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.


Smaller Than a Mustard Seed?--Nov. 15, 2011



We know you are the strength of your people--
when we thirst, you will give us water
from the spring of the water of life.

We are slaves to the ways of the world, yet
know you will not forsake us; you will extend
your steadfast love to rebuild the ruins of our lives.

We know, but we do not cast out the demons
that control our lives and make us slaves.
Is our faith smaller than mustard seed?

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 54; 146; 28; 99
Ezra 9:1-15
Rev. 21:1-8
Matt. 17:14-21

Selected Verses
Ps. 28:8
The LORD is the strength of his people;
      he is the saving refuge of his anointed.

Ezra 9:9
"…For we are slaves; yet our God has not forsaken us in our slavery, but has extended to us his steadfast love before the kings of Persia, to give us new life to set up the house of our God, to repair its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judea and Jerusalem. …" [Ezra's prayer]

Rev. 21:6b
"…To the thirsty I will give water as a gift from the spring of the water of life. …" [In John's vision, the One seated on the throne]

Matt. 17:19-20
Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, "Why could we not cast [the demon] out?" He said to them, "Because of your little faith. For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you."
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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