April 18, 2010

From Generation to Generation

I. Readings
Psalms 93, 150, 136, 117
Exodus 18:1-12
1 John 2:7-17
Mark 16:9-20

II. Selections
Psalm 136:1
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
      for his steadfast love endures forever.

Exodus 18:8-9
Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had beset them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the Egyptians.

1 John 2:14a-b
I write to you, children,
      because you know the Father.
I write to you, fathers,
      because you know him who is from the beginning.

Mark 16:9
Now after he rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons.

III. Meditation

O Risen Christ,
you appeared first to one who loved you deeply.
Was this because of the depth of her gratitude?

You have done great things for us. We too have
every reason to be grateful—the sure knowledge
that your steadfast love endures forever.

Show us how to transmit from generation
to generation our assurance of your love;
and remind us, who are older—the flow of

knowledge is not always in the same direction:
Moses instructed his father-in-law about your
saving acts. Make us as receptive as Jethro was.