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.

April 25, 2010

In the Sanctuary or Under the Stars?

I. Readings
Psalms 93, 150, 136, 117
Exodus 28:1-4, 30-38
1 John 2:18-29
Mark 6:30-44

II. Selections
Psalm 150:1
Praise the LORD!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty firmament.

Exodus 28:2
You shall make sacred vestments for the glorious adornment of your brother Aaron.

1 John 2:19a
[The antichrists] went out from us, but they did not belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us.

Mark 6:30
The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught.

III. Meditation

How shall we express our praise to you, O God?

In the sanctuary, or outside under the stars?
Through priests adorned with ornate vestments?

By separating ourselves from brothers and sisters
whose theology we deem defective or offensive?

Perhaps by gathering around you with fellow believers,
telling you what we have done, seeking your guidance?

Teach us the way for us.
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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