O Most High, Let Us See Your Kindness, and Grant Us Your Salvation
Psalm 85 was probably written after the Babylonian Captivity. The Israelites returned from their exile and found their land devastated. Overwhelmed, they questioned their ability to rebuild themselves as a people. In their lament, they remembered that God had forgiven them in the past. Now, kindness and salvation would be given. Like the other readings, God’s presence would be found in gentle ways, in a good harvest, in the gentle rhythms of the earth yielding abundance to provide for everyone’s needs. As you pray this psalm think of the gentle ways God is present in your life.
O God, let me hear what you have to say,
for you will speak peace to your people,
to those who are near you, and who turn to you in their hearts.
Your salvation is near for those who fear you,
that glory may dwell in our land.
Mercy and truth, have embraced; justice and peace will kiss.
Truth shall spring out of the earth,
and justice will look down from heaven.
You will give what is good, our land will yield its increase.
Justice shall go before you and make a path for your steps.
[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]