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 24, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 97, 112, 135
Joshua 7:1-13
Romans 13:8-14
Matthew 26:36-46

II. Selections
Psalm 97:11
Light dawns for the righteous,
and joy for the upright in heart.

Joshua 7:9
" ...The Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of [ Israel's defeat], and surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. Then what will you do for your great name?" [ Joshua's prayer]

Romans 13:10
Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Matthew 26:39
And going a little farther, [ Jesus] threw himself on the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want."

III. Meditation: Light dawns for the righteous

When Joshua was worried about himself and his people,
he tried to persuade you of your dependence upon them;
but you are dependent upon no one for your good name.

When Jesus was concerned about his imminent death ,
he asked you to release him from it;
but he was willing to yield to your wishes.

Jesus fulfilled the law of law of love;
and light dawned for him,
for he was righteous.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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