March 27 Exodus 7-9; Psalm 19; Matthew 20

Exodus 7-9  "I will harden Pharaoh's heart"--problematic on many levels… (7:3 and frequently).
"Moses was 80 years old and Aaron 83 when they spoke to Pharaoh" (7:7)  Don't underestimate the power of elders!
We then get 7 of the 10 plagues.
Pharaoh continues not to let the Israelites go.  His heart gets harder and harder.

Psalm 19  (Note: if you've been following the readings from the Sunday bulletin at All Saints', you got one psalm ahead because I didn't notice that Fr. Zabriskie's scheme divided Psalm 18 across 2 days.)

This is one of my favorite psalms, and I first learned to love it as a chorister.  You can hear a version of it here.

Matthew 20  One of my favorite parables:  The Laborers and the vineyard!  It has much to say about the dignity of work and its importance in human life.  And the amazing words of the owner at the end: "Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?  Or are you envious because I am generous?" (20: 15)

And once again, Jesus says: "The last will be first and the first will be last."