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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost, October 8, 2017, Proper 22, Year A

Lection Connection for Canadian Thanksgiving 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 (Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20)

The Ten Commandments are given for the first time as Yahweh speaks to Moses and Aaron on Mt. Sinai. These laws spell out the basics of how the people of Israel are to live in their relationships with their God, and with other people, providing divine boundaries for their conduct. The thunder and lightning etc. that issue from the heights, signify Yahweh’s presence and are meant to inspire compliance with his Law.

Psalm (19)

This meditation on the Law likens it to the awesome effect of the sun upon the earth each morning: as it revives the earth the Law revives the soul, allowing humankind to flourish. It brings to light what is right and enlightens us to see what is wrong. It even penetrates the dark recesses of our souls and exposes unknown errors. The Psalmist, desiring to be right with God, embraces and delights in his Law.

Second Reading (Philippians 3:4b-14)

St. Paul has come to the realization that his “fleshly” qualifications under the Law, while to his benefit, are mere rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection. Righteousness is from God and based on faith in Christ, not on our own efforts to satisfy the Law. Out of this reality Paul presses on for the prize of the heavenly call.

Gospel (Matthew 21:33-46)

Jesus tells Jewish leaders a parable about a landowner who gave his vineyard well-defended boundaries and everything needed to flourish and then rented it out while he went away. When he sent servants to collect his share of the harvest they were beaten or killed by the tenants. Finally he sent his son but even he was killed. When Jesus says another people will inherit the kingdom his listeners angrily realize that he is talking about how the nation had treated both himself and all of God’s prophets.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Divine boundaries are for our flourishing
  • Sin is destructive in its effect
  • The history of Israel demonstrates humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness through its own efforts
  • Christ is the key to God’s plan and eclipses all that came before
  • Righteousness is a gift and a blessing

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 5:1-7)

Isaiah relates the parable of how his “beloved” had planted a vineyard on a fertile hill guarded over by a watchtower, taking great care to see that it flourished. However it only yielded wild grapes, causing him to plan for its destruction by removing its defenses and allowing it to be trampled into waste ground. Isaiah says this is really about how Yahweh had established Israel expecting it to yield justice and righteousness but it had failed miserably.

Psalm (80:7-15)

The Psalmist yearns for Yahweh to restore the nation and save it from destruction. He points out that Israel was Yahweh’s own planting and it had flourished exceedingly for a time. So why have its protective walls been destroyed enabling it to be trampled by wild beasts?

Second Reading (Philippians 3:4b-14)

St. Paul has come to the realization that his “fleshly” qualifications under the Law, while to his benefit, are mere rubbish in comparison to knowing Christ and the power of his resurrection. Righteousness is from God and based on faith in Christ, not on our own efforts to satisfy the Law. Out of this reality Paul presses on for the prize of the heavenly call.

Gospel (Matthew 21:33-46)

Jesus tells Jewish leaders a parable about a landowner who gave his vineyard well-defended boundaries and everything needed to flourish and then rented it out while he went away. When he sent servants to collect his share of the harvest they were beaten or killed by the tenants. Finally he sent his son but even he was killed. When Jesus says another people will inherit the kingdom his listeners angrily realize that he is talking about how the nation had treated both himself and all of God’s prophets.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The history of Israel demonstrates humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness through its own efforts
  • God’s plan is for his people and all of humanity to flourish
  • Jesus Christ is the answer to Israel’s cries for God’s salvation
  • The history of Israel is critical to the understanding of the mission and ministry of Jesus
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Thanksgiving Day, October 8, 2017, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Deuteronomy 8:7-18)

Moses warns the Israelites not to forget Yahweh when they occupy Canaan and begin to enjoy the extreme fruitfulness of the Land. It was Yahweh who not only brought them out of Egypt and through the wilderness but who also gives them the strength to work the land and acquire great wealth. They owe it all to him.

Psalm (65)

The Psalmist calls for praise to the God who answers prayer and forgives sins. Those among whom he dwells are blessed indeed, but, as he is the hope of the ends of the earth, all flesh will come to him. As creator he continues to provide the resources for the enormous bounty of the earth, eliciting joy from the whole realm of nature.

