February 21/First Wednesday of Lent
A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. ~ Ps 51.10
I first met this verse — which has served as a touchstone for me throughout my life — as a young Episcopalian choir girl. Perhaps we were rehearsing Charles Wesley’s “O for a heart to praise my God,” or Carl F. Mueller’s classic anthem, “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” In any case, our redoubtable choir director, Mrs. D, took the opportunity to teach us that for a fleeting instant after the Confession and Absolution, we were free of sin, but that we did not remain that way. While I don’t know how theologically sound her teaching was, for me, this verse has always expressed that “hinge” moment when we can’t bear the misery of our sin any more and we ask to be spiritually transformed. The sharp word that slipped out, the snap judgement of someone who is different from us, our lack of faithfulness to a friend — sooner or later these catch up with our consciences, and we feel soiled with guilt. We cannot wash the dirt off ourselves, however: we must ask God to work through us and in us, with his abundant mercy. It is noteworthy that the verb for “create” occurs in the Hebrew Bible only in reference to God’s actions, never human ones. It is God’s prerogative to make us anew, to refresh our spirits and renew our hearts. As Quaker scholar and missionary 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: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/022118.cfm
