Lent E Retreat

Psalm 19

“The Law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul;

The decree of the Lord is trustworthy;

Giving wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;

The command of the Lord is clean, enlightening the eye;

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever;

The ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just;

They are more precious than gold, than a heap of purest gold,

Sweeter also than honey, honey from the comb.

Though your servant is careful of them, very diligent in keeping them,

Yet who can detect failings?

Cleanse me from my secret faults!

From wanton sin especially, restrain your servant; let it not rule over me.

Then shall I be blameless and innocent of serious sin.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart find favor before you,

O Lord my rock and redeemer.”

(Translation:  New American Bible, Revised Standard Version)

For Reflection:

·         Jesus states that the law of God can be summarized as, “Love God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself.”  How do I seek to center my life on this law?

·         The psalmist writes that following God’s law gives wisdom to the simple.   How do you define wisdom?  Who do you know who is wise?

·         The psalmist prays, “Cleanse me from my secret sins.”  How often do we carry resentments, disappointment, judgments about others, and our own brokenness inside of us, not acknowledging these areas that call out for healing and conversion?  As I enter the season of Lent, what might the “secret faults” in my life that call out for God’s healing love?  With whom can I share this part of my life?

·         How has my relationship with God been, in the words of the psalmist, refreshing to my soul, a source of wealth and sweetness and comfort?   For whom and for what am I grateful today?