April 12, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 5, 27, 51
Lamentations 2:1-9
2 Corinthians 1:23-2:11
Mark 12:1-11

II. Selections
Psalm 5:3
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I plead my case to you, and watch.

Lamentations 2:3
[ The LORD] has cut down in fierce anger
all the might of Israel;
he has withdrawn his right hand from them
in the face of the enemy;
he has burned like a flaming fire in Jacob,
consuming all around.

2 Corinthians 2:4
For I wrote you out of much distress and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain, but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.

Mark 12:6
" ...[ The owner of the vineyard] had still one other, a beloved son. Finally he sent him to [ the tenants], saying, 'They will respect my son.' ..."

III. Meditation: I plead my case-and watch.
O God, in the morning
you hear my voice;
in the morning
I plead my case to you, and watch.

How will you hear my pleading?
Are you a God of fierce anger,
who cuts down every defense
and burns all around with consuming fire?

Fierce anger is well deserved:
To collect what was due
you sent your son, the beloved,
and he was paid abuse and death.

So do you respond with anger,
or with much distress
and anguish of heart
and with many tears?

Not to cause us pain,
but to let us know the abundant love
you have for us?
I plead my case-and watch.