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 Deeds of Iniquity Overwhelm Us--Sept. 27, 2017

[From Sept. 24, 2009 archive]

When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
you forgive our transgressions, Gracious God. 

As Elisha demanded mercy for enemy soldiers,
as Paul counseled forgiveness instead of lawsuits,
may we, your forgiven children, be forgiving like you;
for you make your sun rise on the evil and on the good,
and you send rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.

In the name of Jesus, who is our model of forgiveness.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 65; 147:1-11; 125; 91
2 Kings 6:1-23
1 Cor. 5:9-6:11
Matt. 5:38-48

Selected Verses
Ps. 65:3
When deeds of iniquity overwhelm us,
            you forgive our transgressions.

2 Kings 6:22
[Elisha] answered [the King of Israel], "No!  Did you capture with your sword and your bow those whom you want to kill?  Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink; and let them go to their master."

1 Cor. 6:7
In fact, to have lawsuits at all with one another is already a defeat for you.  Why not rather be wronged?  Why not rather be defrauded?

Matt. 5:45
"…so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous.  … "  [Jesus to the crowds on the mountain]

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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