March 12/First Wednesday of Lent
A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. ~ Ps 51.10
Many of us stock our mental or physical pockets with “pocket verses” to remind us of the presence of God throughout the day (I have a few slips in my top dresser drawer from days gone by). While there are plenty to be found in the New Testament (“Come unto me, all you that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”), we also draw on the Psalms – “The Lord is my strength and my song,” or “Be still, and know that I am God,” or today’s restorative verse from Psalm 51, which has been a favorite since I encountered it as an Episcopalian choir girl. Our redoubtable choir director, Eulalie Davis, taught us that immediately after the Confession and Absolution, we were sin-free — but only for a fleeting moment. While I don’t know how theologically sound her teaching was, for me, this verse has always embodied that penitential shift, when I finally express my contrition to God, asking for and receiving his cleansing grace. The sharp word, the snap judgment, the repeated over-indulgence, the inattentiveness to a friend — sooner or later our shortcomings catch up with us, and we feel soiled by sin. We cannot cleanse ourselves, however: we must ask God to remake our hearts and renew our spirits. (Note that the Hebrew verb for “create” occurs only in reference to God’s actions, never human ones.) It is by divine grace, not human agency, that we become new. As Quaker scholar Thomas Kelly observed, “God Himself works in our souls, in their deepest depths, taking increasing control as we are progressively willing to be prepared for His wonder. We cease trying to make ourselves the dictators and God the listener, and become the joyful listeners to Him, the Master who does all things.”
All-powerful and all-loving God, Animate my spirit with your mercy and love. Amen.
For today’s readings, click here: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031225.cfm
To hear the Cappella Sagittariana Dresden and the Vocal Concert Dresden sing “Cor mundum crea in me, Deus,” by Andreas Pevernage, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uIQX3GClPc
