June 18, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 103, 117, 139
Numbers 6:22-27
Acts 13:1-12
Luke 12:41-48

II. Selections
Psalm 139:5
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.

Numbers 6:26
...the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Acts 13:2
While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

Luke 12:48b
" ...From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded. ..." [ Jesus, to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Dismissed with peace?

We ask you to lift up
your countenance upon us
and give us peace.
Sometimes you comply,
and sometimes you do not,
or so it seems.

Instead you hem us in,
behind and before;
and lay your hand upon us;
and set us apart
for the work
you have called us to do.

You have given us much,
and much you require from us;
with much we have been entrusted,
and even more will be demanded from us,
before at last you dismiss us
with your peace.