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.

September 22, 2007

I. Readings
Psalms 56, 111, 118
2 Kings 2:1-18
1 Corinthians 4:1-7
Matthew 5:17-20

II. Selections
Psalm 118:24
This is the day that the LORD has made;
let us be glad and rejoice in it.

2 Kings 2:13
[ Elisha] picked up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.

1 Corinthians 4:2
Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.

Matthew 5:20
" ... For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ... " [ Jesus, sitting on the mountain]

III. Meditation: On the bank of the Jordan

Your mantle has fallen upon us,
and trustworthiness is required.
Our righteousness cannot earn
us our way into your kingdom;
but this is the day you have made;
we will be glad and rejoice in it.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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