I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

The Source of True Authority--Sept. 23, 2016


We praise you, Holy God, for you commanded,
and sun, moon, and shining stars were created.

Into a world of shouting and confusion, where
most of us don't know why we come together,
you have sent Jesus, who spoke with authority.

When we admire the powers of earthly rulers,
remind us, all true authority comes from you.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 88; 148; 6; 20
Esth. 8:1-8, 15-17
Acts 19:21-41
Luke 4:31-37
           
Selected Verses
Ps. 148:3-5
 Praise him, sun and moon;
          praise him, all you shining stars!
Praise him, you highest heavens,
          and you waters above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the LORD,
          for he commanded and they were created. 

Esth. 8:8
"…You may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring; for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked."  [King Ahasuerus to Esther and Mordecai]

Acts 19:32
Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing, some another; for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

Luke 4:32
[The people of Capernaum] were astounded at [Jesus'] teaching, because he spoke with authority.

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