God, you have given us this good earth to enjoy,
like a host inviting us to a banquet,
but we have placed our trust in silver and gold,
not in you, and have despoiled the gift.
Deceitful promises of riches have led us astray;
as we make excuses to follow them,
we can no longer see the light of your lamp.
Fire devours our trees and our homes.
To you, O God, we cry for forgiveness.
Show us how to amend our ways,
as we put our trust in you.
Lectionary Readings
Ps. 135; 145; 97; 112
Joel 1:15-2:2
Rev. 18:15-24
Luke 14:12-24
Selected Verses
Ps. 135:15, 18
The idols of the nations are silver and gold,
the work of human hands. …
Those who make them
and all who trust them
shall become like them.
Joel 1:19
To you, O LORD, I cry.
For fire has devoured
the pastures of the wilderness,
and flames have burned
all the trees of the field.
Rev. 18:23
…and the light of a lamp will shine in you no more; and the voice of bridegroom and bride will be heard in you no more; for your merchants were the magnates of the earth, and all nations were deceived by your sorcery.
Luke 14:16-18a
Then Jesus said to [the dinner guest], “Someone gave a great dinner and invited many. At the time for the dinner he sent his slave to say to those who had been invited, ‘Come; for everything is ready now.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. …’”
No comments:
Post a Comment