psalm 119 - love god's word - 19th week tuesday

Today we read Psalm 119.  It is the longest psalm with 176 verses, and therefore it is also the longest chapter in the bible.  In the bible length is always an indication that something is very important.  If you have listened carefully in the reading of the psalm you will hear different words but always referring to the same thing - decrees, laws, commands, promises.  These words refer only to one thing - God's word, as we read these in scriptures, in our bibles.  And the words used to describe the feeling that accompanies reading or hearing God's words are – they are riches, delights, precious like gold and silver, sweet to the palate, sweeter than honey, they are my inheritance, the joy of my heart, to yearn for it with open mouth.  This psalm is praise of God's instructions, a praise of the torah, a praise of God's word. 

Let's do some reality check:  do you long for God's word like the psalmist who describes his desire for it as a yearning with open mouth?  When you came to mass today is it with the thought nga, ano na man ini ayhan ang word ni Lord para sa akon?  Is listening to God's word valued as precious as gold and silver, that I have to pay attention to it less I lose it, less I miss a word or a thought?  Is there a craving for God's word like craving for sweetness as you look at those cakes in a refrigerated counter even and especially if you have diabetes?  Is there a craving?  Do you allow God's word to affect you more than you allow newspapers to affect you?  When you need advice or counsel do you also consult what the bible has to say?

Last week I narrated to seminarians how, when I was in high school, at that time when our study periods were really very, very strict – you cannot talk, you cannot stand, you cannot even lean to borrow something - whenever I feel bored from studying I would take my bible and read.  And I notice then that when I read my bible I get good grades during exams.  Of course I studied my lessons.  But whenever I read the bible after studying my lessons, I notice, I get better grades.  I don't know why but I think Psalm 119 is pointing to something here.  You will be blessed when you make God's word a priority.  You will be happy when you have the word of God in your heart.  You will feel secure in God because of the assurances of his words.  I do not know if some miracle was at work then, but probably if I have to explain it scientifically I feel confident facing the exam whenever I read God's word.  I approach the exams more secure, more confident, more upbeat because I can claim God's promises because I have made God's word a priority in my life.

This is what the psalm is encouraging us – an interest for God's word.  You don't have to have to be an expert in order to have a grasp and then a love for the word of God.  Read the bible, love your bible.  Listen because when you listen intently you will always hear something new.  Love God's word.