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.

July 20, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 16, 62, 97
Joshua 3:14-4:7
Romans 12:1-8
Matthew 26:1-16

II. Selections
Psalm 16:6
The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places:
I have a goodly heritage.

Joshua 3:14-4:7
" ...So these stones shall be to the Israelites a memorial forever." [ Joshua to the twelve who represented the tribes of Israel]

Romans 12:1
I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Matthew 26:12
" ...By pouring this ointment on my body she has prepared me for burial. ..."

III. Meditation: Memorials

It is good to remember our heritage,
all those who have benefited us.

The twelve stones carried by the twelve men
were a memorial to a crossing over.

The woman who anointed you with ointment
is remembered, and so are you.

As we remember, help us, by your mercies,
to present ourselves, a living sacrifice, to you.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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