September 14, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 19, 81, 113
Job 38:1, 18-41
Revelation 18:1-8
Matthew 5:21-26

II. Selections
Psalm 81:16
" ...I would feed you with the finest of the wheat,
and with honey from the rock I would satisfy you."
[ The voice of one the psalmist said he had not known]

Job 38:41
" ...Who provides for the raven its prey,
when the young ones cry to God,
and wander about for lack of food? ... "
[ God answers Job]

Revelation 18:7-8
" ...As [ "Babylon the great," i.e., Rome] glorified herself and lived luxuriously,
so give her a like measure of torment and grief.
Since in her heart she says,
'I rule as a queen;
I am no widow,
and I will never see grief,'
therefore her plagues will come in a single day-
pestilence and mourning and famine-
and she will be burned with fire;
for mighty is the Lord God who judges her."
[ A voice from heaven]

Matthew 5:24
" ...leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. ... " [ Jesus, sitting on the mountain and teaching his disciples]

III. Meditation: Prey for the young ravens

All caring and almighty God, you provide the raven its prey
when its young ones cry for food, and you would feed us
with the finest of wheat and with honey from the rock.

Cleanse us from self-glorification and love of luxury,
as if we were the source of our own good fortune,
and teach us the importance of reconciliation,

lest we feel the weight of your judgment
and receive the torment and grief we
deserve. In Christ's name we pray.