February 23, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 31, 43, 143
Genesis 43:16-34
1 Corinthians 7:10-24
Mark 5:1-20

II. Selections
Psalm 31:21
Blessed be the LORD,
for he has wondrously shown his steadfast love to me
when I was beset as a city under siege.

Genesis 43:30
With that, Joseph hurried out, because he was overcome with affection for his brother, and he was about to weep. So he went into a private room and wept there.

1 Corinthians 7:23
You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of human masters.

Mark 5:19
But Jesus refused, and said to [ the man who had been possessed with demons], "Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you."

III. Meditation: Wondrously show your steadfast love

Joseph was overwhelmed with emotion
when you reconciled him to his brothers.
He had been beset as a city under siege,
a slave to human masters; but wondrously
you showed him your steadfast love.

You have shown us great mercy, too;
and we must tell others how much;
we have been bought with a price.