Second Reading (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)

One of St. Paul’s major projects was the collection and delivery of funds from the Gentile churches for the relief of the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. Here he encourages the Corinthians to give cheerfully and generously remembering that their blessings have come from God in the first place. Indeed, their giving will generate further blessing for themselves as well as thanksgiving to God from both Paul and the recipients.

Gospel (Luke 17:11-19)

Ten lepers approach Jesus for healing as he makes his way down to Jerusalem. He tells them to show themselves to the priests whose task it is to determine if those with communicable diseases are well enough to re-enter society. On their way they are all healed but only one of them, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus and praise God. It amazes Jesus that only one out of ten had come back and he sends him on his way with a commendation.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • All that we have, including possessions and abilities, comes from God
  • Giving thanks is not to be taken for granted but needs to be encouraged
  • Failing to give thanks is often an act of forgetfulness
  • God has already done so much for us that thanksgiving is always called for
  • Thanksgiving for blessings, especially when tangibly expressed, brings blessings in turn
  • You can’t out-give God

 

 

 

 

 

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Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 24, 2017, Proper 20, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 16:2-15)

Just after being miraculously supplied with water in the wilderness, the Israelites grumble to Moses about their lack of food. They say it would have been better to have died in Egypt where they at least had lots to eat. Yahweh informs them that he is going to rain bread from heaven upon them every morning while each twilight would bring in a flock of quails. Once again he hears their complaints and responds with grace.

Psalm (105:1-6, 37-45)

The Psalmist exhorts Yahweh’s chosen people to seek his presence, remember his wonderful works on their behalf, and make him known among the nations. He is the one who brought them out of Egypt, provided for them in the wilderness, and took them into the promised land with joy and singing.

Second Reading (Philippians 1:21-30)

St. Paul, realizing that he is called to be of further service to the early Christian communities he has founded, reluctantly accepts any delay in being fully in Christ’s presence through death. He encourages the Philippians to live lives worthy of the Gospel and standing firm in the face of opposition and suffering, a struggle he continues to share with them.

Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16)

Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard owner who hires a number of workers early in the morning to work for the normal daily rate. He also hires others during various times of the day but only tells them he will pay them what is right. When he pays them all the same amount those who worked longer were angry. They felt shortchanged instead of being glad for the owner’s generosity to the others. In the Kingdom of God, says Jesus, the last shall be first and the first last.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Being content with the blessings we have
  • Why are we angry with God or others? Do we really have a case?
  • Being faithful in times of suffering means trusting in Christ and resisting the urge to complain
  • God always gives us more than we deserve (grace)
  • Living as God’s people does not mean we will not have to suffer

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Jonah 3:10-4:11)

As Jonah had anticipated, because he is slow to anger and full of grace, mercy and steadfast love, Yahweh spares the repentant city of Nineveh from the destruction Jonah had announced. This makes him angry and he sits down to see what happens. Yahweh causes a plant to give him extra shade from the sun only to destroy it the next day. Again Jonah is angry and again says he would rather die than live. Yahweh contrasts his own concern for the immense and needy population of Nineveh with Jonah’s rage over an insignificant bush.

Psalm (145:1-8)

The Psalmist begins by affirming his intention to praise Yahweh for his surpassing majesty and his wonderful works, qualities for which he will be extolled by generations to come. They will sing of his goodness and righteousness, his grace and mercy, and his steadfast love and slowness to anger.

Second Reading (Philippians 1:21-30)

St. Paul, realizing that he is called to be of further service to the early Christian communities he has founded, reluctantly accepts any delay in being fully in Christ’s presence through death. He encourages the Philippians to live lives worthy of the Gospel and standing firm in the face of opposition and suffering, a struggle he continues to share with them.

Gospel (Matthew 20:1-16)

Jesus tells the parable of the vineyard owner who hires a number of workers early in the morning to work for the normal daily rate. He also hires others during various times of the day but only tells them he will pay them what is right. When he pays them all the same amount those who worked longer were angry. They felt shortchanged instead of being glad for the owner’s generosity to the others. In the Kingdom of God, says Jesus, the last shall be first and the first last.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Being content with the blessings we have
  • Why are we angry with God or others? Do we really have a case?
  • Being faithful in times of suffering means trusting in Christ and resisting the urge to complain
  • God always gives us more than we deserve (grace)
  • Living as God’s people does not mean we will not have to suffer
  • Like God we should be slow to anger
Posted on

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 17, 2017, Proper 19, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 14:19-31)

The angel and the pillar of cloud that had been leading Israel out of Egypt move to the end of the column and place themselves between the people and the pursuing Egyptian army. Confronting the Red Sea, Moses stretches out his hand and Yahweh has a strong wind part the water and make a dry path for their escape. Pharaoh follows but the waters close over his army while Israel learns to trust in Yahweh and his servant Moses.

