August 4, 2012 – Psalms 12 – 15


12 – Evil Tongues - We have the imagery of purification with silver being refined. Here it is in regards to the promises of God. This is in comparison to the words or promises of the world. They are deceitful and boastful but offer nothing in the long run. It is a great comparison in thinking of the teachings on sex by the Catholic Church and the lessons the world teaches about sex. What the world teaches is a lie and a deceit that causes pain and suffering. The Church’s teaching bring life, happiness and fulfillment.

13 – Time of Illness – Here we have a call to the Lord for help from their situation. Some may look at this and see it as contrary to what Job would say in his suffering. I disagree. The main point in Job, at least the first statement we have gotten to, is about trust in God and being faithful. Here, even though they are asking for healing and to become better, verse 6 says “I trust in [God’s] faithfulness. This Psalm is also about trusting in the Lord during suffering.

14 – Widespread Corruption – Verse 3 I have heard argued disproves the Catholic teaching on Mary being sinless because it says “Not one does what is right, not even one.” Beyond the obvious that this was written before Mary, I don’t think in the context of the Psalm it is trying to make a statement about individuals but the evils in the world. If you took this as meaning no person on Earth was ever sinless would be looking at Adam and Eve before the fall, Jesus was human and on the Earth, and all the countless holy men and women that have lived. I just don’t see that verse being meant as what it is sometimes stretched out to contradict.

15 – Righteous Israelite – If you read 14:3 to mean no one on Earth could ever be worthy and all going astray, what is the point of Psalm 15 which describes the Holy person.