Relationship

Relationships…. they form us — from our first relationship with our parents and siblings to relationships formed along life’s journey with classmates, playmates, spouse, children, neighbors, co-workers, bosses. Relationships can make us flourish; they can make us fail. Some last an entire lifetime; many do not. Think about how, in one day alone, your relationships affect you.  Some lead us to good things; some lead us to poor choices. Truth is, in the end, it is our choice how we respond.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 18:21-35) the debtor servant seeks compassion from his master and is shown compassion. This servant does not learn from his relationship with the master and fails to show compassion to his fellow servant. He is not rewarded for his poor choice.

In this Lenten season, perhaps we could take some time to reflect on how we have allowed our relationship with God to form us? The God who knows us better then we know ourselves and loved us into being. Have we sought the Lord’s guidance for how to live?

The Psalmist writes in today’s Psalm 25: Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths, guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.

The musical offering I give you today is from Psalm 25 by Renaissance composer, William Byrd, and sung by the Vienna Vocal Consort. Don’t discount the value of this piece because it was written in the 15^th century. Take 2 minutes and let the polyphonic harmony help you meditate on the psalmist’s words.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=coiZwmUMIes&feature=related   

~Joyce Shipley