Psalm 119:49-56. Comfort in My Afflictions

[Admin: This stanza struck me as especially relevant during these times...this Lent...this season of affliction.]

Those that make God’s promises their portion, may with humble boldness make them their plea…

PSALM 119:49-56

ZAIN.
49 Remember your word to your servant, in which you have made me hope.

• Here the psalmist does not intimate that God can forget, but shows his fervor, (St. Augustine) and begs that he may be worthy to receive the effects of God’s promises. (St. Hilary)

50 This is my comfort in my affliction that your promise gives me life.

• “This is my consolation in my distress.” (St. Jerome)
• The expectation of your promises has given me courage. (Worthington)

51 Godless men utterly deride me, but I do not turn away from your law.

• But I continued to observe thy law with patience, notwithstanding their provocations.

52 When I think of your ordinances from of old, I take comfort, O LORD.

• Of old. Upon the rebel angels, and sinful men, whom thou wilt punish for ever. This encourages me to adhere to the cause of virtue. (Worthington)
• In many dangers our ancestors have been protected by God. Is his arm shortened, or are we no longer his people? (Calmet)
• Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which comes upon you to prove you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice in so far as you share Christ’s suffering, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. (1 Peter 4:12-14)

53 Hot indignation seizes me because of the wicked, who forsake your law.

• So much was the psalmist grieved at the sight of sinners! (Berthier)
• Apostates particularly filled him with horror. (Calmet)

54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage.

• Song. Here on earth I am comforted with singing the praises of thy law, which makes the observers just. (Worthington)
• Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as you teach and admonish one another in all wisdom, and as you sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your heart to God. (Colossians 3:16)
• For we are strangers before you, and sojourners, as all our fathers were; our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding. (1 Chronicles 29:15)
• But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16)
• These pious exercises were opposed to the scandalous discourses of sinners. (Berthier)

55 I remember your name in the night, O LORD, and keep your law.

• Night. Of tribulation, (Worthington) and captivity. (Calmet)

56 This blessing has fallen to me, that I have kept your precepts.

*****

We are instructed in all this, but the prophet has already experienced it. He says, “This hope has consoled me in my humility, for your word has given me life.” The hope is the hope that God has implanted in him. It has consoled him “in his humility,” that is, when he is spurned, mocked, vexed by injustices, dishonored by insults, for he knows that he is soldiering through his present trials. But the hope instilled by the Lord consoles him in these wars endured in his weakness, and he is lent life by the utterances of God. By these he knows that the glory of his weakness is outstanding in heaven. He knows that his soul, renewed by the utterances of God, contains within it, so to say, the nourishment of eternal life. He lives by God’s utterances and is untroubled by the empty fame of the proud, for he knows that his need is richer than their wealth. He knows that his fasting is abundantly fed by the blessing of heaven and the gospel and that his humility will be rewarded by the glorious prize of honor. So he added, “The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law.” – Hilary of Poitiers, Homily on Psalm 118.

*Hilary of Poitiers (315-367) was Bishop of Poitiers and called the “Athanasius of the West” because of his defense (against the Arians) of the common nature of Father of Son.

He that by his Spirit works faith in us, will work for us. The word of God speaks comfort in affliction. If, through grace, it makes us holy, there is enough in it to make us easy, in all conditions. Let us be certain we have the Divine law for what we believe, and then let not scoffers prevail upon us to decline from it. God’s judgments of old comfort and encourage us, for he is still the same. Sin is horrible in the eyes of all that are sanctified. In the season of affliction, and in the silent hours of the night, he remembers the name of the Lord, and is stirred up to keep the law. (source)

Psalm 119:41-48. Grace before the kings of this world

Admin: I began this Lenten exercise regarding Psalm 119 (118) as much for myself as anyone in order to learn more about the longest Psalm in Scripture. I plan to continue to post as often as I can in the hopes of completing it before Easter. However, as is often the case, outside circumstances have conspired to fill my schedule. Last Wednesday I began facilitating a weekly 90 minute meeting at our parish involving over 95 people in viewing and discussing Fr. Barron’s excellent Catholicism series. Add to this my oldest son’s high school baseball schedule, the continued plodding along while writing my book, and the adoption of a beagle puppy taking place in the coming one or two weeks, well…you get the idea. However I would heartily encourage those of you intent upon learning more about this psalm to check out the excellent work being done by Kate over at Austalia Incognita. She is putting together a terrific presentation on the stanzas of this psalm which I admit I have tried hard to avoid lest I be too discouraged to continue. (I’m smiling and kidding as I typed that, but not too much.) Be sure to check out her series, also cross-posted on her blog Psallam Domino. You won’t be disappointed.

