June 17, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 42, 102, 133
Numbers 11:1-23
Romans 1:16-25
Matthew 17:22-27

II. Selections
Psalm 102:19-20
...that he looked down from his holy height,
from heaven the LORD looked at the earth,
to hear the groans of the prisoners,
to set free those who were doomed to die ...

Numbers 11:15
" ...If this is the way you are going to treat me, put me to death at once-if I have found favor in your sight-and do not let me see my misery." [ Moses to the LORD]

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Matthew 17:22
As they were gathering in Galilee, Jesus said to [ the disciples], "The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and on the third day he will be raised." And they were greatly distressed.

III. Meditation: Our groans and misery

Do you look down from your holy height
to hear the groans of the prisoners and
to set free those who are doomed to die?
Do you have mercy on those whose misery
is so severe they beg you to let them die?

Remind us of the gospel story, for it is your
power for salvation to all who have faith.
Remind us that you suffer with the suffering.
Remind us how your Son was betrayed and
was killed, and on the third day was raised.