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.

When We Think Ourselves Wise--Jan. 23, 2013


 God, our Redeemer, who formed us in the womb--
when we think ourselves wise, you turn us
back, making our knowledge foolish.

If we love our own vain words and seek after lies,
how will we ever understand your teaching,
or how learn what is pleasing to you?

Expose us to what is good and right and true,
that we may find the fruit of your light
(and realize how little we know).

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 15; 147:7-11; 48; 4
Isa. 44:24-45:7
Eph. 5:1-14
Mark 4:1-20

Selected Verses

Ps. 4:2
How long, you people, shall my honor suffer shame?
          How long will you love vain words, and seek after lies?   Selah

Isa. 44:24a, 25b
Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer,
          who formed you in the womb…
who turns back the wise,
          and makes their knowledge foolish…

Eph. 5:9-10
…for the fruit of the light is found in all that is good and right and true.  Try to find out what is pleasing to the Lord.

Mark 4:13
And [Jesus] said to [those around him], “Do you not understand this parable?  Then how will you understand all the parables?  …"

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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