At times the way we like to deal with outsiders

is to argue with them; even to praise you

as we execute vengeance on them.

God, this is not the way you have taught us.

When you gathered your people back,

you gathered in strangers, too.

Forgive our narrow minds and hard hearts,

and help us grasp every opportunity

to work for the good of all.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 63; 149; 125; 90

Isa. 56:1-8

Gal. 5:25-6:10

Mark 9:14-29

Selected Verses

Ps. 149:6-7

Let the high praises of God be in their throats
and two-edged swords in their hands,

to execute vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples…

Isa. 56:8

Thus says the Lord GOD,
who gathers the outcasts of Israel,
I will gather others to them
besides those already gathered.

Gal. 6:10

So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.

Mark 9:16

[Jesus] asked [his disciples], “What are you arguing about with [the people in the crowd]?”