Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Fides Service) – During the Audience on Wednesday 4 February Pope John Paul II continued his teaching on the Psalms prayed at Vespers, commenting Psalm 14 “Who is worthy to stand before the Lord?” ( Monday of the first Week).
“Facades of temples in Egypt or Babylon were often engraved with the required conditions for entering the sacred place– the Pope said in his address -. But a significant difference is to be noted with those given in our Psalm. Many religious cultures require, for admittance to the presence of the Divinity, primarily exterior purification consisting of ablutions and special actions and clothing. Instead Psalm 14 calls for the purification of conscience, so that decisions are inspired by love of justice and neighbour. In these verses therefore we hear the vibration of the spirit of the prophets who repeatedly call the people to unite faith and life, prayer and existential commitment, adoration and social justice.”
The Holy Father mentions the eleven commitments listed by the Psalmist, “which will serve as a basis for a personal examination of conscience every time we prepare to confess our faults to be admitted to communion with the Lord in a liturgical celebration”. The first three commitments are general: to follow the path of moral integrity, practice justice and perfect sincerity in speech. Three other duties regard relations with others: eliminate calumny, avoid any act which could harm our brother or sister, refrain from insulting those who live beside us every day. Then there is the need to take a clear position in society: despise the evil, honour those who fear God. Lastly there is a list of three duties on which to examine our conscience: keep promises, not to practice usury, avoid all corruption in public life. Many of these duties are valid today the Holy Father said. “If we follow this path of authentic moral decisions we will be ready for the encounter with the Lord” the Pope concluded recalling that those who act as the Psalmist suggests will «remain faithful for ever».
(S.L.) (Fides Service 4/2/2004 – be 24; words 349)
