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.

Sweeter than Honey?--Oct. 13, 2019



O Living God, you speak to us in varied ways
and with many different kinds of messages.
The psalmist was joyful to receive them—
more desired than gold, sweeter than honey,
he praised them.

Paul preached that you have spoken in nature,
as you gave rains and harvests, food and joy.
Baruch read your words Jeremiah received,
read them in Jerusalem to all the people.
The words did not have honey sweetness,
the audience did not rejoice.

Jesus has words for us, too.  
Some of them make us glad;
some sear our consciences,
if we have the courage
to listen.

Lectionary Readings
Ps. 19; 150; 81; 113
Jer. 36:1-10
Acts 14:8-18
Luke 7:36-50

Selected Verses
Ps. 19:9b-10
…the ordinances of the LORD are true
          and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
          even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey,
          and drippings of the honeycomb.

Jer. 36:10a
Then, in the hearing of all the people, Baruch read the words of Jeremiah from the scroll…

Acts 14:17
“…yet [the living God] has not left himself without a witness in doing good — giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, and filling you with food and your hearts with joy.”  [Paul, to the crowds who thought he and Barnabas were gods] 

Luke 7:40
Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” 

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