A Fattened Heart--Nov. 22, 2018

[From Nov. 20, 2008]

Here am I, God, living in luxury 

and in pleasure, fattening my heart.  

Surely I have cause to be concerned, 

for how can the kingdom be within me?  

Do I not care that one Father has created me 

and those who suffer famine and homelessness?  

Lord, let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning.  

Teach me the way I should go, as I lift up my soul to you.

Lectionary Readings 

Ps. 143; 147:12-20; 81; 116

Mal. 2:1-16

James 4:13-5:6

Luke 17:20-37

Selected Verses 

Ps. 143:8

Let me hear of your steadfast love in the morning,

            for in you I put my trust.

Teach me the way I should go, 

for to you I lift up my soul.

Mal. 2:10

Have we not all one father? Has not one God created us?  Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our ancestors?

James 5:5

You [rich people] have lived on the earth in luxury and in pleasure; you have fattened your hearts in a day of slaughter.

Luke 17:20-21

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’  For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”