November 12, 2006

I. Readings
Psalms 19, 81, 113
Joel 1:1-13
1 Corinthians 14:1-12
Matthew 20:1-16

II. Selections
Psalm 113:7-8
He raises the poor from the dust,
and lifts the needy from the ash heap,
to make them sit with princes,
with the princes of his people.

Joel 1:12
The vine withers,
the fig tree droops.
Pomegranate, palm, and apple-
all the trees of the field are dried up;
surely joy withers away
among the people.

1 Corinthians 14:12
So with yourselves; since you are eager for spiritual gifts, strive to excel in them for building up the church.

Matthew 20:15
" ' ...Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or are you envious because I am generous? ... ' " [ The landowner in the parable of the laborers in the vineyard]

III. Meditation: Raise the poor from the dust

If we strive to excel in spiritual gifts,
make us remember the poor and hungry.

Joy withers away for millions upon millions,
even as their crops wither and droop and dry up.

Raise the poor from the dust, and lift the needy from the ash heap.
Teach us to be generous, not envious, because you are generous.