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.

August 29, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 9, 62, 73
2 Chronicles. 6:32-7:7
James 2:1-13
Mark 14:53-65

II. Selections
Ps. 62:5
For God alone my soul waits in silence,
for my hope is from him.

2 Chron. 7:6
The priests stood at their posts; the Levites also, with the instruments for music to the LORD that King David had made for giving thanks to the LORD-for his steadfast love endures forever-whenever David offered praises by their ministry. Opposite them the priests sounded trumpets; and all Israel stood.

James 2:5b
Has not God chosen the poor in the world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that he has promised to those who love him?

Mark 14:60-61
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it that they testify against you?" But he was silent and did not answer. Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?"

III. Meditation: Contrary to expectations
You have chosen the poor in the world to be heirs of your kingdom.
More than all the court musicians, the soul waiting for you in silence catches your ear.
Without speaking a word, Jesus said everything necessary.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)