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.

November 30, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 17, 50, 53, 147:1-11
Amos 3:12-4:5
2 Peter 3:1-10
Matthew 21:23-32

II. Selections
Psalm 147:11
...but the LORD takes pleasure in those who fear him,
in those who hope in his steadfast love.

Amos 4:5
...bring a thank-offering of leavened bread,
and proclaim freewill offerings, publish them;
for so you love to do, O people of Israel!
says the Lord GOD.

2 Peter 3:9
The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.

Matthew 21:25a
" ...Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?"

III. Meditation: So we love to do
Gracious God, you take pleasure in those who fear you, in those who hope in your steadfast love. You are patient with us, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. We abuse your patience. We refuse to recognize whether your gifts come from you, or are of human origin. Meanwhile we seize as our rightful portion what you intended for others, after which we love to make a grand display of thanksgiving. Bring us to repentance.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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