The Contempt of the Proud--Nov. 12, 2013

 O God, far too many people

depend upon crumbs that

fall from their master's table,

living like slaves in the world you

gave to your children to enjoy its fruit

and good gifts.  They have had more than

their fill of the scorn of us who are at ease,

of the contempt of the proud--of those

wearing fine clothing and jewels.

Alas for the poor; alas for us.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 123; 146; 30; 86

Neh. 9:26-38

Rev. 18:9-20

Matt. 15:21-28

Selected Verses

Ps. 123:4

 Our soul has had more than its fill
          of the scorn of those who are at ease,
          of the contempt of the proud.

Neh. 9:36

Here we are, slaves to this day--slaves in the land that you gave to our ancestors to enjoy its fruit and its good gifts.

Rev. 18:16

 “Alas, alas, the great city,
          clothed in fine linen,
               in purple and scarlet,
          adorned with gold,
               with jewels, and with pearls! …"

[Merchants in mourning for Babylon]

Matt. 15:27

[The Canaanite woman] said, "Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table."