The psalm at Mass tomorrow, the Mass of the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time, emphasises the goodness of the law of the Lord, the way of the Lord, the precepts of the Lord. Many words, many phrases, but all describing the God-given order of the good life and the healthy community.
The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
The law of the Lord is perfect,
it revives the soul.
The rule of the Lord is to be trusted,
it gives wisdom to the simple.The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
The fear of the Lord is holy,
abiding for ever.
The decrees of the Lord are truth
and all of them just.The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
So in them your servant finds instruction;
great reward is in their keeping.
But who can detect all his errors?
From hidden faults acquit me.The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
From presumption restrain your servant
and let it not rule me.
Then shall I be blameless,
clean from grave sin.The precepts of the Lord gladden the heart.
Psalm 18:8,10,12-14
The response asserts that this good order brings joy.
The current visit of Pope Francis to Cuba and the United States has emphasised that theme – the joy of the Gospel – which gave the title of Francis’ exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium
- Where do faith and life engender joy in your life?
- What keeps you from joy? Why?
Tagxedo image incorporating words from the Pope’s address of this week at the Capitol, Washington.
Living Eucharist 