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How are You with Us, Lord? When we think of special friends or acquaintances, we often think of words that describe their particular personality or some aspect of their association with us. “She is so kind.” “He’s a good friend.” “They always make me feel welcome.” “Faithfulness” and “mercy.” These two words appear again and again in the scriptures as “windows” through which we catch a glimpse of who God is and how God acts. They describe how God first became involved with Israel and how he has been ever since. It was mercy that moved the Divine Heart to enter into the covenant; it is faithfulness that, despite Israel’s frequent abandonment of God, never fails to keep the covenant. As the words appear in today’s psalm they are spoken in reference to King David: “My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him.” The phrase foretells no generic or vague “presence.” By pledging to accompany David with faithfulness and mercy, God promises to constantly work on David’s behalf, through thick and thin, with every ounce of divine strength. Jesus, the faithful witness and mercy of God in the flesh, assures us that those gifts are for us as well. In the midst of our lives and work today, do we accept the promise made to David? Perhaps today we need to pray for the grace to hear the psalm spoken to us: “My faithfulness and my mercy shall be with you.” |