January 27, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 100, 122
Isaiah 51:1-8
Galatians 3:23-29
Mark 7:1-23

II. Selections
Psalm 100:5
For the LORD is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.

Isaiah 51:1
Listen to me, you that pursue righteousness,
you that seek the LORD.
Look to the rock from which you were hewn,
and to the quarry from which you were dug.

Galatians 3:29
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's off-spring, heirs according to the promise.

Mark 7:5
So the Pharisees and the scribes asked [ Jesus], "Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?"

III. Meditation: Heirs to the promise

What endures?
Traditions that wear religious veneer,
concerned with external appearance?
Or your steadfast love and faithfulness,
made known in your promise to Abraham?
We look to the rock from which we were hewn,
to the quarry from which we were dug.
Through Christ we are heirs of Abraham;
through him we lay claim to your promise,
which deals with the heart
and endures.