*****

Lord, I have by faith thy mercies in view; let me by prayer prevail to obtain them…

PSALM 119:41-48

VAU.
41 Let your mercy come to me, O LORD, your salvation according to your promise;

• Salvation. The Messiah, foretold by the prophets:
• The sceptor shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until he comes to whom it belongs; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. (Genesis 49:10)
• or grace, freely promised to all who ask for it:
• Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:23-24)
• For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly passions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world, awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds. (Titus 2:11-14)

42 then shall I have an answer for those who taunt me, for I trust in your word.

• Thus he stops their mouths, by professing his confidence in God. (Haydock)
• The Babylonians insultingly ask, Where is their God? If you free me from captivity, I may reply that my hopes were not vain. This answer I will give boldly, if I obtain your grace, which will strengthen my weakness. (Worthington)

43 And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your ordinances.

• Mouth. Let those who preach the truth, live up to it. (St. Hilary and St. Ambrose)
• Though the psalmist may be under some fear, he prays that he may not omit to make open profession of his faith. God never hinders his servants from doing this, though he sometimes allows them to fall. But the Church will never cease to proclaim the truth. She will not give up one article of faith. (Berthier)

44 I will keep your law continually, for ever and ever;

• The sanction of the law will remain after this world is at an end.

45 and I shall walk at liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

• David had already observed this line of conduct, which he resolved always to pursue. (Haydock)
• Those who suffer for the faith, receive great joy. (Worthington)

46 I will also speak of your testimonies before kings, and shall not be put to shame;

• Thus many even of the female sex have professed their faith boldly, with St. Agnes, St. Catharine, St. Winefrid, etc., answering the reproachful objections that were put to them, as if it were dishonorable to be a Christian or Catholic. No. These are most glorious titles, importing the true service of Christ, in unity with the Catholic Church, and under the Vicar of Jesus Christ, the Pope. (Worthington)
• Daniel spoke with great freedom to Nebuchadnezzar:
• Daniel answered the king, “No wise men, enchanters, magicians, or astrologers can show to the king the mystery which the king has asked, buut there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days…” (Daniel 2:27-28)
• Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation.” (Daniel 5:17)
• “My God sent his angel and shut the lions’ mouths, and they have not hurt me, because I was found blameless before him; and also before you, O king, I have done no wrong.” (Daniel 6:22)

47 for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.

48 I revere your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.

• To pray, labor, or rather to swear an eternal fidelity. (Calmet)

*****

In these verses there is an apparent holy fear; the man of God is trembling in the hope that the Lord will not remove favor from him. These verses are a pleading for grace.

And when the salvation of the saints is completed, it will plainly appear that it was not in vain to trust in God’s word. We need to pray that we may never be afraid or ashamed to own God’s truths and ways before men. And the psalmist resolves to keep God’s law, in a constant course of obedience, without backsliding. The service of sin is slavery; the service of God is liberty. There is no full happiness, or perfect liberty, but in keeping God’s law. We must never be ashamed or afraid to own our religion. The more delight we take in the service of God, the nearer we come to perfection. Not only consent to his law as good, but take pleasure in it as good for us. Let me put forth all the strength I have, to do it. Something of this mind of Christ is in every true disciple. (source)

Psalm 119:33-40. Seek Christ and Flee Worldly Things

Teach me thy statutes, not the mere words, but the way of applying them to myself…

PSALM 119:33-40

HE.
33 Teach me, O LORD, the way of your statutes; and I will keep it to the end.

• Make me love thy commandments. (Haydock)

34 Give me understanding, that I may keep your law and observe it with my whole heart.

• Enable me to keep and to understand your law, Lord.
• We must observe what we know, that we may receive greater lights. (Haydock)

35 Lead me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in it.

• Free-will concurs with grace.

36 Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to gain!

• Either of money, or any unlawful object.
• For the love of money is the root of all evils; it is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced their hearts with many pangs. But as for you, man of God, shun all this; aim at righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. (1 Tim 6:10-12)

37 Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; and give me life in your ways.

• Vanity. Idols, worldly prosperity, etc.
• Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in his heart; there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes that his iniquity cannot be found out and hated. The words of his mouth are mischief and deceit; he has ceased to act wisely and do good. He plots mischief while on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he spurns not evil. Your mercy, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the mountains of God, your judgments are like the great deep; man and beast you save, O LORD. How precious is your mercy, O God! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of your wings. (Ps 36:1-7)
• We must pray that God will take away the occasions of sin, and help us to advance in virtue.

38 Confirm to your servant your promise, which is for those who fear you.

39 Turn away the reproach which I dread; for your ordinances are good.

• Reproach. Hidden sins of thought, (St. Ambrose) or the sarcasms of the Babylonians.
• Sin is odious, because it is contrary to God’s law, which is most delightful.
• The saints have been often ridiculed.
• O LORD, you have deceived me, and I was deceived; you are stronger than I, and you have prevailed. I have become a laughingstock all the day; every one mocks me. (Jer 20:7)
• And as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are mad; your great learning is turning you mad.” But Paul said, “I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking the sober truth.” (Acts 26:24)

40 Behold, I long for your precepts; in your righteousness give me life!

• The just prays for greater perfection, and for perseverance.

