April 07, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 22, 105, 130
Exodus 9:13-35
2 Corinthians 4:1-12
Mark 10:32-45

II. Selections
Psalm 22:24
For he did not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
he did not hide his face from me,
but heard when I cried to him.

Exodus 9:15
For by now I could have stretched out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. [ Moses speaking for God to Pharaoh]

2 Corinthians 4:1
Therefore, since it is by God's mercy that we are engaged in this ministry, we do not lose heart.

Mark 10:45
" ...For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many."

III. Meditation: The affliction of the afflicted
You could have stretched out your hand
and struck us with pestilence,
and we would have been cut off from the earth,
but by your mercy
we are engaged in your ministry.

You do not despise or abhor
the affliction of the afflicted;
you do not hide your face from us,
but hear us when we cry to you,
and we do not lose heart.

For the Son of Man
came not to be served
but to serve,
and to give his life
a ransom for many.