“A Clean Heart Create for Me, O God, And A Steadfast Spirit Renew Within Me.” (Psalm 51:12)

 

It is rare that a Psalm is used for a main thought for a homily, a reflection, pastoral letter or even a blog.  It is the Gospel upon which we are to take our lead in God’s message to His disciples or people who “wish to see Jesus” as mentioned in St. John’s Gospel today (Jn. 12:21).  But, without Psalm 51:12, can we really “See” Jesus?

According to Hebrew Scriptures (what we call the Old Testament), the heart was the most vital of all organs.  It was both a place of discernment and where decisions were made.  To tell the truth, it has the same credence in the New Testament, especially when we read about the New Covenant of God’s in Jeremiah’s reading today.  “I will place my law within them, and write it upon their hearts” (Jer. 31:33).  That is fulfilled with Jesus birth, life and death.

Our second reading from the Epistle to the Hebrews shares Jesus’ human side in how He suffered in the flesh but in doing so He sanctified our souls.  When we endure sufferings we are spiritually enlightened to the needs of those who are suffering.  In doing this, we become more like Christ in our mind, heart and strength.

We know, of course, in St. John’s Gospel that Jesus brings into focus the purpose for why He came: Dying on the cross to make eternal salvation available to all people.  This is the depth of love in His heart that He would die so we may live forever.  That is the Hour for which He came to make us whole.

Jesus is the New Covenant of love, mercy and forgiveness who invites us to come and take our fill of His divine life, which He offers to us in the Eucharist.  Let us today learn to See Jesus, the Jesus of the Gospel Who is glorified because He obeyed His Father’s will.  May we follow Him in service so the Father will honor whoever serves Jesus?

This will give us the clean heart we desire and the spirit to renew us to always be in God’s will and to be a servant to others so they too can find God in themselves.  

Reading 1: Jeremiah 31:31-34
Reading 2: Hebrews 5:7-9
Gospel: John 12:20-33