O God, You Have the Words of Everlasting Life

O God, You Have the Words of Everlasting Life In our American culture and individualism, most of us don’t look at laws as perfect and refreshing the soul. But today’s psalm, Ps. 19, describes God’s law not as a burden or restriction but the source of wisdom that empowers and liberates the faithful to live lives of meaning and purpose. The psalm response this Sunday is Peter’s reply to Jesus in John’s gospel. Jesus calls himself the “Bread of Life.” Some followers leave Jesus’ company, but Peter remains faithful, confessing his faith in Jesus’ words as the source of “everlasting life.” When we worship God with our whole hearts, minds, and spirit, our one desire is to remain in close relationship with God. God’s perfect law revives the soul. God’s stable rule guides the simple. God’s just demands delight the heart. God’s clear commands sharpen vision. God’s faultless decrees stand for ever. God’s right judgments keep their truth. Their worth is more than gold, the purest gold; their taste richer than honey, sweet from the comb. [verses taken from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]