March 17, 2020

Daily Lectionary Readings for Year A

Psalm 81
Sing aloud to God our strength; shout for joy to the God of Jacob. (We will take a look at Jacob in the next reading.)  This Psalm recognizes our stubborn hearts but appeals to our greater nature.  How significantly would our outlook change if we were less set in our ways and more open to singing aloud to God our strength?  Marilyn Knapp has had quite a year.  She was in an accident that resulted in serious injuries and months of recovery.  She is at home now, with home healthcare.  The healing process continues.  In her special way, she offered this song to God our strength.  Marilyn said, "In these dark and gloomy and scary days, imagine taking a bunch of colorful paint and transforming everything into a bright and colorful world.  Cherish the sunrises and the sunsets."  How can you paint the scene outside your window today?  How will you sing aloud to God our strength, and have hope?

Genesis 29:1-14
Yesterday's reading focused on Isaac and Rebekah.  They would marry and have twins, Esau and Jacob.  Their brotherly story is one of jealousy, power, conflict, and kinship.  Rebekah helped Jacob, the second twin born, receive the inheritance from an aged and blind Isaac.  Jacob's name means Israel and is the path through which the Israelites trace their heritage.  (Shout for joy to the God of Jacob.)  In the reading for today, Jacob meets members of his family who are shepherding their sheep.  Included in this group is Rachel, whom Jacob will eventually marry.  If you are watching movies while you are stuck at home, imagine the cinematic drama of verses 9-14.  The kissing, the weeping, the embracing, the rejoicing are filled with emotion.  You get a sense that the scenes to come are going to be filled with similar drama and surprise.  What has been one of your favorite movies?  How would you film this scene if you were a director, or if you were part of this drama?

1 Corinthians 10:1-4
You got to love the double-negative.  Or, perhaps you never should not appreciate a double-negative.  The point is, always remember that we are all connected through our common heritage of God's grace throughout all of time.  What a timely reminder as the world comes together in this current crisis.  What stories of hope in the midst of struggle are you noticing?  Would you be willing to share stories of grace and strength with the Care Connection?  Perhaps these stories from StoryCorps can lift your spirits in this time of social distancing.  

Peace,
Dean