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Fifth Sunday after Pentecost, July 14, 2019, Proper 10, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Amos 7:7-17)

Jeroboam, the king of northern Israel receives a message from the Lord through the prophet Amos. The king and the nation have strayed far from the commandments of God and will soon lose their land and go into exile in a foreign country. The indictment is not well received.

Psalm (82)

God is pictured presiding in his divine council and indicting those in earth who abuse the poor and lowly who should be granted justice and deliverance instead. The oppressors are walking in darkness, thinking highly of themselves in spite of the fact that they are mere mortals.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.

Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a despised Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
  • Disobedience to God has serious consequences
  • The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
  • Self-deception is a dangerous thing

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Deuteronomy 30:9-14)

Just before he dies, Moses charges the Israelites to keep God’s commandments and flourish as a result. These are not beyond their reach, being already in their mouths and hearts. But they must be observed.

Psalm (25:1-10)

The Psalmist turns to the Lord for protection, asking for knowledge of his ways and to be led in his truth. He acknowledges his sin and makes his appeal based only on God’s mercy and love. He is the one who leads humble sinners in his blessed ways as they keep faith with him.

Second Reading (Colossians 1:1-14)

Paul thanks God for the faith and mutual love of the Colossian Christians. Rooted in the hope of the Gospel, they share in a worldwide move of the Spirit who is producing in them the fruit of knowledge and good works. Paul prays they will endure by God’s power over sin and darkness.

Gospel (Luke 10:25-37)

Jesus agrees with a religious lawyer that in order to inherit eternal life one must fervently love God and one’s neighbour. He tells of a man who was beaten, robbed, and then ignored by Jewish religious leaders. But a detested Samaritan took mercy and became his true neighbour.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • God’s point of view is often shocking to us humans
  • The kingdom of God is to extend throughout the earth, across all human borders
  • Self-deception is a dangerous thing
  • God makes his ways known to us if we are open and humble before him

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost, July 7, 2019, Proper 9, 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 5:1-14)

A captive Israeli girl informs her master Naaman, commander of Aram’s army, that there is a prophet back home who can cure his leprosy. He finds Elisha who tells him to wash in the Jordan to be healed. At first he refuses, but his servants convince him to try and he is healed.

Psalm (30)

Because the Lord healed him in the past, the Psalmist invites others to join him in praise and thanksgiving. When he had been confident in his prosperity, adversity had brought him low. But Yahweh heard his cry and turned his mourning into joy.

Second Reading (Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16)

Paul directs the Galatians to restore sinners among them with humility, keeping in mind their own weaknesses. In this attitude they are to care for one another, doing what is right in the Spirit. They are to boast only in the Cross of Christ, who gathers all peoples into a new creation.

Gospel (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Jesus sends out seventy disciples into all the towns he is going to as his representatives and as agents of the incoming kingdom of God. They rejoice in their power over the demonic forces of Satan, but Jesus tells them that just being accepted in heaven is more important than even this.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • There are varieties of healings but only one God
  • All of us represent the Lord to others
  • Using spiritual power with humility and care
  • A little humility goes a long way

Based on the Alternative Readings

First Reading (Isaiah 66:10-14)

Isaiah looks forward to a time when Jerusalem becomes the nurturing mother of God’s people. The prosperity of the nations shall be hers while her people are comforted. Then Israel will be glad and flourish and it will be known that her great God is surely with them.

Psalm (66:1-9)

The Psalmist calls the whole earth to praise the God of Israel who rescued her through the Red Sea and across the Jordan river. His power is without limit and his shaken adversaries humbly bow low before him in acknowledgement.

Second Reading (Galatians 6:[1-6], 7-16)

Paul directs the Galatians to restore sinners among them with humility, keeping in mind their own weaknesses. In this attitude they are to care for one another, doing what is right in the Spirit. They are to boast only in the Cross of Christ, who gathers all peoples into a new creation.

