Monday, July 20, 2009

"Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean"?

Living a Christian life isn't easy and, of course, Jesus never said it was. On the contrary he who said "I am the way, the truth and the life" showed us by his own life, death, and resurrection what the Christian Way looks like. However, while we're trying hard to live a good Christian life sometimes we're tempted to look at those who live godless and selfish, and yet apparently rich carefree and we ask ourselves is in vain that I have kept my heart clean?
We're not alone. The psalmist below felt the same way until he gained a little Godly insight.

Psalm 73

1. How good God is to the upright, the Lord, to those who are clean of heart!

2 But, as for me, I lost my balance; my feet all but slipped,

3 Because I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For they suffer no pain; their bodies are healthy and sleek.

5 They are free of the burdens of life; they are not afflicted like others.

6 Thus pride adorns them as a necklace; violence clothes them as a robe.

7 Out of their stupidity comes sin; evil thoughts flood their hearts.

8 They scoff and spout their malice; from on high they utter threats.

9 They set their mouths against the heavens, their tongues roam the earth.

10 So my people turn to them and drink deeply of their words.

11 They say, "Does God really know?" "Does the Most High have any knowledge?"

12 Such, then, are the wicked, always carefree, increasing their wealth.

13 Is it in vain that I have kept my heart clean, washed my hands in innocence?

14 For I am afflicted day after day, chastised every morning.

15 Had I thought, "I will speak as they do," I would have betrayed your people.

16 Though I tried to understand all this, it was too difficult for me,

17 Till I entered the sanctuary of God and came to understand their end.

18 You set them, indeed, on a slippery road; you hurl them down to ruin.

19 How suddenly they are devastated; undone by disasters forever!

20 They are like a dream after waking, Lord, dismissed like shadows when you arise.

21 Since my heart was embittered and my soul deeply wounded,

22 I was stupid and could not understand; I was like a brute beast in your presence.

23 Yet I am always with you; you take hold of my right hand.

24 With your counsel you guide me, and at the end receive me with honor.

25 Whom else have I in the heavens? None beside you delights me on earth.

26 Though my flesh and my heart fail, God is the rock of my heart, my portion forever.

27 But those who are far from you perish; you destroy those unfaithful to you.

28 As for me, to be near God is my good, to make the Lord GOD my refuge. I shall declare all your works in the gates of daughter Zion.

5 comments:

amyjoerger said...

Thank you for posting this Fr. Brendan. Isn't it awesome how alive the Bible is? I mean, it was written so long ago, but is still living and relevant and true in our day today and will be for future generations to come as well. Thank you Jesus!

Anonymous said...

You are heaven-sent Fr. Brendan! This same thought has been nagging me so constantly for so long now that having read this post seem to be the long-waited response from God.

Anonymous said...

What translation is this? It's beautiful, and so clear!

Erin said...

Perfection in words and timing! Thank you! May God ease your burdens and may his Yoke be easy and light for you! Keep the faith! ;)

Corey said...

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Kepha’s is a high-octane Catholicism rejecting spiritual laziness and moral compromise. We are under the patronage of our "BIG 3": St. John Bosco, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. Kepha members agree to live by 5 commitments : Apologetics, Brotherhood, Charity, Mortification and Prayer.

Kepha is a non-profit organization with chapters in Texas and Louisiana. If you know of any men who are looking for an excellent way to strengthen their relationships with their sons, then please tell them about Kepha.

You can find out more information on our web site at www.kepharocks.org
We look forward to hearing from you!

God bless you!
Corey Harned