*****

Therefore David, who had experienced those very glances that are dangerous for a man, aptly says that the one is blessed whose every hope is in the name of God. For such a person does not have regard to worthless things and follies if he always strives toward Christ and always looks on Christ with his inner eyes. For this reason David turned to God again and said, “Turn away my eyes, that they may not see vanity.” “All things are vanity!” as Ecclesiastes said, all things that are in this world. Accordingly, let one who wishes to be saved ascend above the world, let him seek the Word who is with God, let him flee from this world and depart from the earth. For one cannot comprehend that which exists and exists always, unless he has first fled from here. On this account also, the Lord, wishing to approach God the Father, said to the apostles, “Arise, let us go from here.” – Ambrose, Flight From The World 1.4.

*Ambrose of Milan (333-397) was Bishop of Milan and a teacher of Augustine who defended the divinity of the Holy Spirit and the perpetual virginity of Mary.

God, by his Spirit, gives a right understanding. But the Spirit of revelation in the word will not suffice, unless we have the Spirit of wisdom in the heart. God puts his Spirit within us, causing us to walk in his statutes. The sin here prayed against is covetousness. Those that would have the love of God rooted in them, must get the love of the world rooted out; for the friendship of the world is enmity with God. Beholding vanity deadens us, and slackens our pace; a traveler must not stand gazing upon every object that presents itself to his view. The promises of God’s word greatly relate to the preservation of the true believer. When Satan has drawn a child of God into worldly compliances, he will reproach him with the falls into which he led him. Victory must come from the cross of Christ. When we enjoy the sweetness of God’s precepts, it will make us long for more acquaintance with them. (source)

Psalm 119:25-32. Strengthened by God’s Word

While the souls of the children of this world cleave to the earth as their portion, the children of light are greatly burdened, because of the remains of carnal affections in their hearts…

PSALM 119:25-32

DALETH.
25 My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to your word!

• The just, in great distress, beg to be delivered, conformably to God’s promise.
• …for a perishable body weighs down the soul, and this earthy tent burdens the thoughtful mind. (Wisdom 9:15)
• So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inmost self, but I see in my members another law at war with the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin which dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I of myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. (Romans 7:24.)

26 When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes!

• Ways. Or sins.

27 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works.

28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!

• Here the soul is in such a state of anxiety as to be almost distracted; weighed down to the point of slumber.
• Hence the three apostles slept: And when he rose from prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping for sorrow, and he said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.” (Luke 22:45-46)
• Acedia, or torpor of mind, apathy, depression; hinders the persecution of any business.

29 Put false ways far from me; and graciously teach me your law! 

• Iniquity. Hebrew, “lying.” Let me not imitate the wicked. (Haydock)
• Remit the punishment of my sins.
• He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. (Psalm 18:17)
• And protect me from falling.

30 I have chosen the way of faithfulness, I set your ordinances before me.

31 I cling to your testimonies, O LORD; let me not be put to shame!

32 I will run in the way of your commandments when you enlarge my understanding!

• Man runs, but God must impart grace.
• An enlarged heart sometimes denotes the capacity of understanding: And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and largeness of mind like the sand on the seashore, so that Solomon’s wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the people of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt. (1 Kings 4:29)
• It is a singular mercy of God to make us love his commands. – St. Augustine

*****

“And you,” it says, “may dwell securely in your land.” The wicked person is never secure but is always disturbed and wavering. He is tossed about by every wind of doctrine to deceitful error, by the craftiness of people. However, the just person who observes God’s law dwells in security on his land, because he governs his body in fear of God and brings it into subjection. His understanding is firm when he says to God, “Strengthen me according to your words, O Lord.” Strengthened, secure and well-rooted, he dwells on the earth, founded in faith. His house is not built on sand but is established on solid ground. – Caesarius of Arles, Sermon 105.4.

*Caesarius of Arles (470-543) Bishop of Arles renowned for his attention to his pastoral duties. Among his surviving works the most important is a collection of some 238 sermons that display an ability to preach Christian doctrine to a variety of audiences.

It is unspeakable comfort to a gracious soul, to think with what tenderness all its complaints are received by a gracious God. We can talk of the wonders of redeeming love, when we understand the way of God’s precepts, and walk in that way. The penitent melts in sorrow for sin: even the patient spirit may melt in the sense of affliction, it is then its interest to pour out its soul before God. The way of lying means all false ways by which men deceive themselves and others, or are deceived by Satan and his instruments. Those who know and love the law of the Lord, desire to know it more, and love it better. The way of serious godliness is the way of truth; the only true way to happiness: we must always have actual regard to it. Those who stick to the word of God, may in faith expect and pray for acceptance with God. God, by his Spirit, enlarges the hearts of his people when he gives them wisdom. The believer prays to be set free from sin. (source)

Dream of Solomon by Luca Giordano

Psalm 119:17-24. Listen and Meditate on God’s Word

While compiling and writing this piece on this portion of the psalm tonight my mind naturally turned to the state of events in our own country today. Like Abraham and Daniel before us, we find ourselves sojourners in an at times very foreign land ruled by princes who are hostile to our faith and lay traps through legislation or the fiat of executive orders. We knew this was part of the gig when we signed up as Christians and that the cross would be heavy. Preparing ourselves and having our “eyes opened” to God’s laws is very important if we are to be equipped to face what may lie ahead.