Psalm (114)

The Psalmist celebrates the Exodus as the time when Yahweh began to dwell with Israel, and both the Red Sea and the Jordan River parted for their crossing. Even the mountains and the rivers resonate to his mighty saving acts. Indeed the whole earth trembles at his awesome presence.

OR

Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21

The Song of Moses exults in the victory of Yahweh at the Red Sea where both horse and rider were cast into the sea. He gives full credit to Yahweh who proves himself in full control of nature and superior to any other gods. Miriam, sister to Moses and Aaron and a prophet herself, joins in the celebratory refrain.

Second Reading (Romans 14:1-12)

St. Paul, recognizing that those who are weak in faith need to be nourished in the Christian community, points out that they are welcomed and helped by God himself and should not be in any way despised by the “strong”. This applies especially to religious observances involving foods and holy days. We live unto the Lord and each should honour him as best we can. He is the one who will judge.

Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)

In response to Peter’s question about the limits to forgiving our fellow Christians Jesus tells a parable about a king who decides to settle accounts with the slaves who handled his affairs. One of them owed a huge sum he could not cover and begged for mercy. When the king simply forgave him, he failed to extend any mercy to another slave who owed him a pittance. This greatly angered the King who had the man tortured for his behaviour. We can expect God to have the same attitude to those of us who refuse to forgive.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is not subject to nature but in control of it
  • Nature is witness to the greatness of God
  • Judgment is real but it is in the hands of God, not our own
  • The importance of community life in the Kingdom
  • No limit to mercy extended to the penitent
  • Forgiveness and forbearance are to mark the Christian life
  • We are to extend to others what God has so much more extended to us

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Genesis 50:15-21)

Joseph’s brothers had sold him into slavery in Egypt and now that their father Jacob is dead they are worried that he will take his revenge. So they tell Joseph that before he died their father had asked that he forgive them. Joseph wept when he heard this and they bowed down to him, calling themselves his slaves exactly as his dreams had predicted. He told them that although they had meant it for evil, God intended it for good.

Psalm (103:[1-7], 8-13)

This Psalm calls for the congregation to bless Yahweh for all he does in his loving kindness: forgives our sins; heals our diseases; gets us out of trouble; satisfies us with good. It is a merciful and gracious Yahweh who works justice for the oppressed and removes our sin far from us, not repaying us as we deserve.

Second Reading (Romans 14:1-12)

St. Paul, recognizing that those who are weak in faith need to be nourished in the Christian community, points out that they are welcomed and helped by God himself and should not be in any way despised by the “strong”. This applies especially to religious observances involving foods and holy days. We live unto the Lord and each should honour him as best we can. He is the one who will judge.

Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35)

In response to Peter’s question about the limits to forgiving our fellow Christians Jesus tells a parable about a king who decides to settle accounts with the slaves who handled his affairs. One of them owed a huge sum he could not cover and begged for mercy. When the king simply forgave him, he failed to extend any mercy to another slave who owed him a pittance. This greatly angered the King who had the man tortured for his behaviour. We can expect God to have the same attitude to those of us who refuse to forgive.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God is in control of the course of history
  • Judgment is real but it is in the hands of God, not our own
  • The importance of community life in the Kingdom
  • No limit to mercy extended to the penitent
  • Forgiveness and forbearance are to mark the Christian life
  • We are to extend to others what God has so much more extended to us

 

 

Posted on

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 10, 2017, Proper 18, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 12:1-14)

Nine plagues having failed to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelites, Yahweh tells Moses to prepare for one more: the death of all the firstborn males. Each Israelite household is to slaughter a lamb and smear the blood on the outside of its doorway to alert the angel of death to pass over it. The occasion will be the beginning of their new year and will be celebrated by reenacting this unique meal.

