Year B, Lent 3, Friday

Inspired by Psalm 19

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.  More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb.”  Psalm 19:7-10

In much of the world today, following the law of the Lord is viewed—at best—as a hindrance to worldly success, or—at worst—as a miserable, dour, severe existence devoid of any pleasure or satisfaction.  In the first case, pursuing justice, equity, charity, and mercy before one’s own personal interests tends to limit monetary gain and dilutes one’s personal power, since the needs of others are of higher concern than the bottom line, and mercy is frequently equated with weakness.  In the second case, many Christians throughout history have lost sight of God’s grace and become so concerned with personal purity and piety that they have failed to experience the joy of creation, and have sat in judgment over anyone who fell short of their definition of faithful.

But imagine a world in which you never have to worry about being cheated, or scammed, or taken advantage of.  Imagine a world in which you could trust whomever you’re dealing with to be as concerned with your welfare as their own.  Imagine a world in which all people are equal in inherent worth, where mistakes are forgiven, where the community looks out for each of its members, and where all actions are performed out of genuine love.  This is what the world would look like if the law of the Lord were universally followed.  This is the world that God created for us and desires for us.

We tend to distrust authority, because most human authorities are not worthy of absolute trust.  But God is no human authority.  God is the creator of all, the author and giver of life, and he alone is worthy of our absolute trust and devotion.  He alone is perfect, and his laws are perfect; we can do no better than to pursue life as God would have us live it.

Let us pray.  Perfect and righteous God, you desire good things for all your people.  Grant us the humility to seek your ways above our own, that our lives may reflect your love and your goodness.  Through Christ our Lord, Amen.