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.

Even in a Time of Great Confusion--July 3, 2021

[From July 4, 2015 archive]

 

We are glad, O Jesus, when our feet are standing 

within the house where we worship you. 

We come to ask you to remember us 

when you come into your kingdom. 

And we come to ask you to make us 

your instruments, and to grant us courage 

to be willing to suffer for the sake of your name, 

even in a time 

of great confusion. 

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 122; 149; 100; 63

1 Sam. 14:16-30

Acts 9:10-19a

Luke 23:32-43

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 122:1-2 

I was glad when they said to me, 
          “Let us go to the house of the LORD!” 
Our feet are standing 
          within your gates, O Jerusalem. 

 

1 Sam. 14:20 

Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle; and every sword was against the other, so that there was very great confusion. 

 

Acts 9:15-16 

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings and before the people of Israel; I myself will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” 

 

Luke 23:42 

Then [the thief] said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” 

Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

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