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.


Of Justice and Kindness--Dec. 26, 2011



We know that you are just in all your ways
and kind in all your doings, O God.

Humans often fail to follow your example.
Some who are worthy are neglected.

Past kindnesses are too soon forgotten--
at times this even leads to killing.

And there is wide acceptance of killing
and injustice; even we who claim to
follow you too often nod approval.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 116; 145; 119:1-24; 27
2 Chron. 24:17-22
Acts 6:1-7
Acts 7:59-8:8

Selected Verses
Ps. 145:17
The LORD is just in all his ways,
      and kind in all his doings.

2 Chron. 24:22a
King Joash did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada, Zechariah’s father, had shown him, but killed his son.

Acts 6:1
Now during those days, when the disciples were increasing in number, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution of food.

Acts 8:1
And Saul approved of their killing [Stephen].
Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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