I am an emeritus professor from Cornell University and was a Commissioned Lay Preacher in the Presbyterian Church (USA). For many years I have followed the Daily Lectionary as printed in the Mission Yearbook of my church. For each day of a two-year cycle, the lectionary lists four psalms and three other scriptural passages--usually one from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament. My practice is to copy down a verse or two from one of the psalms and from each of the other three passages. After I have written out all four selections, I reflect upon them, rearrange their order, and incorporate them into a meditation. Sometimes I retain much of the original wording; sometimes all that remains of a selection is an idea that was stimulated when I read the original words. All selections are from the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. For the Daily Lectionary, see the link below.

August 24, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 32, 130, 139
2 Samuel 19:24-43
Acts 24:24-25:12
Mark 12:35-44

II. Selections
Psalm 32:9
Do not be like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
whose temper must be curbed with bit and bridle;
else it will not stay near you.

2 Samuel 19:41
Then all the people of Israel came to the king, and said to him, "Why have our kindred the people of Judah stolen you away, and brought the king and his household over the Jordan, and all David's men with him?"

Acts 24:25
And as [ Paul] discussed justice, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened and said, "Go away for the present; when I have an opportunity, I will send for you."

Mark 12:40
" ...[ The scribes] devour widows' houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation." [ Jesus to the crowd in the temple]

III. Meditation: Mulish

Some who are like a horse or mule, without understanding:
� Those who devour widows' houses and try to compensate by saying long prayers.
� Those who procrastinate when forced to decide between justice and injustice.
� Those jealous when the object of their affection shares with their kindred.
Lord, make us smarter than a mule!

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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