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Beatus vir qui non abiit

February 23, 2023

Deuteronomy 30:15-20  |  Psalm 1  |  Luke 9:18-25

Reading and comprehending scripture is usually a challenge for me, I often find myself confused and overwhelmed. I find it difficult to understand and I often feel as though I am just not getting it. What is the lesson? What am I supposed to learn? What are my next steps?

Psalm 1 Beatus vir quil non abitt, (which translates to “Blessed is the man who is not gone”, according to Google Translate.) No surprise, I found myself once again, confused, and overwhelmed. Upon further research, evidently the phrase more fully translates to “Blessed is the man who has not gone astray.” Which is a bit more understandable but no less overwhelming. I am constantly going astray!

At first reading, it seemed to me, you will be blessed as long as you never do anything wrong…never associate with sinners, only think about the “law of the Lord” 24 / 7, and remember, God is watching and those who are “wicked” are “doomed”. Well that is comforting….Not!

However, I don’t think that is the message, upon further reflection, I don’t think it is an all or nothing proposition with God. I don’t believe I have to do everything right all the time in order to be worthy of God’s love. God is Love, God loves me and you….full stop.

I believe and take great comfort in knowing that God is always present and with me, with all of us, always. Yes, the world is full of darkness and evil, yes I will continue to stumble along on my journey in this life. Nevertheless, God is there, always there. And we are constantly reminded of God’s love, if only we take the time to pay attention. No matter how inadequate and hopeless I may feel, I can still find joy and hope in God’s presence. I am incredibly grateful that I do not have to do this alone. I am blessed to have my Gary, our beautiful St. Luke’s community and most importantly God’s help to inspire and guide me along my faith journey.

Joseph Gomes