February 21, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 27, 102, 126
Genesis 42:29-38
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Mark 4:21-34

II. Selections
Psalm 126:2a
Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy ...

Genesis 42:35
As [ the brothers] were emptying their sacks, there in each one's sack was his bag of money. When they and their father saw their bundles of money, they were dismayed.

1 Corinthians 6:12
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are beneficial. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.

Mark 4:24
And [ Jesus] said to [ his twelve disciples], "Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given to you. ... "

III. Meditation: In pursuit of happiness

Things may fill our mouths with laughter
and our tongues with shouts of joy,
but the rejoicing may not last.

We feel entitled to many things,
but all will not be beneficial.
They must not dominate.

Bags of money will not assure happiness;
for the brothers and father of Joseph,
money brought fear and dismay.

Help us pay attention to what we give,
and you will decide what we receive;
on this path lies true contentment.