Psalm (149)

Calling upon the people to render joyful and melodic praise to their Maker and their King, the Psalmist reminds them that Yahweh takes pleasure in them, giving victory to the humble. At the same time they are to be ready to execute judgment on the nations at his bidding and for their glory.

Second Reading (Romans 13:8-14)

Like Jesus, St. Paul asserts the truth that to love one’s neighbour as oneself is to fulfill the law. He then points out that his readers’ ultimate salvation is nearer now than ever and they must wake up and live in its light, not giving themselves over to the debaucheries of the flesh. In other words, they must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and resist any inclinations to live contrary to him.

Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)

Jesus gives specific directions on what to do if a fellow Christian sins against us. His stress is on winning the person back into the fellowship rather than on asserting our own rights. They need to be confronted with their sin within a widening circle of witnesses. Decisions made in this way, even to the point of ex-communication, have the awesome weight of heaven behind them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The importance of dealing with sin through repentance and change
  • The deadly seriousness of sin
  • The importance of loving one another
  • God’s intentions, even in discipline, are for our good
  • New beginnings with God are possible
  • Bad news can be good news

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Ezekiel 33:7-11)

Yahweh appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for the Israelites. He is to deliver Yahweh’s dire warnings to abandon their wicked ways or die in their sins. This is a heavy responsibility because unless he delivers the message he will share in the same fate. He is to tell them that while Yahweh does not take pleasure in the death of the wicked, he delights in seeing real repentance that leads to a changed life.

Psalm (119:33-40)

The Psalmist, appreciating that living as Yahweh demands is truly the way of life, expresses his desire to know, understand, and delight in the law. He realizes that to follow it faithfully he needs Yahweh to turn his heart away from wickedness of all kinds and grant him life.

Second Reading (Romans 13:8-14)

Like Jesus, St. Paul asserts the truth that to love one’s neighbour as oneself is to fulfill the law. He then points out that his readers’ ultimate salvation is nearer now than ever and they must wake up and live in its light, not giving themselves over to the debaucheries of the flesh. In other words, they must put on the Lord Jesus Christ and resist any inclinations to live contrary to him.

Gospel (Matthew 18:15-20)

Jesus gives specific directions on what to do if a fellow Christian sins against us. His stress is on winning the person back into the fellowship rather than on asserting our own rights. They need to be confronted with their sin within a widening circle of witnesses. Decisions made in this way, even to the point of ex-communication, have the awesome weight of heaven behind them.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The ways of God are the ways of life
  • The importance of dealing with sin through repentance and change
  • The deadly seriousness of sin
  • The importance of loving one another
  • God’s intentions, even in discipline, are for our good
  • Bad news can be good news

 

Posted on

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost, September 3, 2017, Proper 17, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 3:1-15)

Yahweh mysteriously appears to Moses in the burning bush at Mt. Sinai, identifying himself as the God of the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He has heard the cry of his oppressed people back in Egypt and now he is going to send Moses to deliver the captives, leading them out to the Promised Land. The name by which he wishes to be known to them is simply “I AM WHO I AM”.

Psalm (105:1-6, 23-26, 45c)

The Psalmist encourages the people to remember Yahweh’s miracles and judgments and, while taking care to look to him alone, make his deeds known among the nations. He caused Israel to grow mightily even while persecuted in Egypt and sent Moses to deliver them so that they might serve him faithfully.

Second Reading (Romans 12:9-24)

St. Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully especially when under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies themselves they are to put it into God’s hands, knowing that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

Gospel (Matthew 16:21-28)

Right after he had praised Peter for recognizing him as Messiah Jesus rebukes him for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to save our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, remembering that he will repay many times over in the resurrection.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• It is God who saves us, not we ourselves

• Doing good will triumph over evil

• Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life

• Relief from suffering is in God’s hands

• We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies

• The need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Jeremiah 15:15-21)

Jeremiah makes his case to Yahweh, asking that his persecutors suffer retribution. He claims to have been faithful but his suffering is growing worse, making him wonder if Yahweh will fail him. Yahweh, on the other hand, sees a need for Jeremiah to turn back to God in order to be restored to his calling and delivered from his foes.

