Psalm 40

 LECTIO:        Ps 40:2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10

Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

I have waited, waited for the LORD,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not,
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you, O LORD, know.
Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

STUDIUM:

The psalm begins waiting.  Either the people are captives in Babylon or they have just been released from exile. It was the practice to pierce ears as a sign of servitude to a master. But as followers of the true Lord, "ears are open" to You, O Lord.  This psalm is both one of thanksgiving and also of supplication, which is unusual, we now have a new work, stressing loyalty, and service.

MEDITATIO:

As I think over the times, I've cried out to You, my Lord, I can only see the times You came to help me.  Surely there were times, You didn't come.  Weren't there?  I don't remember any.  I'm sure there are many times You answered in mysterious ways, that later resulted for the best.  Maybe, it's good that I can only remember Your help, because You promised to always answer prayers and I believe You do.

ORATIO:

It is in my heart to do Your Will.  That's why I am a Lay Dominican.  

CONTEMPLATIO:

Here I am, Lord.

Love is Evident

Since I'm the lector for the Second Sunday in Ordinary Time, I will be proclaiming the Responsorial Psalm.  To understand it the best that I am able, I am doing a Lectio Divina on it. This is the selection:

Lectio: Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10.

R.     Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.       

I have waited, waited for the Lord,
and he stooped toward me and heard my cry.
And he put a new song into my mouth,
a hymn to our God.

Sacrifice or offering you wished not
but ears open to obedience you gave me.
Holocausts or sin-offerings you sought not;
then said I, "Behold I come."

"In the written scroll it is prescribed for me,
to do your will, O my God, is my delight,
and your law is within my heart!"

I announced your justice in the vast assembly;
I did not restrain my lips, as you,
O Lord, know.

Studium:

These verses are only selections from Psalm 40.  The psalm in its entirety sings of the experiences of being exiled.  Temple sacrifices are helpful but the worship of God needs expressions of love.  Psalm 40 also has supplication and thanksgiving.  These expressions speak of interior postures for the type of worship God wants.

The beginning has the psalmist listening to God.  His prayers are being answered.  He is learning the type of worship God desires.  Praise and glory to God, express the correct thanksgiving and love.  Obedience to God's commandments is his due.  The psalmist delights in pleasing God.

Meditatio

Everything I have is given by the Lord.  All my talents, gifts, family, etc. are freely given and due through the grace of God.  Of course, I owe Him everything; it's His to begin with.  And what does He want in return?  He asks for obedience to His Will.  Following His way with love of Him is the best I can do.

Oratio:

Lord, Jesus Christ, I owe you everything I am.  I give you thanks and praise.  The least I can do for you is obey your commandments and teachings.  Help me hear Your voice, O Lord.  I come to do Your will.

Contemplatio:

Glory and praise to You, O Lord.  Pleasing You is all I desire.