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.

Crying Out for Justice--Aug. 23, 2019



What claim do they have for an appeal to you,
those who devour widows’ houses, and then,
for the sake of appearance, say long prayers?
They deserve the greater condemnation, God.

And those who keep prisoners behind bars
as a political favor to one group of voters?
Hear the cries of victims waiting for justice,
O Lord; give them what they richly deserve!

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 130; 148; 32; 139
2 Sam. 19:24-43
Acts 24:24-12
Mark 12:35-44

Selected Verses
Ps. 130:1-2
Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD.
          Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive
          to the voice of my supplications!

2 Sam. 19:28
“…For all my father’s house were doomed to death before my lord the king; but you set your servant among those who eat at your table.  What further right have I, then, to appeal to the king?”  [Mephibosheth, grandson of Saul, to David]

Acts 24:27
After two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and since he wanted to grant the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Mark 12:40
“[The scribes] devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers.  They will receive the greater condemnation.”  [Jesus, teaching in the temple]

No comments:

Post a Comment