Lectio
Passage: O Lord my God, in thee have I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me. Lest at any time he seize upon my soul like a lion, while there is no one to redeem me, nor to save. O Lord my God, if I have done this thing, if there be iniquity in my hands: If I have rendered to them that repaid me evils, let me deservedly fall empty before my enemies. Let the enemy pursue my soul, and take it, and tread down my life on the earth, and bring down my glory to the dust. Rise up, O Lord, in thy anger: and be thou exalted in the borders of my enemies. And arise, O Lord my God, in the precept which thou hast commanded: And a congregation of people shall surround thee. And for their sakes return thou on high. (Psalm 7:2-8)
Meditatio
- Trust in God for Deliverance: David begins with an intense declaration of trust in God and a plea for deliverance from persecutors. Meditate on your own trust in God and how you rely on Him for protection and deliverance.
- Fear of Being Overwhelmed: The imagery of a soul being seized by a lion indicates the fear of being overwhelmed by enemies. Think about the times you have felt vulnerable and in need of God’s saving intervention.
- Self-Examination and Integrity: David examines his own actions, declaring his innocence and readiness to accept consequences if he is guilty. Meditate on your own actions and the importance of integrity and self-examination before God.
- Call for Divine Justice: David calls upon God to rise in anger and execute justice. Meditate on God’s justice and the assurance that He will act against all forms of evil.
- Communal Aspect of Justice: David envisions a congregation surrounding God and seeking His justice. Meditate on the communal aspect of seeking God’s justice and how it impacts not only the individual but the community.
Oratio
O Lord, I place my trust in Thee. Save me from those who persecute me and deliver me from their grasp. Do not let me be overwhelmed by my fears and enemies. If there is any wrongdoing in me, reveal it and help me to make amends. Rise up in Thy justice, O Lord, and protect me. Let Thy justice be a light to all who seek Thee, and may we as a community witness Thy righteousness. Amen.
Contemplatio
Contemplate the trust David places in God and the assurance of divine justice. Feel the peace that comes from knowing that God hears your pleas and will deliver you from your enemies. Rest in the understanding that self-examination and integrity are essential in your walk with God.
Actio
- Trust in God’s Deliverance: In moments of fear and persecution, remind yourself to trust in Yahweh and seek His deliverance.
- Self-Examination: Regularly examine your actions and intentions, ensuring they are in accord with God’s will. Be ready to make amends if necessary.
- Seek Divine Justice: Actively seek God’s justice in your life and community, advocating for righteousness and fairness.
- Community Involvement: Engage with your parish in seeking and witnessing God’s justice, supporting each other in times of trial and persecution.
