Kathemerinosatos

Text

Psalm 32:1

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Reflection

This was St Augustine’s favourite psalm, he had it inscribed on the wall next to his bed before he died in order to meditate on it better. We are not told the occasion of this psalm but it is a psalm of penitence as well as rejoicing in the wonders of the grace of God. The word ‘blessed’ can be literally translated, ‘happy’ but this sort of happiness is derived from a divine source. It is not happiness that is derived from doing evil. Why is David saying, “blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sin is covered?” He knew the seriousness of sin and how good it is to be truly forgiven. We live in world where people no longer feel the effects of sin in both their spiritual and physical life. It is now considered fashionable to live with sin but that was not the case with our forefathers. With forgiveness, sin is dealt with; sorrow is comforted; ignorance is instructed. That is the importance of forgiveness and David realized that. Forgiveness is like one in the prison serving a jail term and before it expires you receive presidential amnesty and you are free all of a sudden. How wonderful is such? With sin we live in spiritual prisons though they are no physical barriers and guards to deter our freedom, we are spiritual captives to sin and our freedom of conscience is taken away. Let it be our prayer that we repent our sins and ask for God’s forgiveness. Amen.

Collect

Almighty and everlasting God, you govern all things both in heaven and on earth: Mercifully hear the supplications of your people, and in our time grant us your peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God now and forever. Amen.