Gospel (Luke 10:1-11, 16-20)

Jesus sends out seventy disciples into all the towns he is going to as his representatives and as agents of the incoming kingdom of God. They rejoice in their power over the demonic forces of Satan, but Jesus tells them that just being accepted in heaven is more important than even this.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Our weaknesses and defeats offer opportunity for God’s power to be known
  • Using spiritual power with humility and care
  • A little humility goes a long way
  • God is in the business of putting things right

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Nativity of the Lord – Proper III, December 25, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 52:7-10)

Jerusalem’s watchmen, seeing the Lord return with salvation for the ruined city, are exhorted to call her to joyful celebration.  All nations will observe her people comforted and redeemed as the Lord acts in sovereign power.

Psalm (98)

All nature is called loudly to celebrate the coming victory of the Lord on behalf of Israel. Every nation will observe the powerful vindication of his people, aware that he will act fairly and rightly as universal judge.

Second Reading (Hebrews 1:1-4, [5-12])

The author celebrates the fact that God has spoken through his Son, who, reflecting him perfectly, is both creator and heir of all things. Much superior to the worshipping angels at his birth, he has made purification for our sins and his kingdom is never ending.

Gospel (John 1:1-14)

St. John tells us that with the Word of creation taking on flesh, God himself has come among us as light and life. John the Baptist serves as its witness but not all to whom the Word is sent receive him. Believers, conversely, are born of God and made his children.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • Creation, all over again/All things made new
  • Announcing/giving witness to the Word
  • The difference made by God’s arrival: it’s like night and day
  • Celebrating new birth
  • The universal significance of the coming of God’s salvation
  • The nations will be aware of the coming of God’s salvation

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Nativity of the Lord – Proper II, December 25, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Isaiah 62:6-12)

Jerusalem will enjoy a reversal of its low estate when the Lord’s salvation comes. Its inhabitants will reap the rewards of their labour and be known throughout the whole earth as a holy people, redeemed by the Lord and living in a city no longer forsaken.

Psalm (97)

The Psalmist celebrates the fact that the Lord is king over the whole earth and calls all people to joyful thanksgiving. The nations behold his superior power and majesty over all other pretenders. His light dawns over the righteous, rescuing them from the wicked.

Second Reading (Titus 3:4-7)

The goodness and love of God has appeared and has saved us through the waters of rebirth and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. It was through his mercy and not our own efforts that this occurred, making us heirs of eternal life through grace alone.

Gospel (Luke 2: [1-7], 8-20)

St. Luke tells how Jesus is born in the line and city of David to the praise of angels. They appear to a band of humble shepherds in glorious light, directing them to a simple manger. There they encounter the tiny Messiah whose coming had so stirred the angels.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The arrival of God’s salvation
  • Hoping in God’s salvation
  • The universal and enduring significance of the birth of Jesus
  • The Light shines in the darkness
  • God lifts up the fallen who cannot save themselves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Third Sunday of Advent, December 16, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Zephaniah 3:14-20)

The prophet Zephaniah calls upon Israel to rejoice because, in his vision, he sees the Lord turn away her enemies. Israel should not fear because her true King will arrive victoriously, bring the exiles home and change the people’s shame as outcasts into the praise of nations.

Psalm/Canticle (Isaiah 12:2-6)

The prophet Isaiah proclaims his trust in the Lord, who is his strength and salvation. And Israel will draw from this same well, giving thanks and praising the Lord among the nations for what he has done for them. Exult O royal Zion, for your Holy One is in your midst!

Second Reading (Philippians 4:4-7)

Paul encourages the Philippians to be always rejoicing in the Lord. They should be known for their gentleness, knowing the Lord is near. Looking to him in prayer, they will know the deep peace of having their hearts and minds protected by presence of Christ.

Gospel (Luke 3:7-18)

John has distain for those who are coming to him for baptism but who fail to exhibit true repentance in their lives by changing their behaviour. Merely being Jews is not enough to escape the coming judgment. He points to a greater one coming to baptize with the Holy Spirit.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The coming of the Lord is both judgment and salvation
  • Greater things are coming
  • Preparing for Jesus involves trust and righteous living, the keys to true peace
  • Knowing the Lord is coming should affect the way we live

 

Posted on

Second Sunday of Advent, December 9, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection 

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Malachi 3:1-4)

The prophet Malachi speaks of a time when temple worship is corrupt, but the Lord takes action, sending a messenger of the covenant before him. The messenger will act like a purifying and refining fire, reforming the priesthood and restoring righteous worship to the temple.

