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.

December 07, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 24, 25, 110
Isaiah 5:1-7
2 Peter 3:11-18
Luke 7:28-35

II. Selections
Psalm 110:4
The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind,
"You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek."

Isaiah 5:7
For the vineyard of the LORD of hosts
is the house of Israel,
and the people of Judah
are his pleasant planting;
he expected justice,
but saw bloodshed;
righteousness,
but heard a cry.

2 Peter 3:14-15a
Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish; and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.

Luke 7:30
( ...But by refusing to be baptized by [ John], the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God's purpose for themselves.)

III. Meditation: When we fail your expectations

Lord, you are patient beyond our deserving,
and your patience is our salvation. When
we reject your purpose for our lives-
when you expect justice, but see
bloodshed; when you want
righteousness, but hear a cry-
we ought to receive the punishment
you have promised. Change your mind,
we pray, and strengthen us to mend our ways.

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