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.

March 02, 2010

To Recognize

I. Readings
Psalms 34, 146, 25, 91
Genesis 42:1-17
1 Corinthians 5:1-8
Mark 3:19b-35

II. Selections
Psalm 25:7
Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
according to your steadfast love remember me,
for your goodness’ sake, O LORD!

Genesis 42:8
Although Joseph had recognized his brothers, they did not recognize him.

1 Corinthians 5:6a
Your boasting is not a good thing.

Mark 3:21
When [Jesus’] family heard it, they went out to restrain him, for people were saying, “He has gone out of his mind.”

III. Meditation

O God, can you recognize me for who I really am?
Can I recognize you, you who are hidden from my view?

Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions.
Do not dismiss me because of my boasting ways.

In your steadfast love, for your goodness’ sake,
see in me whatever goodness you have given me.

Jesus’ own family did not recognize who he was.
Grant me grace to see you in him.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)