February 03, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 90, 125
Isaiah 56:1-8
Galatians 5:25-6:10
Mark 9:14-29

II. Selections
Psalm 90:2-3
Before the mountains were brought forth,
or ever you had formed the earth and the world,
from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
You turn us back to dust,
and say, "Turn back, you mortals."

Isaiah 56:8
Thus says the Lord GOD,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.

Galatians 6:3
For if those who are nothing think they are something, they deceive themselves.

Mark 9:19
[ Jesus] answered [ his disciples?], "You faithless generation, how much longer must I be among you? How much longer must I put up with you? Bring [ the boy with a spirit] to me."

III. Meditation: When we think ourselves something

When we puff ourselves up, and think we are something,
you have a way of confronting us with our self-deception;
for you are everlasting, and we will turn back to dust.
We are not indispensable-you will gather others to your work.
But how much longer will we persist in faithlessness?