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.

March 25, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 31, 43, 143, 149
Genesis 47:27-48:7
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Mark 7:1-23

II. Selections
Psalm 31:4
...take me out of the net that is hidden for me,
for you are my refuge.

Genesis 48:2
When Jacob was told, "Your son Joseph has come to you," he summoned his strength and sat up in bed.

1 Corinthians 10:12
So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.

Mark 7:23
All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.

III. Meditation: The net hidden for me
Merciful God, take from us
all the evil things
that come from within,
for they defile us.

When we think we are standing,
teach us to watch out that we do not fall;
take us out of the net that is hidden for us,
for you are our refuge.

As Jacob was cheered and strengthened
by the coming of his son,
let us find encouragement and strength
by the nearness of your Son.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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