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God can then create in each of us the clean heart—Meditation for Monday in Holy Week

Psalm 51: This wonderful psalm speaks of repentance, remorse and reconciliation to God. It reminds us of our sinful natures over and over again. My selfish nature, which has been a part of me since I was old enough to express it, is highlighted. It is not surprising that this psalm is a part of our Ash Wednesday liturgy and it closes the darkness in the beautiful Tenebrae liturgy which many of our churches offer this week. We will remember Jesus washing the disciples’ feet this Thursday. In this psalm we ask God to wash us through and through from our wickedness and to cleanse us from our sins. Once cleansed God can then create in each of us the clean heart we request.

Who is going to do this washing, this cleansing? Are these words just words? Or could you go intentionally to the water and wash yourself in prayer so that you feel God’s cleaning hands upon you, removing that sin, and helping you to be reconciled to God. Doing this may enable you to know you are recreated with the risen Christ. As you celebrate the day of resurrection on Sunday.

The readings for Monday in Holy Week are Psalm 51:1-18(19-20); Lam. 1:1-2,6-12; 2 Cor. 1:1-7; Mark 11:12-25; and can be found at satucket.com/lectionary/2holywk.htm#Monday.

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