June 19, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 5, 29, 82
Numbers 9:15-23; 10:29-36
Romans 1:1-15
Matthew 17:14-21

II. Selections
Psalm 82:3
Give justice to the weak and the orphan;
maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.

Numbers 9:23
At the command of the LORD [ the Israelites] would camp, and at the command of the LORD they would set out. They kept the charge of the LORD, at the command of the LORD by Moses.

Romans 1:11-12
For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you-or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine.

Matthew 17:16
" ...And I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him." [ The father of an epileptic boy, to Jesus]

III. Meditation: Mutual encouragement

You charge us to give justice
to the weak and lowly,
to heal the sick,
and in all things
to follow your command.

Our efforts to obey are feeble,
and soon we grow discouraged.
Teach us to find strength in one another
by mutual sharing of our spiritual gifts,
encouraged by each other's faith.