Psalm/Canticle (The Song of Zechariah-Luke 1:68-79)

Upon the miraculous birth of his son John, Zechariah prophesies by the Spirit that the Lord is about to fulfill the ancient promise of salvation through the line of David. John’s role is to prepare Messiah’s way as the time of salvation dawns, banishing darkness and bringing peace.

Second Reading (Philippians 1:3-11)

Paul continues to pray for his converts in Philippi, confident that God will continue his good work in and through them. He longs to see them filled with knowledge, producing a crop of righteousness through Christ, ready for the Day of his return. All this will be to God’s glory.

Gospel (Luke 3:1-6)

John the son of Zechariah appears in the wilderness around the Jordan river and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. He is fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy of one who will prepare the way for the salvation of the Lord that is coming in the sight of all humanity.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • John the Baptist
  • Preparing the way of the Lord
  • Salvation is of the Lord
  • Righteousness as preparation for the coming of the Lord

 

Posted on

First Sunday of Advent, December 2, 2018, Year C

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

First Reading (Jeremiah 33:14-16)

In the last days of Judah, just before the nation went into exile and the line of David removed from the throne, the prophet Jeremiah has a startling word from the Lord. He says that a Day is coming when Judah and Israel will be restored under a righteous Davidic king ruling in justice.

Psalm (25:1-10)

The Psalmist turns to the Lord for protection asking for knowledge of his ways and to be led in his truth. He acknowledges his sin and makes his appeal based only on God’s mercy and love. He is the one who leads humble sinners in his blessed ways as they keep faith with him.

Second Reading (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13)

St. Paul is excited about the possibility of seeing the Thessalonians and asks the Lord to guide his way. He asks for their love for all to increase just as his has for them. And so that they might be blameless when Jesus comes, he prays that their hearts may be strengthened in holiness.

Gospel (Luke 21:25-36)

Jesus talks of fearful signs in the heavens and on the earth before the Son of Man comes in great glory. These things will indicate that the kingdom of God is near. He gives his word on it, urging us to live accordingly and to pray for strength both to escape and to stand before him.

CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS

  • The Day of the Lord marks both an end and a beginning
  • The anticipation of the return of Christ should positively affect the way we live
  • Jesus will be coming as Judge of all the earth
  • Jesus is the expected Davidic king
  • God will make a way where none seems possible

 

 

Posted on

Readings for July 2,2017 Year A Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

 

First Reading and Psalm

  • Genesis 22:1-14
  • Psalm 13

OR

  • Jeremiah 28:5-9
  • Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18

Second Reading

  • Romans 6:12-23

Gospel

  • Matthew 10:40-42

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

After God had made it clear to Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, he commands the patriarch to sacrifice the boy in order to test his faith. At the last moment the angel of Yahweh intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute for Isaac. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience while the author emphasizes that “Yahweh will provide”. The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless he trusts in the steadfast love of Yahweh and faithfully looks forward to his salvation and bounty. St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

After God had made it clear to Abraham that he would have many descendants through Isaac, he commands the patriarch to sacrifice the boy in order to test his faith. At the last moment the angel of Yahweh intervenes and a ram is provided as a substitute for Isaac. Abraham is commended for his difficult obedience while the author emphasizes that “Yahweh will provide”.

Psalm

The Psalmist’s world has collapsed around him in pain, sorrow and humiliation. Nevertheless he trusts in the steadfast love of Yahweh and faithfully looks forward to his salvation and bounty.

Second Reading

St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Gospel

Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Jeremiah publicly confronts the false prophet Hananiah who had assured the people that peace was coming soon. He points out that genuine prophets were usually called to bear the difficult burden of announcing impending disaster because of widespread disobedience. Therefore he who brings good news instead in such circumstances was not likely from Yahweh. Only time would tell. The Psalmist is confident of Yahweh’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David to establish his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of Yahweh, from whom come all their blessings. St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

As Introductions and/or Bulletin Use

First Reading

Jeremiah publicly confronts the false prophet Hananiah who had assured the people that peace was coming soon. He points out that genuine prophets were usually called to bear the difficult burden of announcing impending disaster because of widespread disobedience. Therefore he who brings good news instead in such circumstances was not likely from Yahweh. Only time would tell.