Psalm (26:1-8)

Because he has been faithful in his walk, the Psalmist expects vindication from Yahweh. He even challenges Yahweh to test him in his innocence. He has not kept company with sinners, but has joined the procession of praise and thanksgiving around the altar instead. He loves the house of God because of the divine presence that is gloriously evident there.

Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)

St. Paul exhorts the Christian community to have genuine love for one another and serve the Lord faithfully especially when under persecution. Instead of taking revenge on their enemies themselves they are to put it into God’s hands, knowing that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

Right after he had praised Peter for recognizing him as Messiah Jesus rebukes him for not understanding that suffering and death are ahead for both Messiah and his disciples. We are not to seek to save our lives, but to deny ourselves and follow Jesus, remembering that he will repay many times over in the resurrection.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• It is God who saves us, not we ourselves

• Doing good will triumph over evil

• Suffering is to be expected as part of the Christian life

• Relief from suffering is in God’s hands

• We are to follow in God’s ways in all circumstances, loving God, fellow Christians and our enemies

• The need to remain faithful, especially under pressure to conform to this world

Posted on

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost, August 27, 2017, Proper 16, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Exodus 1:8-2:10)

Three hundred years after the death of Joseph the Israelites are still in Egypt and have become a numerous and powerful people. Pharaoh severely oppresses them and tries to limit them by destroying all their male babies. Their midwives frustrate him and when one Levite woman sets her newborn son in a waterproof basket on the Nile, his own daughter finds him and arranges to save the child through the intervention of his quick-witted sister. His name is Moses.

Psalm (124)

The Psalmist encourages Israel to remember that it was Yahweh alone who delivered them from the raging flood of their enemies. They escaped like a bird from a broken snare because Yahweh, the creator of all, is their help.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

St. Paul affirms that true worship includes presenting our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. We are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. This means acting in humility and sobriety, knowing that we all have been given gifts of grace enabling the whole church to carry out its purpose as an effective unit.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

While many of his contemporaries think that Jesus must be one of the prophets of old, Peter identifies him as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built. It will be able to attack and destroy even hell itself and its earthly actions will even be reflected in heaven. He then instructs the disciples that they are to keep quiet about his identity.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God delivers his people from their enemies
  • No foe is superior to God
  • The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
  • God’s people need leaders and followers both
  • The people of God carry out the purposes of God
  • The importance of humility

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 51:1-6)

Isaiah calls for those who seek Yahweh and his righteousness to look back to Abraham and Sarah as the example of how Yahweh is faithful. He will bring about a joyful restoration of the land of Israel and its people will sing their thanksgivings. This mighty act of salvation will be so all-encompassing that the nations will be included and even the present cosmos will pass away.

Psalm (138)

The Psalmist thanks Yahweh for his faithfulness in answering his prayer. All the rulers of the earth shall praise Yahweh when they see how the lowly are exalted instead of the mighty. Such things inspire confidence in Yahweh’s continuing care and his ability to accomplish his purposes in the life of the Psalmist.

Second Reading (Romans 12:1-8)

St. Paul affirms that true worship includes presenting our entire beings, body and soul, unto the Lord. We are not to be conformed to this world but transformed by the renewing of our minds. This means acting in humility and sobriety, knowing that we all have been given gifts of grace enabling the whole church to carry out its purpose as an effective unit.

Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20)

While many of his contemporaries think that Jesus must be one of the prophets of old, Peter identifies him as “Messiah, Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses him for this divine insight and affirms that Peter is the rock on which his church will be built. It will be able to attack and destroy even hell itself and its earthly actions will even be reflected in heaven. He then instructs the disciples that they are to keep quiet about his identity.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The salvation of God’s people will attract the attention of others
  • The importance for faith of looking at examples from the past
  • God delivers his people from their enemies
  • No foe is superior to God
  • The importance of everyone, from greatest to least, doing their part
  • God’s people need leaders and followers both
  • The importance of humility

 

Posted on

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 20, 2017, Proper 15, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 45:1-15)

Years after selling Joseph into slavery in Egypt, his brothers do not recognize him as the Egyptian government official in a position to save them in a time of famine. When he reveals himself to them they are filled with fear, but he reassures them, stating that it was God who sent him on ahead in order to preserve their whole family. They wept and talked together in a moving scene of reconciliation.

