Thoughts on Psalm 119

I always feel ambivalent about this Psalm. Part of me really struggles with the exhortation to read scripture as “law”, a set of moral codes to live by. God forbids this and allows this kind of stuff. I struggle with that.

But I also read it as an invitation to love scripture, to have a great passion for scripture, to read it as life giving and world changing. Francis was passionate in his love for scripture, especially the gospels. I hear the ongoing call to be in love with scripture, to spend time each day immersed in scripture, to need scripture and God more than I need water or food. I respond to that. I desire that.

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