The psalm on Sunday, the 1st Sunday of Lent, has us confess the faithful love of the Lord and ask that we might know and follow the ways of the Lord.
The psalms are traditionally associated with David and Solomon. These men ruled Israel as kings: their need to know the ways of the Lord was not simply to inform how they lived their own lives, but how they served as king, governing for the good of their people.
Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.
Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
for you are God my saviour.Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.
Remember your mercy, Lord,
and the love you have shown from of old.
In your love remember me.
because of your goodness, O Lord.Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.
The Lord is good and upright.
He shows the path to those who stray,
He guides the humble in the right path,
He teaches his way to the poor.Your ways, Lord, are faithfulness and love for those who keep your covenant.
Psalm 24:4-6,7-9
For a believer, knowing the ways of God, and the will of God, is of the greatest importance. Sustained by the love of God, we are called to share that same love, cooperating with God for the good of his people.
The discernment of what is God’s will, and what is good for his people, is a challenge.
The bishops of the Church of England have recently published a pastoral letter urging members of that church to engage with the political process, for the common good. And caused a fair controversy in the process.
Almost 20 years ago the Catholic bishops of England and Wales published The Common Good and Catholic Church’s Social Teaching. The document was seen as helpful pretty much across the political spectrum. It is still well worth reading. They are to issue a new letter very shortly. Fingers crossed that it will be helpful too.
In the meantime, a wealth of resources is offered by the Catholic Education Service to promote good citizenship in schools.
Good publications are helpful in reminding us of our responsibilities, helping form consciences and informing us of particular issues. But the hard work of reflection and examination of consciences, and purifying of motives and perceptions, is a work for each of us, individually and collectively. Love of God needs to inform our love of self, and promote our love of neighbour.
Lord, make me know your ways.
Lord, teach me your paths.
Make me walk in your truth, and teach me:
for you are God my saviour.
Figure of King David from Puits de Moïse, Chartreuse de Champmol, Dijon. In the musée Cité d’architecture and du patrimoine, Paris. (c) 2015, Allen Morris.