Psalm

The Psalmist is confident of Yahweh’s steadfast love because of the covenant he made with David to establish his throne forever. The people of Israel are rightly happy in their privileged position, exulting in the name of Yahweh, from whom come all their blessings.

Second Reading

St. Paul clarifies that while Christians are not under the law they are therefore free to sin. Having died to sin, our freedom is directed to righteousness by a newly obedient heart. Sin results in death and is completely at odds with God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

Gospel

Having warned his disciples that obedience to him would engender fierce opposition in many, Jesus assures them that others would welcome and assist them. Such persons would in effect be welcoming Christ himself and would not go unrewarded for their acts of kindness.

 

 

 

Posted on

Readings for November 20, 2016 The Reign of Christ Year C Proper 29 (34) & Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Readings for Thanksgiving Day (U.S) are below.

The Reign of Christ Proper 29(34)

First Reading and Psalm

  • Jeremiah 23:1-6
  • Luke 1:68-79

First Reading and Alternative Psalm

  • Jeremiah 23:1-6
  • Psalm 46

Second Reading

  • Colossians 1:11-20

Gospel

  • Luke 23:33-43

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, announces in an excited burst of poetry that his infant son will be the long-awaited prophet who prepares the way of the Lord. The light of Israel’s great deliverance from the darkness of her own sins and all her enemies is now beginning to dawn. St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells. St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoffed at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him.

Psalm

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, announces in an excited burst of poetry that his infant son will be the long-awaited prophet who prepares the way of the Lord. The light of Israel’s great deliverance from the darkness of her own sins and all her enemies is now beginning to dawn.

New Testament

St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells.

Gospel

St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoffed at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him. The Psalmist depicts YAHWEH’s majestic rule in the midst of the chaos and trouble of life. He provides joy like a river flowing through the city of God as the morning dawns. St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells. St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoff at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him.

Psalm

The Psalmist depicts YAHWEH’s majestic rule in the midst of the chaos and trouble of life. He provides joy like a river flowing through the city of God as the morning dawns.

New Testament

St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells.

Gospel

St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoffed at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) November 24, 2016

First Reading and Psalm

  • Deuteronomy 26:1-11
  • Psalm 100

Second Reading

  • Philippians 4:4-9

Gospel

  • John 6:25-35

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to YAHWEH while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. In this way the harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s abundant provision for his people. The Psalm could well be taken as providing a liturgical text for such a celebration, calling as it does for exuberant praise and thanksgiving for all of YAHWEH’s love and faithfulness. Paul begins the Philippians reading with another call to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about anything. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good. In the Gospel Jesus is questioned by people who are focused on the wrong thing: food that perishes. In spite of their newly-filled bellies, they demand of Jesus a sign like the bread from heaven Moses gave their ancestors. In response Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst”. Clearly, he is the focus we should seek and the gift for which we should give thanks.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to YAHWEH while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. In this way the harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s abundant provision for his people.

Psalm

The Psalm could well be taken as providing a liturgical text for such a celebration, calling as it does for exuberant praise and thanksgiving for all of YAHWEH’s love and faithfulness.

New Testament

Paul begins the Philippians reading with another call to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about anything. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus is questioned by people who are focused on the wrong thing: food that perishes. In spite of their newly-filled bellies, they demand of Jesus a sign like the bread from heaven Moses gave their ancestors. In response Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst”. Clearly, he is the focus we should seek and the gift for which we should give thanks.

Posted on

Readings for November 20, 2016 The Reign of Christ Year C Proper 29 (34) & Thanksgiving Day (U.S.)

Please see How to Use Lection Connection

Readings for Thanksgiving Day (U.S) are below.