*****

If God deals in strict justice with us, we all perish…

PSALM 119:17-24

GIMEL.
17 Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live and observe thy word.

• I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me. (Ps 13:6)
• Draw me from this state of oppression, or rather, give me abundant grace, and eternal life. (St. Hilary)
• I cannot fulfill the law without thy grace.

18 Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.

• Law. This God will enable me to perceive, as his law is too much above my comprehension.

19 I am a sojourner on earth; hide not thy commandments from me!

• Earth. At Babylon, or in the world, which is a pilgrimage, and I am unacquainted with the roads.
• By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place which he was to receive as an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing where he was to go. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of he same promise. For he looked forward to the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. (Heb 11:8-10)

20 My soul is consumed with longing for thy ordinances at all times.

• If I have but a short time to live, I ardently seek for instruction, and wish to advance daily in virtue. David’s humility makes him fear, lest his desire should not be sincere. (Haydock)

21 Thou dost rebuke the insolent, accursed ones, who wander from thy commandments;

• Cursed. Becoming victims of hell.
• “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master when he comes will find so doing. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions. But if that wicked servant says to himself, ‘My master is delayed,’ and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eats and drinks with the drunken, the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know, and will punish him, and put him with the hypocrites; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. (Mt 24:45-51)
• ‘Cursed be he who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ (Deut 27:26)

22 take away from me their scorn and contempt, for I have kept thy testimonies.

23 Even though princes sit plotting against me, thy servant will meditate on thy statutes.

• Princes. Thus Daniel was treated: It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom a hundred and twenty satraps, to be throughout the whole kingdom; and over them three presidents, of whom Daniel was one, to whom these satraps should give account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Then this Daniel became distinguished above all the other presidents and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom; but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” (Dan 6:1-5)
• Indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. (2 Tim 3:12)
• The servant of God will adhere to his duty, though his adversaries may be very powerful.

24 Thy testimonies are my delight, they are my counselors.

• The laws of God afford the best advice.
• An ancient king observed, that the dead were the best counselors, as they will not flatter. It is because of this that we turn to the wisdom of the saints who came before us. For they immersed themselves in the Word of God and in His precepts. They sugarcoat nothing in describing the trials they faced, both inwardly in dryness or struggles with prayer; or outwardly when faced with scorn, persecution and even martyrdom.

*****

God does not wish us merely to listen to the words and phrases contained in the Scriptures but to do so with a great deal of prudent reflection. Therefore, blessed David frequently prefixed to his psalms the expression “a meditation” and also said, “Open my eyes, and I will consider the wondrous things of your law.” And after him, his son (Solomon) also pointed out by way of instruction that one must seek for wisdom even as for silver, or, rather, to trade in it more than in gold. – Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of John 15.

*John Chrysostom (344/354-407) Bishop of Constantinople who was noted for his orthodoxy, his eloquence and his attacks on Christian laxity in high places.

We ought to spend our lives in God’s service; we shall find true life in keeping His word. Those that would see the wondrous things of God’s law and gospel, must beg Him to give them understanding, by the light of His Spirit. Believers feel themselves strangers on earth; they fear missing their way, and losing comfort by erring from God’s commandments. Every sanctified soul hungers after the word of God, as food which there is no living without. There is something of pride at the bottom of every willful sin. God can silence lying lips; reproach and contempt may humble and do us good, and then they shall be removed. Do we find the weight of the cross is more than we are able to bear? He that bore it for us will enable us to bear it; upheld by Him we cannot sink. It is sad when those who should protect the innocent, are their betrayers. May the Lord direct us in exercising repentance of sin, and faith in Christ. (source)

Intro to Series is here
Previous: Psalm 119:9-16
Next: Psalm 119:25-32

Psalm 119:9-16. One Remains Pure by Keeping God’s Word

To original corruption all have added actual sin…

PSALM 119:9-16

BETH.
9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to thy word. 

• The observance of the law is the only method to preserve innocence, or to regain it. (Haydock) The Holy Ghost gives this direction to youth, and to all who are exposed to the dangers of pleasure, as David might do to his son. In the same sense we pray, Lead us not into temptation. (Mt 6:13)

10 With my whole heart I seek thee; let me not wander from thy commandments!

• Literally “do not cast me off.” The just, or the Church in general, here confess that perseverance is a gift of God. (Haydock)

11 I have laid up thy word in my heart, that I might not sin against thee.

• Heart. Here we guard against the temptations of vanity. Moses had given the letter of the law only, insinuating, that it must be kept with all the heart, as David more fully explains.

