January 25, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 81, 116, 143
Isaiah 49:13-26
Galatians 3:1-14
Mark 6:30-46

II. Selections
Psalm 81:16
I would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.

Isaiah 49:15
Can a woman forget her nursing child,
or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget,
yet I will not forget you.

Galatians 3:1
You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly exhibited as crucified!

Mark 6:34
As [ Jesus] went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

III. Meditation: Bewitched

We know what you have done for us;
we know your great compassion;
but we are bewitched like the Galatians.

You want to feed us with the finest wheat,
satisfy us with honey from the rock,
teach us your wisdom-but we are bewitched.

We are confused, sheep without a shepherd;
but you, more faithful than a mother to her babe,
will neither leave us nor forget us.