Psalm (133)

The Psalmist describes the blessing of family unity using two metaphors of excess: the anointing oil that had overflowed Aaron in connection with his consecration as high priest and the drenching dew on the mountains of Israel. In all of this benevolence can be glimpsed a picture of the rich blessing of Yahweh, life forever more.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul reassures his readers that what he has been saying in no way implies God’s rejection of the Jewish people. It is true that their general negative response to the Gospel has opened the door for Gentiles but it must be remembered that both divisions of the human family have been disobedient but both have also been shown mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

Concerning the distinctive Jewish food laws, Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth. Then he moves into Gentile territory where a local woman calls out to him to have mercy on her demon-possessed daughter. At first Jesus declines because, as he tells the disciples, he has been sent only to the Jewish people. But when he perceives her persistent faith he puts all that aside and heals her daughter.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The blessing of family unity (including the human family)
• God’s providential care for his people
• The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
• Mercy (Grace) trumps disobedience
• The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 56:1, 6-8)

The prophet Isaiah envisions Yahweh’s coming salvation as clearly including Gentiles as well as Israelites. Foreigners will come to worship on Mount Zion and the Temple will be known as a house of prayer for all nations. All those now considered outcasts, both Jew and Gentile, will be gathered together by Yahweh.

Psalm (67)

The Psalmist suggests that the abundant blessings of God upon Israel will lead to him being known throughout the nations and praise erupting from every corner. All the peoples will honour his name when they see the amazing harvests in Israel.

Second Reading (Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32)

Paul reassures his readers that what he has been saying in no way implies God’s rejection of the Jewish people. It is true that their general negative response to the Gospel has opened the door for Gentiles but it must be remembered that both divisions of the human family have been disobedient but both have also been shown mercy.

Gospel (Matthew 15:[10-20], 21-28)

Concerning the distinctive Jewish food laws, Jesus emphasizes that true defilement originates in the sinful heart rather than from food taken into the mouth. Then he moves into Gentile territory where a local woman calls out to him to have mercy on her demon-possessed daughter. At first Jesus declines because, as he tells the disciples, he has been sent only to the Jewish people. But when he perceives her persistent faith he puts all that aside and heals her daughter.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

• The inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of God
• The equality of Jew and Gentile in the kingdom of God
• Mercy (Grace) trumps disobedience
• The heart of the matter is a matter of the heart

Posted on

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost, August 13, 2017, Proper 14, Year A

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28)

Joseph is the favorite son of Jacob/Israel and his brothers seethe with jealous anger when he shares dreams suggesting they will become subservient to him. One day, far from home, Joseph falls into their hands and Reuben, thinking to rescue him later, convinces them to throw him into a pit instead of killing him. They end up selling him to a caravan on its way to Egypt.

Psalm (105:1-6, 16-22, 45b)

The Psalmist calls upon Israel to praise and thank Yahweh with rejoicing. Proclaim his works among the nations, he says, and seek to live in his presence and strength. Yahweh’s great deeds are shown in sending Joseph to Egypt long ahead of his family and putting him in a position to be able help them at just the right time.

Second Reading (Romans 10:5-15)

St. Paul contrasts the impossibility of meeting the demands of the law with the simple act of believing in the risen Jesus and confessing him as Lord. In this way salvation comes to all who simply call upon the name of the Lord, not just the Jews. But in order for this to happen the Gospel must first be both proclaimed and heard.

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

After dismissing the well-fed crowd Jesus gets some time alone by sending the disciples ahead of him by boat. Encountering a terrible storm they are startled to see Jesus walking to them on the water. Peter tries to go to him on the waves but soon begins to sink when he focuses on the storm instead of simply trusting in Jesus. When he calls out in terror Jesus reaches out and saves him. Through this experience Jesus is revealed to the disciples as the very Son of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Trusting God in trying circumstances
  • God always prepares the way for his salvation
  • The Lord saves those who look/call out to him
  • The awesome God who directs history and has power over nature
  • The nations are included in the salvation of God
  • simple faith in God/Jesus is required of us

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (1 Kings 19:9-18)

Elijah, fresh from humiliating the prophets of Baal and on the run from an angry Queen Jezebel, hides himself in a cave complaining to Yahweh about being the only faithful person left. Yahweh passes by and reveals himself in the sheer silence that follows wind, earthquake and fire. He then re-commissions Elijah, assuring him that his enemies will perish and that he is not alone.

