January 06, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 67, 72, 100
Isaiah 49:1-7
Revelation 21:22-27
Matthew 12:14-21

II. Selections
Psalm 72:4
May [ the king] defend the cause of the poor of the people,
give deliverance to the needy,
and crush the oppressor.

Isaiah 49:7
Thus says the LORD,
the Redeemer of Israel and his Holy One,
to one deeply despised, abhorred by the nations,
the slave of rulers,
"Kings shall see and stand up,
princes, and they shall prostrate themselves,
because of the LORD, who is faithful,
the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you."

Revelation 21:24
The nations shall walk by [ New Jerusalem's] light, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it.

Matthew 12:20-21
" ...[ My servant] will not break a bruised reed
or quench a smoldering wick
until he brings justice to victory.
And in his name the Gentiles will hope."

III. Meditation: Though despised and abhorred

Holy One of Israel and our Redeemer:
you are faithful; in your name we hope.
Let your light shine on the nations,
that they may walk by your ways
and bring their glory into your light.

The rulers of the earth have power;
we pray they will use their power
to defend the cause of the poor,
give deliverance to the needy, and
secure them against oppression.

May those who rule learn from the
ways of your chosen one, who though
despised and abhorred, would not break
a bruised reed or quench a smoldering
wick until he had led justice to victory.