The Mood Changes

Psalm 15    New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition

O Lord, who may abide in your tent?
Who may dwell on your holy hill?

Those who walk blamelessly and do what is right
and speak the truth from their heart;
who do not slander with their tongue
and do no evil to their friends
nor heap shame upon their neighbors;
in whose eyes the wicked are despised
but who honor those who fear the Lord;
who stand by their oath even to their hurt;
who do not lend money at interest
and do not take a bribe against the innocent.

Those who do these things shall never be moved.

Reflection

Yes, this holy song poem starts off like it is going to reflect upon the spiritual path towards deeper spiritual intimacy with God. Then, it seems like someone must have stolen the quill, because what follows are a list of practical everyday matters that seem more ethical than spiritual. The ending verses of the list are extraordinarily justice minded. So much that, the beginning question of who can ascend God's holy hill seems rhetorical. No one lends without interest as a regular practice (zero interest loans are real, but go beyond the prescribed terms and the interest jumps up faster than a cat headed for the top of the fridge). Banks wouldn't
exist without interest rates. The modern market economy wouldn't be cooled without the Fed raising interest in this period of inflation. This is largely driven by big players making money against the plight of the poor--bribes against the innocent is surely a part.

"So then, who can be saved?" I imagine the disciples ask Jesus when discussing this Psalm. What do you hear him answer to us? Do you loan to those that might need it without interest or penalty? This is, by the way, not just a solitary line in a song poem. You can't just refer to it as a music interlude in worship from a writer who got a little carried away trying to make the Hebrew rhyme nicely. No, this is a standard Bible money matter. Don't take advantage of those who are poor. Predatory lending is the target of prohibition.

Ethics and justice do relate to spiritual closeness with God. Such works of love and care for neighbor are a natural outgrowth. Lean in far enough to hear the heartbeat and you learn that it beats for you, for others, for the way of love and for all those who are poor, oppressed or pushed aside.   

Dear God,

We thank you for your great and Holy Word.

We praise you for your goodness and fairness.

We cherish your gift of love and your way of peace.

We long to know you more and to be a part of your generous presence in the world.

Amen.