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.

June 14, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 63, 90, 125
Numbers 3:1-13
Galatians 6:11-18
Matthew 17:1-13

II. Selections
Psalm 125:5
But those who turn aside to their own wicked ways
the LORD will lead away with evildoers.
Peace be upon Israel!

Numbers 3:6
Bring the tribe of Levi near, and set them before Aaron the priest, so that they may assist him. [ The LORD to Moses]

Galatians 6:15
For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything; but a new creation is everything!

Matthew 17:5
While [ Peter] was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!"

III. Meditation: Listen to him

You choose your people and set them apart,
but we turn aside to our own wicked ways.
Make us understand that ritual is not anything,
but a new creation is everything.

When our shallow conversation obscures this truth,
overshadow us with the bright cloud of your presence;
and thus remind us to listen to your Son,
with whom you are well pleased.

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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