The Path Of Happy Living
Stories
Lectionary Tales For The Pulpit
Series IV, Cycle B
Object:
The Path Of Happy Living
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. (vv. 1-2)
Argus Hamilton, Jr., is the host comedian at the Comedy Store in Hollywood. He also writes a syndicated newspaper column as a political humorist. In one of his columns he reprinted a letter that allegedly was sent to United States Congressman Mendel Rivers of South Carolina in the 1940s. The letter read:
Dear Mr. Rivers,
I am a sailor in the U.S. Navy, and I have a cousin who is a Democrat.
My father has epilepsy and my mother has syphilis, so neither can work. They are totally dependent on my two sisters, who are both prostitutes working Louisville, Kentucky, because my brother is serving a life term for murder.
I am in love with a streetwalker who operates near my apartment, and she knows nothing about my background, and insists she loves me dearly. We intend to get married as soon as she settles her bigamy case, which is now in court. When I get out of the Navy, we intend to move to Detroit and open a small house of prostitution together.
Now Mr. Rivers, my problem is this: In view of the fact that I want to make the girl my wife and bring her into the family, should I, or should I not, tell her about my cousin who is a Democrat?
As funny as the letter may be, it brings up several serious moral issues. The least of the writer's concerns is his cousin's political affiliation. As far as morality goes, prostitution, bigamy, and murder ranks as a little more wicked.
In the very first Psalm, the Psalmist argues that happiness in life is not about self-fulfillment or self-centeredness. Indeed, the Psalmist calls that wicked -- the path that sinners tread. Happiness is found by following God's will and way.
The Psalmist states that happiness is about God-fulfillment and God-centeredness. Happiness comes when we take our faith and our God seriously. Happiness comes from knowing God's plan for us by meditating on God's Law -- knowing the perimeters set up to protect us. The path of happy living is not the way of wickedness but a road of righteousness.
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. (vv. 1-2)
Argus Hamilton, Jr., is the host comedian at the Comedy Store in Hollywood. He also writes a syndicated newspaper column as a political humorist. In one of his columns he reprinted a letter that allegedly was sent to United States Congressman Mendel Rivers of South Carolina in the 1940s. The letter read:
Dear Mr. Rivers,
I am a sailor in the U.S. Navy, and I have a cousin who is a Democrat.
My father has epilepsy and my mother has syphilis, so neither can work. They are totally dependent on my two sisters, who are both prostitutes working Louisville, Kentucky, because my brother is serving a life term for murder.
I am in love with a streetwalker who operates near my apartment, and she knows nothing about my background, and insists she loves me dearly. We intend to get married as soon as she settles her bigamy case, which is now in court. When I get out of the Navy, we intend to move to Detroit and open a small house of prostitution together.
Now Mr. Rivers, my problem is this: In view of the fact that I want to make the girl my wife and bring her into the family, should I, or should I not, tell her about my cousin who is a Democrat?
As funny as the letter may be, it brings up several serious moral issues. The least of the writer's concerns is his cousin's political affiliation. As far as morality goes, prostitution, bigamy, and murder ranks as a little more wicked.
In the very first Psalm, the Psalmist argues that happiness in life is not about self-fulfillment or self-centeredness. Indeed, the Psalmist calls that wicked -- the path that sinners tread. Happiness is found by following God's will and way.
The Psalmist states that happiness is about God-fulfillment and God-centeredness. Happiness comes when we take our faith and our God seriously. Happiness comes from knowing God's plan for us by meditating on God's Law -- knowing the perimeters set up to protect us. The path of happy living is not the way of wickedness but a road of righteousness.
