June 03, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 28, 54, 99
Ecclesiastes 2:16-26
Galatians 1:18-2:10
Matthew 13:53-58

II. Selections
Psalm 28:9
O save your people, and bless their heritage;
be their shepherd, and carry them forever.

Ecclesiastes 2:16
For there is no enduring remembrance of the wise or of fools, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. How can the wise die just like fools?

Galatians 1:22-23
...and I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy."

Matthew 13:57a
And [ the people in Jesus' hometown synagogue] took offense at him.

III. Meditation: Enduring remembrance

No matter whether we are wise or foolish,
whether we persecute or proclaim the faith,
there is no enduring remembrance of our life.

At the beginning of his ministry the members
of Jesus' hometown synagogue took offense
at his message-they did not honor him.

It does not matter if we are remembered well,
or remembered only for what has offended;
it does not even matter if all is forgotten.

What matters is that you will remember;
will save your people, bless their heritage;
and be their shepherd and carry them forever.