12 Blessed be thou, O LORD; teach me thy statutes!

• The psalmist considers himself as placed at the feet of his divine Master. Though he was just, he wished to increase in virtue.

13 With my lips I declare all the ordinances of thy mouth.

• I have concealed them in my heart. Now I am not ashamed to publish them.

14 In the way of thy testimonies I delight as much as in all riches.

• I give your law preference, Lord.
• The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; (Ps 19:7-8)

15 I will meditate on thy precepts, and fix my eyes on thy ways.

16 I will delight in thy statutes; I will not forget thy word.

*****

Let us listen, then, to the master of precaution: “I said, I will pay attention to my ways”; that is, “I said to myself: in the silent biddings of my thoughts, I have enjoined on myself, that I should pay attention to my ways.” Some ways there are that we ought to follow; others as to which we ought to pay attention. We must follow the ways of the Lord and pay attention to our own ways, lest they lead us into sin. One can pay attention if one is not hasty in speaking. The law says, “Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God (Deut 6:4). It is not “speak” but “hear.” Eve fell because she said to the man what she had not heard from the Lord her God. The first word from God says to you, Hear! If you hear, pay attention to your ways; and if you have fallen, quickly amend your way.For “how does a young person amend his way; except by paying attention to the word of the Lord?” Be silent therefore first of all, and listen, so that you do not fail in your tongue. – Ambrose*, Duties of the Clergy, 1.2.7.

*Ambrose of Milan (333-397) was Bishop of Milan and a teacher of Augustine who defended the divinity of the Holy Spirit and the perpetual virginity of Mary.

The ruin of the young is either living by no rule at all, or choosing false rules: instead let them walk by Scripture rules. To doubt of our own wisdom and strength, and to depend upon God, proves the purpose of holiness is sincere. God’s word is treasure worth laying up, and there is no laying it up safe but in our hearts. And those whose hearts are fed with the bread of life, should with their lips feed many. In the way of God’s commandments there is the unsearchable riches of Christ. But we do not meditate on God’s precepts to good purpose, unless our good thoughts produce good works.

Intro to Series is here
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Next: Psalm 119:17-24

Psalm 119:1-8. Humanity’s Greatest Happiness

This portion of the psalm may be considered as the statement of a believer’s experience…

PSALM 119:1-8

ALEPH.
1 Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!

• All aim at happiness, but only the virtuous take the proper means to attain it. (St. Augustine)

2 Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, 

• His testimonies. The commandments of God are called his testimonies, because they testify his holy will unto us. We must search the law, not out of curiosity, but to practice it; otherwise we shall become more guilty. (Haydock)

3 who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! 

• Ways. They may, however, repent. The just are subject to fall.
• If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. – 1 Jn 1:8

4 Thou hast commanded thy precepts to be kept diligently. 

• Diligently. Literally “too much.” But this is a Hebrew idiom, to imply the greatest diligence. (Haydock)

5 O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping thy statutes! 

• O! that. Conscious of his own insufficiency, the psalmist prays for grace to be justified. Moses acknowledged that man could not observe the law without Christ.
• “For this commandment which I command you this day is not too hard for you, neither is it far off. It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who will go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who will go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ But the word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart, so that you can do it.” – Deut 30:11-14.
• Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on the law shall live by it. But the righteousness based on faith says, Do not say in your heart, “Who will ascent into heaven?” (that is, to bring Christ down) or “Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). But what does it say? The word is near you, on your lips and in your heart (that is, the word of faith which we preach); because, if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For man believe with his heart and so is justified, and he confesses with his lips and so is saved. – Romans 10:5-10.

6 Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all thy commandments. 

• All. At the day of judgment, it will not suffice to have observed only some of the commandments. (St. Jerome & St. Ambrose)

7 I will praise thee with an upright heart, when I learn thy righteous ordinances. 

• A hymn of praise is not fitting on the lips of a sinner, for it has not been sent from the Lord. For a hymn of praise should be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it. – Sirach 15:9-10.

8 I will observe thy statutes; O forsake me not utterly!

• Utterly. It may be advantageous to us to be left awhile, that we may know our own weakness. (St. Gregory)
• He (and you) may always at least have recourse to prayer: Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. – 1 Thess 5:16-18.
• The neglect of this duty is the cause of so many falls.

