Hermits use the Psalms as a source of spiritual nourishment and guidance

This practice is the same as a call to prayer in a solicitous manner as did Elijah and John the Baptist. If one wants to find that same solitude as the prophets before us, take time to read the Psalms; carefully and absorb the message so clearly written for anyone who may be alone or in a time of doubt.

As the Office of readings for Advent begins the first three psalms are 1, 2, and 3. Read Psalms # 1 - 3 as printed in the Office and glean the depth of the first psalm; Happy indeed is the man who follows not the council of the wicked; nor lingers in the way of sinners. This first brief sentence is food for thought in the current social permissiveness that cruises our streets and the school systems of a socialist type of indoctrination. (Ps 1: 1, 4 - 6).

For they (the proponents of a growing evil towards Christians and Jews) like winnowed chaff shall be driven away by the wind. When the wicked are judged they shall not stand, nor find room among those who are just; for the Lord guards the way of the just but the way of the wicked lead to doom.

Promises of the final vestige as Christ returns to bring judgment upon the evil-doers of his people. “Then I saw the heavens opened, and there was a white horse; its rider was called “Faithful and True.” He judges and wages war in righteousness. He has a name written on his cloak and on his thigh, “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Rv 19: 11, 16).

Since the psalms were composed for liturgical worship they followed distinct patterns or literary forms. The hymn is a song of praise and fits well into the season of Advent.

“The Lord said to me: “You are my Son. It is I who have begotten you this day.” Now, O kings, understand, take warning, rulers of the earth; serve the Lord with awe and trembling, pay him your homage lest he be angry and you perish; for suddenly his anger will blaze. Blessed are they who put their trust in God. (Ps 2: 7, 10 - 11).

I lie down to rest and I sleep. I wake, for the Lord upholds me. I will not fear even the thousands of people who are ranged on every side against me. Arise , Lord; save me my God, you who strike all my foes on the mouth, who break the teeth of the wicked! O Lord of salvation, bless your people. (Ps 3: 6 - 9).

These three psalms bring into the season of Advent the premise of our Savior as he comes to save his people and to become the warrior of God’s final judgment on the enemies of righteousness and the wrath of their final sentence. “You are just, O Holy One, who are and who were, in passing sentence. For they have shed blood of the holy ones and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink; it is what they deserve.” Then I heard the altar cry out, “Yes Lord God almighty, your judgments are true and just.” (Rv 16: 4 - 7).

What Advent and Christmas begin, Revelation and God’s judgment completes.

Ralph B. Hathaway