March 31

Psalm 51 Verse 18: The sacrifice of God is a troubled spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

The last verse of Palm 51 sums up everything very well. If only we humans felt remorse for the things we do which cause harm to others. Some of these actions aren’t very big, but the repercussions become an intricate web of harmful events destroying our own lives and those affected by our initial action. We think we can handle one time, but it leads to another and then another until we are caught in the web spun by deceit and lies. Sometimes we think we are doing a good deed for another person, but it unleashes a string of misfortune and sadness, not intended at all, but harmful nonetheless. So how do we act when we realize our wrongful actions? Do we say “Oh, well, not my fault.” Or do skulk away hoping no one notices? Should rant about the stupidity of the other person who couldn’t keep it together? How about we just shrug our shoulders and say “Oops.” The last verse of Psalm 51 contains an important message for all of humanity. We should be troubled by our actions done and left undone. We must break our hardened hearts. A person who is contrite about living a sinful life will be welcomed by God. We do not need to sacrifice burnt offerings. We do not need to pay penance to the church or temple or synagogue or mosque. We must not ignore the fact that we are who we are, but we can sacrifice our own desires and lusts for power, ego, money, and control by letting go of these earthy temptations. Open your hearts to God’s Holy Spirit. Enter into life with God, Yahweh, Allah, the Great Spirit, or whatever you personally call the one true God who rules over all of us. Sacrifice your heart and spirit. You will not be despised.