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