January 02, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 9, 29, 48
1 Kings 19:1-8
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:1-14

II. Selections
Psalm 9:15
The nations have sunk in the pit that they made;
in the net that they hid has their own foot been caught.

1 Kings 19:4b-5a
[ Elijah] asked that he might die: "It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors." Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep.

Ephesians 4:2-3
...with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

John 6:12
When they were satisfied, [ Jesus] told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost."

III. Meditation: That nothing may be lost
Elijah wanted to die-
he was tired of being persecuted,
or tired of living,
or perhaps just tired.
Whatever his reason, you did not agree.

You give us what we need to be satisfied,
but tell us not to waste one leftover fragment,
not one day of our life,
though we dig our own pits,
and catch our feet in our own traps.

Teach us to live with all humility and gentleness,
with patience, bearing with one another in love,
making every effort to maintain
the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,
that nothing may be lost.