Holy Tuesday

The psalm appointed for Holy Tuesday is Psalm 71:1-14.

It says in part, “In you, Lord, I have taken refuge… Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress… For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth… From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother’s womb. I will ever praise you… My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long… As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.”

Perhaps, like me, you see the relationship between safety, protection, hope, and praise that the psalmist proclaims. Because of God’s knowledge of his creation before birth, the writer has hope, which leads to praise for God, which leads to an even deeper knowledge of God as foundation, leading to more hope, and a constant appreciation for God… and so on. It’s a beautiful, never-ending dance of God’s eternal love that brings comfort to the psalmist, and should in turn offer the same comfort to us… for what was true for the writer then, is true for each and every one of us today and for all time.

Brothers and sisters, on this third day of walking in the footsteps of Jesus, may you endure the pain that is to come, with the knowledge that hope and love will ultimately win the day for all eternity.

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace. May the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, keep you safe and make you strong, this night and always. Amen.

Fr. Brian