The Path of Life--Oct. 7, 2010

I. Readings
Psalms 97, 147:12-20, 16, 62
Hosea 9:1-9
Acts 24:1-23
Luke 7:36-50

II. Selections
Psalm 16:11
You show me the path of life.
      In your presence there is fullness of joy;
      in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Hosea 9:7c
Because of your great iniquity,
      your hostility is great.

Acts 24:5
“…We have, in fact, found this man a pestilent fellow, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. … ” [Tertullus, accusing Paul before Felix]

Luke 7:47
“…Therefore I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little. … ” [Jesus, speaking to Simon the Pharisee, at whose house he had dined, of a woman who was a sinner]

III. Meditation

You show us the path of life.
In your presence there is fullness of joy;
in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Or we can choose a different path, the path of iniquity—
which leads to hostility toward what is truly good,
as Tertullus was hostile to Paul.

Lord, forgive our sins, which are many;
in response, may our love be great
as we follow the path of life.