For the leader. A psalm of David,
when Nathan the prophet came to him after he had gone in to Bathsheba.
I
Have mercy on me, God, in accord with your merciful love;
in your abundant compassion blot out my transgressions.
Thoroughly wash away my guilt;
and from my sin cleanse me.
For I know my transgressions;
my sin is always before me.
Against you, you alone have I sinned;
I have done what is evil in your eyes
So that you are just in your word,
and without reproach in your judgment.
Behold, I was born in guilt,
in sin my mother conceived me.
Behold, you desire true sincerity;
and secretly you teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
You will let me hear gladness and joy;
the bones you have crushed will rejoice.
II
Turn away your face from my sins;
blot out all my iniquities.
A clean heart create for me, God;
renew within me a steadfast spirit.
Do not drive me from before your face,
nor take from me your holy spirit
Restore to me the gladness of your salvation;
uphold me with a willing spirit.
I will teach the wicked your ways,
that sinners may return to you.
Rescue me from violent bloodshed, God, my saving God,
and my tongue will sing joyfully of your justice.
Lord, you will open my lips;
and my mouth will proclaim your praise.
For you do not desire sacrifice or I would give it;
a burnt offering you would not accept.
My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit;
a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.
III
Treat Zion kindly according to your good will;
build up the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will desire the sacrifices of the just,
burnt offering and whole offerings;
then they will offer up young bulls on your altar.
Psalms 51:1-21
I suppose this is the right season for all the penitential psalms that are coming up in our journey through the book of Psalms. I found this one particularly beautiful. There were several phrases that we could probably cross-stitch and frame and hang on the wall.
“A clean heart create for me, God;” is the first one that jumped out for me. This, it seems, could be the basic theme of the Lenten season every year. Isn’t that the point of making Lenten sacrifices, after all? In the act of self-denial, we strive for communion with Jesus and his earthly life of sacrifice. “‘For we have not a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet, without sinning.’ By the solemn forty days of Lent the Church unites herself each year to the mystery of Jesus in the desert.” (para 540 from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, found here)
We also hope to gain appreciation for the least of our brothers by eliminating some of the comforts of our lives. The Lenten observation is not intended to make us walk around miserable for 40 days. The goal is to accept our sacrifices with joy and in praise for the spiritual growth it affords. Certainly, that contributes to a clean heart.
Another phrase from today’s psalm that feels quite appropriate is, “My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit; a contrite, humbled heart, O God, you will not scorn.” When else, besides during Lent, are we as a community, so in touch with the need for a contrite heart?
I remember finding that whole idea very depressing, especially when I was younger. But this year, I am acutely aware of a greater sense of joy in my heart as I face Lent. I actually spent a few weeks eagerly anticipating Lent.
Is that strange?
Honestly, I don’t know how to explain it. I suppose it might be all of the formation events that happen every year during Lent. I had the Greater Cincinnati Catholic Women’s Conference on the first Saturday, a beautiful Taize service last Thursday, and our parish mission speaker tonight. Every morning throughout Lent I get an inspirational video message from the Best Lent Ever, and there is a wonderful community of believers who carry on great discussions of each day’s topic in the comment section.
So while things might be stressful in my life, I am never more centered on God than during this season. For at least the last two years, I have come out of the Lenten season with newly invigorated ideas about my faith and how to put it into practice in my life. I suppose you could say that Lent brings a great sense of hope for my life.
I pray that you are having a similar experience of Lent this year. As we each embrace our own penance and self-sacrifice, let our clean hearts carry us through this season and the rest of the year.