IMAGE FROM Rhodes Jewish Museum
Blessed is the one who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers.
but whose delight is in the law of the Lord,
and who meditates on God’s law day and night
Psalm 1, 1-2
What comes to mind when you hear the word “law?” Traffic regulations? Tomes of legal statutes? Rules that you cannot break without suffering consequences? Laws, unless changed by legislation or edict, are static and guide individual and societal behavior.
Such definitions come quickly to a modern, western mind, but not to an ancient Hebrew one. To them, law (or Torah) was given by God not only to regulate their behavior, but also to help them become a wise people. (see Dictionary of Biblical Theology by Xavier Leon Dufour)
The Law was not static, but developed as Hebrew history unfolded. By the time the Israelites had returned from Exile and the Psalms were written, “law” was equated with “Wisdom,” and to love the Law was to love God.
It is in that spirit that I read today’s Psalm. I cannot imagine meditating on a long, dry list of rules and regulations, but I can imagine spending time, especially during Lent, reading deeply Scripture, the living Word, which draws me into a conversation with the Holy One. If I approach Scripture with an open heart and a quiet mind, Wisdom can reveal herself to me right where I am: Lent 2010. With all its complications and challenges, its joys and sorrows.
The great, ancient prayer of Lectio Divina, often connected with the Benedictine tradition, though universal in its appeal, is a good way to approach Scripture this season. Meditate on it, carry it in your heart, and be still to hear Wisdom speaking in your deepest center.
© 2010 Mary van Balen
Speak Your Mind