Our Lady of Angels Association

by Michael January 9, 2013

Malicious witnesses come forward, accuse me of things I do not know.
They repay me evil for good and I am all alone.
Yet I, when they were ill, put on sack-cloth, afflicted myself with fasting,
sobbed my prayers upon my bosom.
I went about in grief as for my brother, bent in mourning as for my mother.
Yet when I stumbled they gathered with glee; they gathered against me like strangers.
They slandered me without ceasing; without respect they mocked me,
gnashed their teeth against me.

Take care, brothers, that none of you may have an evil and unfaithful heart, so as to forsake the living God. Encourage yourselves daily while it is still “today,” so that none of you may grow hardened by the deceit of sin. We have become partners of Christ if only we hold the beginning of the reality firm until the end, for it is said: “Oh, that today you would hear his voice: ‘Harden not your hearts as at the rebellion.’”

Hebrews 3:12-15

Like Mount Zion are they who trust in the Lord, unshakable, forever enduring. As mountains surround Jerusalem, the Lord surrounds his people both now and forever. The scepter of the wicked will not prevail in the land given to the just, lest the just themselves turn their hands to evil. Do good, Lord, to the good, to those who are upright of heart. But those who turn aside to crooked ways may the Lord send them down with the wicked. Peace upon Israel.

Psalm 125

Do not love the world or the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life, is not from the Father but is from the world. Yet the world and its enticement are passing away. But whoever does the will of God remains forever.

I John 2:15-17

I said, “I will watch my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will set a curb on my mouth.” Dumb and silent before the wicked, I refrained from any speech. But my sorrow increased; my heart smoldered within me. In my thoughts a fire blazed up, and I broke into speech: Lord, let me know my end, the number of my days, that I may learn how frail I am. You have given my days a very short span; my life is as nothing before you. All mortals are but a breath.

Psalm 39:1-6

I love the Lord, who listened to my voice in supplication, who turned an ear to me on the day I called. I was caught by the cords of death; the snares of Sheol had seized me; I felt agony and dread. Then I called on the name of the Lord, “O Lord, save my life!” Gracious is the Lord and just; yes, our God is merciful. The Lord protects the simple; I was helpless, but God saved me. Return, my soul, to your rest; the Lord has been good to you. For my soul has been freed from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I shall walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

Psalm 116:1-9

Answer when I call, my saving God. In my troubles, you cleared a way; show me favor; hear my prayer. Know that the Lord works wonders for the faithful; the Lord hears when I call out. Tremble and do not sin; upon your beds ponder in silence. Offer fitting sacrifice and trust in the Lord. But you have given my heart more joy than they have when grain and wine abound. In peace I shall both lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me secure.

Psalm 4:2, 4-6, 8-9

I am wearied with sighting; all night long tears drench my bed; my couch is soaked with weeping; My eyes are dimmed with sorrow, worn out because of my foes. Away from me, all who do evil! The Lord has heard my weeping. The Lord has heard my prayer; the Lord takes up my plea. My foes will be terrified and disgraced; all will fall back in sudden shame.

Psalm 6 continued – verses 7-11

Insult has broken my heart, and I am weak; I looked for compassion, but there was none. for comforters, but found none. Instead they put gall in my food; for my thirst they gave me vinegar. But I am afflicted and in pain; let your saving help protect me, God, that I may praise God’s name in song and glorify it with thanksgiving. My song will please the Lord more than oxen, more than bullocks with horns and hooves: “See, you lowly ones, and be glad; you who seek God, take heart! for the Lord hears the poor, does not spurn those in bondage. Let the heavens and the earth sings praise, the seas and whatever moves in them.”

Psalm 69 continued – verses 21-22; 30-35

Lord, teach me the way of your laws; I shall observe them with care. Give me insight to observe your teaching, to keep it with all my heart. Lead me in the path of your commands, for that is my delight. Direct my heart toward your decrees and away from unjust gain. Avert my eyes from what is worthless; by your way give me life. For your servant fulfill your promise made to those who fear you. Turn away from me the taunts I dread, for your edicts bring good. See how I long for your precepts; in your justice give me life.

Psalm 119 continued – verses 33-40

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, then we thought we were dreaming. Our mouths were filled with laughter; our tongues sang for joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” The Lord had done great things for us; oh, how happy we were! Restore again our fortunes, Lord, like the dry stream beds of the Negeb. Those who sow in tears will reap with cries of joy. Those who go forth weeping, carrying sacks of seed, will return with cries of joy, carrying their bundled sheaves.

Psalm 126