Always Hopeful

The world is utterly chaotic, and I for one moment cannot deny that fact, but I can also say that in this chaotic world that I find peace. However, I wish not so much to focus upon peace as hope.

As I recited the Divine Office, I am quite often moved by many of Psalms, but one that stands out today in my mind is Psalm 35 [36] from Lauds:

Ant. O Lord * thy mercy is in heaven
Psalm 35 [3]
35:1 The unjust hath said within himself, that he would sin: * there is no fear of God before his eyes.
35:2 For in his sight he hath done deceitfully, * that his iniquity may be found unto hatred.
35:3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and guile: * he would not understand that he might do well.
35:4 He hath devised iniquity on his bed, * he hath set himself on every way that is not good: but evil he hath not hated.
35:5 O Lord, thy mercy is in heaven, * and thy truth reacheth even to the clouds.
35:6 Thy justice is as the mountains of God, * thy judgments are a great deep.
35:7 Men and beasts thou wilt preserve, O Lord: * O how hast thou multiplied thy mercy, O God!
35:8 But the children of men * shall put their trust under the covert of thy wings.
35:9 They shall be inebriated with the plenty of thy house; * and thou shalt make them drink of the torrent of thy pleasure.
35:10 For with thee is the fountain of life; * and in thy light we shall see light.
35:11 Extend thy mercy to them that know thee, * and thy justice to them that are right in heart.
35:12 Let not the foot of pride come to me, * and let not the hand of the sinner move me.
35:13 There the workers of iniquity are fallen, * they are cast out, and could not stand.
V. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost.
R. As it was in the beginning, is now, * and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

Ant. O Lord * thy mercy is in heaven

I think as a Christian, how can I not be full of hope and strength reading these words knowing that despite all that happens around me and being surrounded by those who choose to do evil that my Lord and God will protect me; judge me; and bestow His mercy upon His servants.

There may be many who curse God and plot evil, and in this life they may seem to carry on without penalty, but they will have to answer for their hatred and pride, so while they may mock the Christian for following the precepts of God, their mockery is in vain, for they will have to answer to Him, especially for choosing the way of the world over the path which embraces moral virtues.

Always remember, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with thy whole heart, and with thy whole soul, and with thy whole mind." (Mt. 22:37). Therefore, serve your Lord in all that you do and be not deterred by the world. He is always with us.

God bless you.
Feast of Saint Vincent De Paul