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.

February 02, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 100, 122
Genesis 18:1-16
Hebrews 10:26-39
John 6:16-27

II. Selections
Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him, bless his name.

Genesis 18:5
" ...Let me bring a little bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on-since you have come to your servant." So they said, "Do as you have said." [ Abraham talking to three visitors, representing God and two companions]

Hebrews 10:34
For you had compassion for those who were in prison, and you cheerfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you yourselves possessed something better and more lasting.

John 6:27a
" ...Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. ... " [ Jesus to the crowd that had followed him across the sea]

III. Meditation: Wayfarers

We enter your gates with thanksgiving and your courts
with praise; we give thanks to you, and bless your name.

It is easier to accept the plundering of our possessions,
if we know we possess something better and more lasting.

You will give us the food that endures for eternal life.
When we feed strangers, it is you we may be entertaining.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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