What Matters Most--Aug. 22, 2019

How suddenly joy can be turned into mourning,

or a good reputation be ruined by an accuser.

But remind us, dear God, of your steadfast love,

and that we have  refuge under your wings.

Nothing is more important than to love you with

all our heart, and our neighbor as ourself.

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 36; 147:12-20; 80; 27

2 Sam. 19:1-23

Acts 24:1-23

Mark 12:28-34

Selected Verses

Ps. 36:7

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!
          All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 

2 Sam. 19:2

So the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the troops; for the troops heard that day, “The king is grieving for his son.”

Acts 24:6

“…He even tried to profane the temple, and so we seized him.  By examining him yourself you will be able to learn from him concerning everything of which we accuse him.”  [An attorney, accusing Paul before the governor]

Mark 12:33

“…and ‘to love [God] with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ — this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.”