January 28, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 23, 66, 108
Isaiah 51:9-16
Hebrews 11:8-16
John 7:14-31

II. Selections
Psalm 108:12
O grant us help against the foe,
for human help is worthless.

Isaiah 51:14
The oppressed shall speedily be released;
they shall not die and go down to the Pit,
nor shall they lack bread.

Hebrews 11:16
But as it is, [ the people who confessed that they were strangers and foreigners on the earth] desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; indeed, he has prepared a city for them.

John 7:18
" ...Those who speak on their own seek their own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of him who sent him is true, and there is nothing false in him. ... " [ Jesus to the Temple crowd]

III. Meditation: Whose glory?

Jesus, you sought the glory
of the one who sent you,
not your own glory;
and there is nothing false in you.

We pray for the oppressed-
release them speedily;
grant them help against the foe,
for human help alone will fail.

We pray for the stranger and the alien;
lead them to the city you prepared
for them, and make them welcome.
Meanwhile give them bread to eat.