Jesus said, “If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” This statement of our Savior is very helpful for salvation, and we must ponder it attentively. We will be blessed if we know the heavenly commands, yet still more so if we eagerly pursue in our works the things that we know. One who neglects to keep his known commandments is not capable of being happy; one who scorns finding out about these [commandments] is separated much further away from the heritage of the blessed. The psalmist agrees with this. Weighing the hearts of mortals and in like manner perceiving that everyone loves happiness but few ask where it is, he clearly testified as to what is the greatest happiness of human beings in this life, saying, “Blessed are those who are undefiled in the way, who walk in the Lord’s law.” And lest it be supposed that this way of the undefiled and blessed can be laid hold of indiscriminately by the ignorant and the untaught, he subsequently continued and said, “Blessed are they who search his testimonies and seek him with their whole heart.” – Bede*, Homilies on the Gospels 2.5.

*Bede the Venerable (c.672/673-735). Born in Northumbria, at the age of seven, he was put under the care of the Benedictine monks of Saints Peter and Paul at Jarrow and given a broad classical education in the monastic tradition. Considered one of the most learned men of his age.

Why is it that in a country of laws, and one as litigious as the United States, these laws of God as manifested in Christ are so wantonly ignored? So many seem to have an attorney on speed dial. During this time of Lent let’s take our eyes off of ourselves and our grievances and instead take a hard look at walking a different Way.

Intro to Series is here
Next: Psalm 119:9-16

Lent 2012: a series on Psalm 119 to clean my “messy house”

When I was considering what to do as a series of posts for Lent I had considered the Psalms. Today I came across someone who had suggested writing in regards to the longest psalm, Number 119, and all of its 176 verses. Overwhelming to be sure, but when I did some research and learned that the psalm could be divided into twenty-two sections of eight verses each, I thought it a great idea. Then tonight I came across this story by Kathleen Norris from the book Bread And Wine: Readings for Lent and Easter:

When I’m working as an artist-in-residence at parochial schools, I like to read the psalms out loud to inspire the students, who are usually not aware that the snippets they sing at Mass are among the greatest poems in the world. But I have found that when I have asked children to write their own psalms, their poems often have an emotional directness that is similar to that of the biblical psalter. They know what it’s like to be small in a world designed for big people, to feel lost and abandoned. Children are frequently astonished to discover that the psalmists so freely express the more unacceptable emotions, sadness and even anger, even anger at God, and that all of this is in the Bible that they hear read in church on Sunday morning.

Children who are picked on by their big brothers and sisters can be remarkably adept when it comes to writing cursing psalms, and I believe that the writing process offers them a safe haven in which to work through their desires for vengeance in a healthy way. Once a little boy wrote a poem called “The Monster Who Was Sorry.” He began by admitting that he hates it when his father yells at him: his response in the poem is to throw his sister down the stairs, and then to wreck his room, and finally to wreck the whole town. The poem concludes: “Then I sit in my messy house and say to myself, ‘I shouldn’t have done all that.”

“My messy house” says it all: with more honesty than most adults could have mustered, the boy made a metaphor for himself that admitted the depth of his rage and also gave him a way out. If that boy had been a novice in the fourth-century monastic desert, his elders might have told him that he was well on the way toward repentance, not such a monster after all, but only human. If the house is messy, they might have said, why not clean it up, why not make it into a place where God might wish to dwell?

*****

And that little story sealed the deal. Because I love the Psalms. I didn’t always, but after spending a lot of time with them while praying the Liturgy of the Hours with the Church I have developed a real appreciation for these beautiful poems from Holy Scripture. And so for twenty-two of the forty days of Lent I will be doing an exercise of which I hope you’ll find useful. I’m going to look at the Psalm in its twenty-two parts and, using a few books and commentaries I own, do a verse-by-verse commentary of the Psalm. Most utilized will be Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture (Old Testament, Vol. 8: Psalms 51-150) from InterVarsity Press and Haydock’s Catholic Bible Commentary, 1859 edition.

As Kate writes at Australia Incognita, Psalm 119

is an extended meditation on the importance of God’s law. It is a psalm above all about the path to happiness, as its first line makes clear:

“Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD!”

The first eight verses of this psalm in the original Hebrew begin with Aleph, which is the name of the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The second eight verses begin with Beth, the name of the second letter of the Hebrew alphabet; and so to the end of the whole alphabet, in all twenty-two letters, each letter having eight verses. The poem is an acrostic; its twenty-two stanzas are in the order of the Hebrew alphabet. Each of the eight verses within a stanza begins with the same letter. Each verse contains one word for “instruction. There are nine words for “instruction,” not eight, so the principle of a different word for “instruction” in each verse cannot be maintained with perfect consistency. The nine words for “instruction” in the translation are: law, statute, commandment, precept, testimony, word, judgment, way, and promise.

There is a tradition that King David used this psalm to teach his young son Solomon the alphabet—but not just the alphabet for writing letters: the alphabet of the spiritual life. Others believe that he composed it while he himself was young, and persecuted by Saul. It seems very probable, that David wrote it for the consolation of the captives.

