Of Compassion and Covenant--Dec. 28, 2013

Your compassion for us is example and reminder

that we must be compassionate to our little ones.

As you have not forgotten us, we must not them.

The mountains may depart, the hills be removed,

but your steadfast love shall not depart from us,

and your covenant of peace not be removed.

You sent redemption to your people and

commanded your covenant forever.

Holy and awesome is your name.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 2; 149; 110; 111

Isa. 49:13-23

Isa. 54:1-13

Matt. 18:1-14

Selected Verses

Ps. 111:9

 [The LORD] sent redemption to his people;
          he has commanded his covenant forever.
          Holy and awesome is his name.

Isa. 49:15

Can a woman forget her nursing child,
     or show no compassion for the child of her womb?
Even these may forget,
     yet I will not forget you.  [The LORD to Zion]

Isa. 54:10

For the mountains may depart
     and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
     and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,
     says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Matt. 18:10

"Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.  …"  [Jesus to his disciples]