The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has an excellent resource on their website for the final day of Lent, as well as for Good Friday meditations. The Seven Penitential Psalms and the Songs of the Suffering Servant are taken from their New American Bible translation. I frequently use these in preparation for when I …
Continue reading ‘The Seven Penitential Psalms and the Songs of the Suffering Servant’ »
The Responsorial Psalm for the Mass for the Friday after Ash Wednesday is Psalm 51. Rather that revisit it I shall just mention that it is pretty much the perfect prayer (after the Lord’s Prayer) for penance and conversion. I had earlier written a series of meditations on Psalm 51, they can be found here …
My series of meditations on Psalm 51 was thought to be over as the Biblical margin notes indicated that the last 2 verses had been added substantially later and are also different in tone and focus (probably due to their later addition). I have reconsidered not including them, as they are a good reminder of …
Finally, in the 19th verse of Psalm 51, the penitent offers up themselves: Psalm 51:19: “My sacrifice, God, is a broken spirit; God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.” (Via USCCB.) The penitent’s soul and very being is offered as a sacrifice. The penitent is stating that their entire self depends upon God for …
The 18th verse of Psalm 51 reminds us of the need for sincerity in repentance. Psalm 51:18: “For you do not desire sacrifice; a burnt offering you would not accept.” (Via USCCB.) True repentance is needed as outward signs are insufficient. By outward signs I mean the actions that imply a changed behavior or a …
The 17th verse of Psalm 51 is also the beginning of the Church’s prayer day in the Divine Office (See the Universalis link at the top of the page, should be a yellowish bar.) Psalm 51:17: “Lord, open my lips; my mouth will proclaim your praise.” (Via USCCB.) Every day the Church begins her prayer …
The 16th verse of Psalm 51 is about gratitude, in a fundamental and loving way: Psalm 51:16: “Rescue me from death, God, my saving God, that my tongue may praise your healing power.” The penitent fully realizes that life depends upon God, and only God can save them from death. I think the eternal death, …
The series on Psalm 51 resumes… The 15th verse of Psalm 51 illustrates one of the benefits to others of the penitent’s conversion: Psalm 51:15: “I will teach the wicked your ways, that sinners may return to you.” (Via USCCB.) Because of the experience and happiness over their conversion, the penitent will go and teach …
In the 14th verse of Psalm 51 the penitent looks towards their destiny: Psalm 51:14: “Restore my joy in your salvation; sustain in me a willing spirit” (Via USCCB.) Happiness is being on the path to Heaven, it is the true joy that fills your soul and gives your life its meaning. This particular happiness …
The penitent pleas with the Lord in the 13th verse to keep him close: Psalm 51:13: “Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me your holy spirit.” (Via USCCB.) A persistent fear that the sin was so grievous that God may cause banishment as a consequence of the penitent’s action motivates the …