February 06, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 5, 29, 82
Genesis 25:19-34
Hebrews 13:1-16
John 7:37-52

II. Selections
Psalm 5:11
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.

Genesis 25:30-31
Esau said to Jacob, "Let me eat some of that red stuff, for I am famished!" (Therefore he was called Edom.) Jacob said, "First sell me your birthright."

Hebrews 13:1-2
Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.

John 7:50-51
Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus before, and who was one of them, asked, "Our law does not judge people without first giving them a hearing to find out what they are doing, does it?"

III. Meditation: Refuge received, refuge offered
Let all who take refuge in you rejoice;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
so that those who love your name may exult in you.

As we have received refuge in you,
may we offer refuge to others.
Not the hospitality of Jacob,
whose food for a hungry brother carried a bitter price.

But hospitality freely rendered,
no strings to tether it,
love even for the refugee
(who may be your angel in disguise).

As we ask for your protection,
remind us to extend protection.
Give us at least the courage of Nicodemus
who sought justice for one wrongly accused.