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.

October 07, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 90, 125
Hosea 5:1-7
Acts 22:17-29
Luke 6:27-38

II. Selections
Psalm 90:4
For a thousand years in your sight
are like yesterday when it is past,
or like a watch in the night.

Hosea 5:5
Israel's pride testifies against him;
Ephraim stumbles in his guilt;
Judah also stumbles with them.

Acts 22:28
The tribune answered, "It cost me a large sum of money to get my citizenship." Paul said, "But I was born a citizen."

Luke 6:30
" ...Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Perspectives

We see a thousand years;
you see a speck of time.

We view with pride our achievements;
you see us stumble in our guilt.

We see a pestilent beggar-thief;
you see an opportunity for us to share our wealth.

We see our national citizenship as a prized possession;
you offer to all the gift of citizenship in your kingdom.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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