Epiphany 6
Worship
Aids To The Psalms
Happy are those
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Alternate Image
The Singer is attending a short course on business. There are two instructors talking to him simultaneously about the best way to run a business. Both say learn the laws relating to business. But the first one maintains that you should learn the law to find loopholes. Learn the law so you can use it to further your personal aims. Be smart so you can outsmart your competitors. He goes on endlessly about circuitous routes to confound the law. The second teacher says learn the law because it helps all business people. The law was created to aid the business community. When all business people follow the law all are helped and the entire economy benefits. Business laws help you run your business more easily and with less confusion. The Singer considers the advice of the two teachers. For one the law is a blessing for all people; for the other a curse. For one the law creates a happy life; for the other life is harsh and produces cynicism. One builds for the future; the other seeks to destroy the future. The Singer embraces the teacher who teaches that the law is a gift to us. He tells her he loves her and will cherish her values always.
Reflection
Who is happier, the thief or the honest person? Who is more blessed, the get rich quick artist or the long toiler who takes pride in his work effort? Who is more fortunate, the despoiler of the land or the caretaker of the land? Who is more joyful, the one who competes suspiciously against others or the one who cooperates for the common good? The believer, the one who views God first, the wise knows clearly which is best. The unbeliever in us may be cynical and dubious about the world and wants to look out for number one's short term interests. The unbeliever in us leads us to be miserable and makes others lamentable as well. The believer in us is happier, more content with self and the world because they can see God's providence at work. They know the way of the eternal.
who do not follow the advice of the wicked,
or take the path that sinners tread,
or sit in the seat of scoffers;
but their delight is in the law of the Lord
and on his law they meditate day and night.
They are like trees planted by streams of water,
which yield their fruit in its season,
and their leaves do not wither.
In all that they do, they prosper.
The wicked are not so,
but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked will perish.
Alternate Image
The Singer is attending a short course on business. There are two instructors talking to him simultaneously about the best way to run a business. Both say learn the laws relating to business. But the first one maintains that you should learn the law to find loopholes. Learn the law so you can use it to further your personal aims. Be smart so you can outsmart your competitors. He goes on endlessly about circuitous routes to confound the law. The second teacher says learn the law because it helps all business people. The law was created to aid the business community. When all business people follow the law all are helped and the entire economy benefits. Business laws help you run your business more easily and with less confusion. The Singer considers the advice of the two teachers. For one the law is a blessing for all people; for the other a curse. For one the law creates a happy life; for the other life is harsh and produces cynicism. One builds for the future; the other seeks to destroy the future. The Singer embraces the teacher who teaches that the law is a gift to us. He tells her he loves her and will cherish her values always.
Reflection
Who is happier, the thief or the honest person? Who is more blessed, the get rich quick artist or the long toiler who takes pride in his work effort? Who is more fortunate, the despoiler of the land or the caretaker of the land? Who is more joyful, the one who competes suspiciously against others or the one who cooperates for the common good? The believer, the one who views God first, the wise knows clearly which is best. The unbeliever in us may be cynical and dubious about the world and wants to look out for number one's short term interests. The unbeliever in us leads us to be miserable and makes others lamentable as well. The believer in us is happier, more content with self and the world because they can see God's providence at work. They know the way of the eternal.
