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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