The Reign of Christ Proper 29(34)

First Reading and Psalm

  • Jeremiah 23:1-6
  • Luke 1:68-79

First Reading and Alternative Psalm

  • Jeremiah 23:1-6
  • Psalm 46

Second Reading

  • Colossians 1:11-20

Gospel

  • Luke 23:33-43

Full lections can be read here.

Based on the Readings as Set

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him. Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, announces in an excited burst of poetry that his infant son will be the long-awaited prophet who prepares the way of the Lord. The light of Israel’s great deliverance from the darkness of her own sins and all her enemies is now beginning to dawn. St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells. St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoffed at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him.

Psalm

Zacharias, the father of John the Baptist, announces in an excited burst of poetry that his infant son will be the long-awaited prophet who prepares the way of the Lord. The light of Israel’s great deliverance from the darkness of her own sins and all her enemies is now beginning to dawn.

New Testament

St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells.

Gospel

St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoffed at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

Based on the Alternative Readings

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him. The Psalmist depicts YAHWEH’s majestic rule in the midst of the chaos and trouble of life. He provides joy like a river flowing through the city of God as the morning dawns. St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells. St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoff at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Through the prophet Jeremiah YAHWEH rebukes the false shepherds who have ruined his people and promises to gather them himself from the places to which they have been scattered. New faithful shepherds will be appointed and they will be ruled over by a “Righteous Branch” from the house of David whose name will remind YAHWEH’s people that a right relationship with him is grounded, not in them, but in him.

Psalm

The Psalmist depicts YAHWEH’s majestic rule in the midst of the chaos and trouble of life. He provides joy like a river flowing through the city of God as the morning dawns.

New Testament

St. Paul prays that the Colossians will experience God’s strength to endure and give thanks to him for delivering them from the power of darkness by granting them “a share in the inheritance of the saints in light”. This redemption has come by the reconciliation of all things to himself through his beloved Son on the cross, a Son in whom his own fullness dwells.

Gospel

St. Luke records Jesus’ words of forgiveness from the cross while the leaders of the people and the soldiers scoffed at his seeming inability to save himself. Meanwhile Jesus majestically grants entrance into Paradise to the repentant thief. The irony is exquisite.

Thanksgiving Day (U.S.) November 24, 2016

First Reading and Psalm

  • Deuteronomy 26:1-11
  • Psalm 100

Second Reading

  • Philippians 4:4-9

Gospel

  • John 6:25-35

Full lections can be read here.

Connection Based on the Readings as Set

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to YAHWEH while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. In this way the harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s abundant provision for his people. The Psalm could well be taken as providing a liturgical text for such a celebration, calling as it does for exuberant praise and thanksgiving for all of YAHWEH’s love and faithfulness. Paul begins the Philippians reading with another call to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about anything. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good. In the Gospel Jesus is questioned by people who are focused on the wrong thing: food that perishes. In spite of their newly-filled bellies, they demand of Jesus a sign like the bread from heaven Moses gave their ancestors. In response Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst”. Clearly, he is the focus we should seek and the gift for which we should give thanks.

As Introductions

Old Testament

Moses commands the Israelites, once they have arrived in the Promised Land, to bring its first fruits as an offering to YAHWEH while reciting the story of their deliverance from Egypt. In this way the harvest is to be celebrated as part of God’s abundant provision for his people.

Psalm

The Psalm could well be taken as providing a liturgical text for such a celebration, calling as it does for exuberant praise and thanksgiving for all of YAHWEH’s love and faithfulness.

New Testament

Paul begins the Philippians reading with another call to “Rejoice” while encouraging his readers to turn to God in prayer and thanksgiving instead of worrying about anything. This leads to a profound peace that can be maintained by focusing our thoughts and actions on all things good.

Gospel

In the Gospel Jesus is questioned by people who are focused on the wrong thing: food that perishes. In spite of their newly-filled bellies, they demand of Jesus a sign like the bread from heaven Moses gave their ancestors. In response Jesus claims to be the Father’s gift of “true bread from heaven”, the “bread of life”. “Whoever comes to me will never be hungry and whoever believes in me will never thirst”. Clearly, he is the focus we should seek and the gift for which we should give thanks.