October 16, 2008

I. Readings
Psalms 27, 36, 80
Hosea 13:4-8
Acts 27:27-44
Luke 9:18-27

II. Selections
Psalm 36:3
The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit;
they have ceased to act wisely and do good.

Hosea 13:6
When I fed them, they were satisfied;
they were satisfied, and their heart was proud;
therefore they forgot me.

Acts 27:30-31
But when the sailors tried to escape from the ship and had lowered the boat into the sea, on the pretext of putting out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved."

Luke 9:24-25
" ...For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? ... " [ Jesus to his disciples]

III. Meditation: Save and lose, lose and save

When are we more likely to choose mischief and deceit,
under what circumstances cease to act wisely and do good-
when we fear for our life and try to escape before the boat sinks?
Or when you have fed us, and we are satisfied, and our heart is proud?

Whether because life is so good that our heart becomes proud,
or life is so dangerous that fear overwhelms us, we lose our life,
forfeit our self ...unless we are ready to lose our life for your sake.