Friday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
“My mouth will declare your praise.” (Ps 51:17b) I have a deep appreciation for clever humor. I recently acquired a new mug that aligns nicely with our psalm today. On the front it reads, “Lord, + open my lips” and on the back, “- and my mouth shall proclaim your praise (and drink my coffee)”. Prayer and coffee–a solid combo to start my day. ;) This praise, however, is not of my own doing but a request for the Lord’s help to prepare my mind, my heart, my spirit, and my voice for the day ahead. We don’t find and sustain these virtues on our own. We need God, daily. It behooves us to consistently recenter ourselves, “A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Give me back the joy of your salvation and a willing spirit sustain in me.” (Ps 51:12,14)
Similarly, in our gospel reading, as Jesus is preparing the apostles for their first mission without him, he promises the action of the Holy Spirit on their journey. You will be given what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Mt 10:20) We believe in a God of love and mercy, service and sacrifice, who accompanies and guides us. Trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit on our mission. “Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves.” (Mt 10:16) What does this mean? Sheep are very vulnerable creatures, relatively meek and docile (also pretty unintelligent); they need to be protected and can easily wander off, ending up in dangerous predicaments. How disturbing! Being sent as sheep among wolves certainly sounds reckless and irresponsible. Living in the Roman empire and among the dysfunction of their own religious leaders was ruthless. They would be lambs led to the slaughter.
The Gospel is rather dark and scary…”I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves… beware of men…” But there is hope in the assurance of the Holy Spirit. We are called to holiness, to be witnesses. We are invited to trust that the Holy Spirit will guide our words and actions so that we truly reflect the love of God to those around us. “When the spirit of truth comes, he will guide you to all truth and remind you of all I told you.” (Jn 16:13A; 14:26D)
“Have mercy on me, O God in your goodness. Open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Ps 51:3,17)
Peace,
Brandon Meyer