Psalm Meditation 1045
Proper 8
June 28, 2020

Psalm 36
1 Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts; there is no fear of God before their eyes.
2 For they flatter themselves in their own eyes that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.
3 The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit; they have ceased to act wisely and do good.
4 They plot mischief while on their beds; they are set on a way that is not good; they do not reject evil.
5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.
6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.
7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 O continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your salvation to the upright of heart!
11 Do not let the foot of the arrogant tread on me, or the hand of the wicked drive me away.
12 There the evildoers lie prostrate; they are thrust down, unable to rise.
(NRSV)

We hear what we are listening for; a familiar voice, the song of a bird, a particular bird song, the sound of engine trouble, the voice of transgression, the voice of God. The psalmist knows that there are folks whose ears are tuned to the invitation to transgression, especially when that invitation includes the words, ‘Go ahead, no one is watching.’ Some hear the invitation, ‘Go ahead, no one cares.’ When we are so invisible that no one can see us because no one cares about us, we are drawn in quickly and easily by the voice of transgression.

The best among us has heard that voice from time to time. If we are never tempted to transgress, our good behavior means little. Three of the Gospels tell of the temptation of Jesus. It is important to note that part of what makes Jesus special is that he is ‘tested as we are, yet without sin.’ (Hebrews 4:15) Transgression speaks to us in our hearts, however that voice is drowned out by the sounds we want to hear more clearly.

More important than whether we pay attention to the temptation to transgression, is the steadfast love of God. The love of God knows no limit of reach. Wherever we are, whatever we hear, whatever we do, the steadfast love of God is standing with us, reminding us that we are not alone. We are seen, we are known, we are loved. We can ignore the love of God, however we can’t move far enough away from God to be out of the reach of the steadfast love of God.

June 22, 2020
LCM