his followers are to conduct themselves in his absence, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A man goes on a long journey and entrusts his money to three of his servants. Two of them put the money to good use, bringing increase to their master and praise for themselves. But one does nothing and is condemned.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The reality and magnitude of judgment and salvation
  • Salvation and judgment are both part of God’s action
  • Living in a time when God seems silent and inactive in the face of widespread sin
  • Living as a Christian in the light of Jesus’ return
  • The need for constant attention to our spiritual condition