Psalm (85:8-13)

The Psalmist is confident that Yahweh will hear the call of all those who turn to him and speak peace to them. Indeed, in a poetic turn of phrase, he asserts that the Land will be blessed as “steadfast love and faithfulness” meet and “righteousness and peace” kiss each other.

Second Reading (Romans 10:5-15)

St. Paul contrasts the impossibility of meeting the demands of the law with the simple act of believing in the risen Jesus and confessing him as Lord. In this way salvation comes to all who simply call upon the name of the Lord, not just the Jews. But in order for this to happen the Gospel must first be both proclaimed and heard.

Gospel (Matthew 14: 14:22-33)

After dismissing the well-fed crowd Jesus gets some time alone by sending the disciples ahead of him by boat. Encountering a terrible storm they are startled to see Jesus walking to them on the water. Peter tries to go to him on the waves but soon begins to sink when he focuses on the storm instead of simply trusting in Jesus. When he calls out in terror Jesus reaches out and saves him. Through this experience Jesus is revealed to the disciples as the very Son of God.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Trusting God in trying circumstances
  • The Lord saves those who look/call out to him
  • The awesome God who directs history and has power over nature
  • Simple faith in God/Jesus is required of us
  • Faltering faith is still faith
  • Peace in the storm

 

 

Posted on

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost August 6, 2017 Proper 13, Year A

 

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Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Genesis 32:22-31)

On his way home after an absence of twenty years Jacob has an odd encounter with a stranger. They wrestle and Jacob prevails, demanding a blessing in order to release his opponent. The latter changes Jacob’s name to Israel, or “he who strives with God and prevails”. Jacob realizes he has been face to face with God and lived to tell about it.

Psalm (17:1-7, 15)

This Psalm is a cry to Yahweh for help. It comes from a faithful Israelite, one who has avoided wickedness and violence and who is therefore assured of Yahweh’s steadfast love. Even in his current circumstances he is confident that he will see the face of God.

Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)

St. Paul yearns for his own Jewish people to come to faith in Christ and is deeply grief-stricken at their resistance to the Gospel, so much so that he would even become accursed for their sake. After all, they are the chosen people and all the blessings of the promises and covenants rightly belong to them, including the Messiah who is one of their own.

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

After he learns of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus desires to be alone but a crowd of over five thousand follows him into the wilderness. He takes compassion on them, meeting their needs by healing their sick and even feeding them by miraculously multiplying five loaves and two fish. In fact, he provides so much food that twelve baskets of leftovers are collected.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Face to face with God
  • The fragile advantages of the people of God
  • What it means to be an Israelite
  • God’s abundant provision, more than we need for ourselves
  • Receiving blessings from God/Jesus
  • God hears and answers prayer/more than meets our need

Based on the Alternative Set of Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 55:1-5)

Through Isaiah Yahweh is calling his people Israel to a great feast made freely available to all, promising that an everlasting covenant will be made because of his faithful love for David. Yahweh will so bless them that other nations will come in response.

Psalm (145:8-9, 14-21)

The Psalmist extolls Yahweh as the universal God who sustains all of creation out of his love and compassion, upholding the fallen and meeting the needs of all creatures. He hears and answers those who call upon him in truth and brings justice to the wicked. All of humanity will come to acknowledge him as God.

Second Reading (Romans 9:1-5)

St. Paul yearns for his own Jewish people to come to faith in Christ and is deeply grief-stricken at their resistance to the Gospel, so much so that he would even become accursed for their sake. After all, they are the chosen people and all the blessings of the promises and covenants rightly belong to them, including the Messiah who is one of their own.

Gospel (Matthew 14:13-21)

After he learns of the death of John the Baptist, Jesus desires to be alone but a crowd of over five thousand follows him into the wilderness. He takes compassion upon them, meeting their needs by healing their sick and even feeding them by miraculously multiplying five loaves and two fish. In fact, he provides so much food that twelve baskets of leftovers are collected.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God provides a feast
  • The love and compassion of God
  • God hears and answers prayer/more than meets our need
  • All nations will come to Yahweh
  • The fragile advantages of the people of God
  • What it means to be an Israelite
  • God’s abundant provision, more than we need for ourselves
  • Receiving blessings from God/Jesus