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.

As We Break Bread--Aug. 26, 2021

[From Aug. 31, 2017 archive]

 

Knower of All Things,

we pray for your wisdom—

not for the mere gathering of facts,

and not so others will stand in awe of us—

but by your Spirit lead us on a level path, 

neither sinking in despair nor striving 

for the heights of fame and glory,

aiming only to do your will. 

 

In good times and in hard times,

as we break bread make us grateful, 

for Christ blessed bread as he faced death, 

and we break bread in thanks for his sacrifice.

 

Lectionary Readings

Ps. 143; 147:12-20; 81; 116

1 Kings 3:16-28

Acts 27:27-44

Mark 14:12-26

 

Selected Verses 

Ps. 143:10

Teach me to do your will, 
          for you are my God. 
Let your good spirit lead me 
          on a level path.

 

1 Kings 3:28

All Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to execute justice.

 

Acts 27:35-36

After [Paul] had said this, he took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Then all of them were encouraged and took food for themselves. 

 

Mark 14:22

While [Jesus and his disciples] were eating, he took a loaf of bread, and after blessing it he broke it, gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” 


Posted by Elmer E. Ewing

7 comments:

  1. Mea SententiaAugust 26, 2021 at 9:35 AM

    Luke replicates the Gospel template in the Acts narrative. Birth, mighty deeds, teachings, passion, resurrection. In doing this I think Luke was inviting each generation of believers to replicate the life of Christ in their own lives.

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  2. Mea SententiaAugust 26, 2021 at 5:51 PM

    Luke repeats the Gospel template in the Acts narrative: birth, mighty deeds, teachings, passion, resurrection.

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  3. Elmer E. EwingAugust 26, 2021 at 11:54 PM

    Thanks for pointing out the interesting repetition of templates.

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  4. Mea SententiaAugust 27, 2021 at 10:08 AM

    It was an aha moment when I noticed the similarities between Acts and Luke’s Gospel. So Paul’s appearance in Rome after the storm is analogous to Jesus’ resurrection appearances after his passion. And so forth through the story. I think Luke was doing two things here. He was saying the Spirit inspired life and ministry of Jesus continued on in the early Christian community, and he was inviting each generation of believers to allow the life of Jesus to be lived out in their context too. By the way, I sure have enjoyed reading and praying through Acts this summer. I let the other two readings go and just focused on Acts. It has been a simpler approach that has suited me. Not sure exactly what I’ll do now that Acts is ending. We’ll see. My best to you as always.

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  5. Elmer E. EwingAugust 27, 2021 at 11:04 AM

    An inspiring analogy--glad for the expanded version. And I have been appreciating your posts focusing on Acts.

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  6. Mea SententiaAugust 27, 2021 at 8:56 PM

    Forgive me for starting to sound obsessed, but I wrote out an expanded outline and thought you might appreciate it.

    Luke and Acts similarities

    Birth narrative of Jesus
    Birth narrative of the church at Pentecost

    Jesus travels, teaching, preaching, healing.
    Apostles travel, teaching, preaching, healing.

    Jesus appoints apostles.
    Apostles appoint deacons.

    Jesus faces conflict, controversy, draws crowds.
    Apostles face conflict, controversy, draw crowds.

    Jesus transfigured, sees Moses, Elijah.
    Stephen martyred, sees Jesus.

    Jesus journeys to Jerusalem.
    Paul journeys to Jerusalem.

    Jesus tried in court, crucified, killed.
    Paul tried in court, shipwrecked in a storm. (The sea symbolizes death.)

    Jesus emerges from the grave, appears to disciples.
    Paul emerges from the sea, appears to disciples in Rome.

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  7. Elmer E. EwingAugust 27, 2021 at 10:42 PM

    That's an impressive list, Chris. Thank you for sending it.

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