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.


If We Are Your People, What Then?--May 18, 2011


We shall be your people, and you will be our God.
What does this relationship imply?

That when we are pushed hard and falling,
you will help us?

That we will toil and struggle for you with all the energy
you powerfully inspire in us?

That we will obey your teaching and love our enemies,
do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us,
and pray for those who abuse us?

Yes, all of these, if we are your people…
at least that is your intention.


Lectionary Readings
Ps. 99; 147:1-11; 9; 118
Jer. 30:18-22
Col. 1:24-2:7
Luke 6:27-38

Selected Verses
Ps. 118:13
I was pushed hard, so that I was falling,
      but the LORD helped me.

Jer. 30:22
And you shall be my people,
      and I will be your God.

Col. 1:29
For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.

Luke 6:27-28
“…But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. …” [Jesus to a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people]
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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