The Israelites might recite this psalm on their journey, three times a-year, to the temple, as Psalm 119 comes immediately before the fifteen gradual canticles that follow. These are associated literally with the pilgrimage to Jerusalem for major Jewish feasts and the climb up the steps of the Temple, and spiritually with the Ascent to heaven. This psalm is letting us know that as a preparation for the celebration of the Resurrection at Easter it is necessary to reflect on the Law of God.

Like the child who wrote “The Monster Who Was Sorry” that Ms. Norris referred to in her story, I must confess that my house is messy. There are things I really shouldn’t have done. I’ve sat in the middle of the mess for too long and it’s time to throw open the windows to my soul and give my heart a good spring cleaning. I hope that you’ll join me on this journey as tomorrow we begin by taking a look at verses 1 through 8.

The Ferris Wheel

The wing and the wheel are gonna carry us along
And we’ll have memories for company… long after the songs are gone.
~ The Wing & The Wheel (Nanci Griffith)

Credit: jupiterimages.com

Last night I described my recent relationship as a father to my oldest son thusly:

We connected, and then went around on the big circle that we wind up on these days. We start off far apart, draw closer, and then go round again…winding up apart.

I was thinking of a Ferris Wheel. This morning I awoke with the image even more engrained in my mind.

In this life we walk hand in hand with our little ones through the Carnival of Life. We try to guide them through life’s midway, a maze of vendors screaming at your kids to “play” this and “try” that. Games of chance that fleece them of their money or worse, their dignity as human beings. You hold their little hands tightly, calmly teaching them about why they should avoid such things, at times not shielding them so they can see the ugliness with their own eyes.

A few steps past the last vendor finds us staring up in the sky. We are at the foot of the Ferris Wheel. In the small town carnivals of my youth this was always the most distinct landmark as it was usually the tallest ride. As time has gone on it is no longer the most popular or viewed as the most dangerous of rides in a thrill-seeking culture such as ours. It’s kind of slow and a little boring. Our child looks up with us with pleading eyes and asks to ride it. As you’ve ridden it with them before you nod and begin to walk to the waiting car with them. They stop and turn to look up to you. Silently they say with their eyes that this time they want to go solo.

“I’m going to pre-school now, Daddy. No worries. I’ll just go around once.”

And so he gets on while we stand, feet firmly planted to the ground. He’s a little nervous but also excited as he grips the bar and his feet dangle in the air because he’s not quite tall enough to rest them on the car’s foothold. The wheel starts to turn and he’s taken away from you, going backwards and upwards with the wide-eyed look of one who is tasting his freedom for the first time. Up to the top he goes, and finally down towards you and the ground. The ride stops. He exits the car and runs towards you excitedly and once more puts his little hand in yours, but you notice that it seems to be a little bigger as you hold on.

“It’s my first day of school, Dad! Kindergarten will be awesome!”

Away from you while going upwards he climbs, this time going around twice. As he makes his second circle you notice that his feet are not dangling and now rest on the car’s foothold. Taking his hand after the ride his lengthier fingers now more easily entwine with your own.

The first sleepover finds him on the ride again.

Again as the teenager.

High school.

Graduation.

Each time the Ferris Wheel ride goes a little faster. Each time the number of circles increases. And each time he steps off he walks back to you a little taller and with less enthusiasm. Finally he stops putting his large hand into your own. And each time as you walk through the midway with him he seems intent to listen to what the carnies are pitching. And you pause to look at your reflection in a booth’s sideshow mirror to see that you have gotten softer around the middle, more gray is on your scalp, and your stride is not as swift.

You have more than one child. This is not happening in a vacuum. As you place the older child on the Ferris Wheel for his umpteenth time you turn and put your pre-schooler on it for her first trip round. As she gets on the ride your middle child is in the car paused at the wheel’s apex. You shield your eyes and looking up you notice that his car is beginning to swing more carefree at the top as he breathes in the sweet air of freedom and no cares, and takes in the view of limitless possibilities for the very first time.

You step back and place your feet on the familiar ground.

And let go.

*****

This morning I read from Psalm 139. Among many things it says “You know me when I sit down and when I rise up.” And I thought of the Ferris Wheel. Verses 1 through 18 read as a son talking to his father or as a child to the parent. I read it even now and I see that I am the son speaking of and to his heavenly father. Reassuring myself of His love, and of the relationship we share.

But I know something else. I am called to be a father. I am in truth already a dad. A very human and earthbound dad, being more humbled with each passing day. While I will never be the omnipotent father as God is to me, I can be and will be an earthly father to my children.

I will help them to “search out” their path.

I can offer my hand to “lead” them. In my right hand I “shall hold” them. No darkness is too dark for me to ever stop searching for them when they get lost. The “night is bright as the day.”

And when the time is right I will take a deep breath and find strength as their dad by trusting in my Father. I will step back and place my feet firmly on familiar ground so that they always know where to find me.

And I will try to let go.

