The Mouths of the Liars

Psalm 63 is one of my favorites. It is a psalm of David when he was in the Desert of Judah. I often turn to it when I am troubled and read the verses over and over. It is a tonic for me. While reading it the other day I came to meditate on its final verse, “the mouths of the liars will be silenced.” Thousands are dying each day of Covid-19 and yet some politicians, pundits and citizens are spreading misinformation designed to create doubt of its deadliness. Some of these people are driven by greed. Others believe they are immune. Some see quarantine, lock down and social distancing as anathema. Other see these new regulations as infringement on their civil liberties. Whatever their beef they are spreading lies and falsehoods which put the lives of everyone in danger.

Many years ago I read this quote from Hebrews.

The word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 4:12


If Hebrews is correct then perhaps there is power in Psalm 63 too and the mouths of the liars will be silenced. In the meantime, wear a mask, keep your distance, pray for each other.

According to each one’s need

Much has been made of Senator Obama’s plan to tax the rich and give it to the middle class and poor in this country. Senator McCain and members of the Republican party are calling Senator Obama a socialst, marxist and in some circles a communist. Actually Senator Obama’s plan is more akin to early Christianity when Christians still acted like Christ.

All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their property and possessions and divide them among all according to each one’s need.–Acts 2:45-46

The party of family values and supposed Christian ideals are actually attacking a man over a principle found in the Bible. We’re supposed to be helping each other here on the planet. It’s not all about making money. The message of Jesus is about radical mercy and forgiveness. It’s not about judgment and condemnation and grabbing all you can for yourself and to hell with the other guy.

Love is the fulfilment of the law

Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment, are summed up in this word, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.

Romans 12:8-10

Who are our partners?

Today is the Feast of the Epiphany and also my brother’s 54th birthday. I called him on my drive over to Mt. Irenaeus for this morning Mass to wish him a Happy Birthday. I had sent him a couple of cards but I decided this morning that I would risk waking him on my way to Mass. Light fog and rain seem to ad to the mystical quality of holy places. Continue reading “Who are our partners?”