Ordinary Time
February 15, 2023
Scripture Reading: Psalm 2
Why do the nations conspire,
and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and his anointed, saying,
‘Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us.’
He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord has them in derision.
Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
‘I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill.’
I will tell of the decree of the Lord:
He said to me, ‘You are my son;
today I have begotten you.
Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage,
and the ends of the earth your possession.
You shall break them with a rod of iron,
and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’
Now therefore, O kings, be wise;
be warned, O rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear,
with trembling kiss his feet,
or he will be angry, and you will perish in the way;
for his wrath is quickly kindled.
Happy are all who take refuge in him.
This was an interesting scripture to read in the beginning days of the Oklahoma Legislature’s 2023 Session. It always starts with many bills designed more to get legislators’ names in the news about hot-button issues rather than the difficult task of seeking common ground to provide the Common Good. Once the dust has settled, those 3,000 or so introduced bills will be culled down to a few hundred that each can make a major difference in our lives. I invite you to join me in praying for our elected officials as they move through this process.
Prayer: Lord, guide your people in working toward the Beloved Community as we participate in our civic duties working toward governance that provides for the Good of All. Amen.
All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.