Friday Five (Vol. 22)

— 1 —

Kindergarten Roundup for my youngest child is today at her school. Already in pre-school she was so excited for today that she didn’t want to go to bed last night, though she cried during supper that she “didn’t want to get shot.” I about choked on my food and asked her what she meant. She had misunderstood something she’d heard from her mom or brothers about vaccinations and once we were able to clarify this for her she visibly relaxed.

It’s trite to say this I suppose, but it really does seem like only yesterday that we were attending this same “roundup” with our oldest child, now 16 and a sophomore in high school. I was able to be there that day with my wife as we watched him be led off hand-in-hand with his future classmates and teacher as they went to visit the classroom that would be theirs the following fall, while parents stayed behind to listen to the school administration and fill out forms. He looked back just once, and then grudgingly walked on. Three years ago we did the same thing for our 2nd grader. He never looked back and was eager to go.

I am unable to be there today to watch my daughter make this same walk. I have this photo taken of her last fall to have an idea of what it will be like for my wife.

— 2 —

Psalm 107

One of the neatest projects I’ve come across in a long while is the creation of the illuminated St. John’s Bible. It is the first illuminated bible commissioned in over 500 years and took a decade to complete. Calligrapher Donald Jackson led this project that resulted in a hand-written, hand-illuminated Bible. The website for this project is worth looking at to get an idea of the process involved in putting together this amazing work. It has been featured on the Today show, and a massive tour various locations in the world allowed people to view this magnificent work in person. This epic piece of art is comprised of seven volumes. I received my first volume yesterday, Gospels and Acts, and spent much time last night looking through it. It is large in size (10” x 15”) and 136 pages of beautifully handwritten calligraphy as text. But what really makes this book unique is the artwork involved. While the originals must be stunning in their use of gold inlay to truly illuminate the page, the reproductions are still in themselves unlike anything I’d seen before. I plan to purchase the six remaining volumes over the course of the year and look forward to using them often. I also purchased The Art of Saint John’s Bible: A Reader’s Guide to Pentateuch, Psalms, Gospels and Acts as a companion to help educate myself on the techniques as well as a guide for reflection.

I invite you to explore each volume by paging through them here.

To see a small example of what is meant by “illumination” and how light is incorporated into the reading/meditating/praying experience, go here.

— 3 —

Several years ago I had remarked to a friend of mine who is a priest that I would love to handwrite and/or illustrate in a similar manner a Book of the Hours. At that time I had been reading Eamon Duffy’s Marking the Hours: English People and Their Prayers, 1240-1570. I was also becoming an avid participant in praying the Divine Office, something I still do today. In Duffy’s book he provides an excellent history of the use of the Book of Hours as well as a lot of fascinating illustrations of the lavish illuminated manuscripts used by the wealthy or the noble, to the mass-produced and sparsely illustrated volumes used by the common man or woman. You are able to see where the books became customized by their owners with the inclusion of their own prayers, or as they were handed down from generation to generation. I recall one particular book where you could see the name of the Pope and other things Catholic vigorously erased and replaced by more inane names at the time of the Reformation. This was done to avoid the persecution that raged in England and resulted in the deaths of thousands of Catholics including those who were caught with this book in their possession.

I’d still love to pursue a project like that one day. While it wouldn’t be handwritten I think that with computer technology being what it is and my experience with publishing software, I’m sure I could produce a pretty fair “book” of my very own.

To see an excellent example of one of a 15th century Book of Hours, go here.

— 4 —

I can recall on several occasions during my lifetime as a Protestant and a Catholic hearing this phrase:

“If you are ever accused of being a Christian will there be enough evidence to convict you?”

It seemed a trite saying, said with the smug confidence of those who felt safe and secure of their living in the United States of America. Given all that’s been going on in this land, building slowly over time and reaching a crescendo with the current administration, it doesn’t seem so trite to many of us anymore. I had never in my wildest dreams thought that my lifetime or even my own children’s lifetimes might actually see the words “Christian” and “convict” in the same sentence.

Watching the news the past few days it is plain to see that the prejudices and selfishness as old as man and woman are still rampant and at work today. The historical ignorance and lack of rational thought or argument is staggering to behold. As it has been for over 2000 years the boogeyman to these fools is the Church. Stalin had a name for their ilk: useful idiots. He used them to rid Russia of the Church. These artists, intelligentsia and the like did his dirty work. They metaphorically dug the mass grave for him. And then when their task was complete he lined them up in front of that hole and shot them, covering their bodies under layers of the earth and the lost pages of history. The history that is not lost teaches us that dangerous fools, these useful idiots, will always be among us.

I will not go quietly.

— 5 —

I’ve spoken often of historical ignorance on this blog, including this installment. I own a degree in History and have never stopped being an historian. Watching The History Channel is not the same thing. Sorry people. It don’t cut it.

H/T: Mark Shea for the graphic, and for astutely naming this generation: Generation Narcissus.