The heavens are telling the glory of God;
and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.
Day to day pours forth speech,
and night to night declares knowledge.
There is no speech, nor are there words;
their voice is not heard;
yet their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.
In them he has set a tent for the sun,
which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber,
and like a strong man runs its course with joy. - Ps 6, 1-5
In the context of listening, this wonderful scripture passage takes on a fresh new meaning. Without speech, without words, we must listen to the proclaimed glory of God, which he speaks to us through the marvels of creation.
The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul;
the testimony of the LORD is sure,
making wise the simple;
the precepts of the LORD are right,
rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the LORD is pure,
enlightening the eyes;
the fear of the LORD is clean,
enduring for ever;
the ordinances of the LORD are true,
and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold,
even much fine gold;
sweeter also than honey
and drippings of the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned;
in keeping them there is great reward.
But who can discern his errors?
Clear thou me from hidden faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me!
Then I shall be blameless,
and innocent of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in thy sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. - Ps 19, 7-14
Verses 7-10 are quite familiar through frequent use in the Mass, but the rest of this great psalm is the whole point! Of course, none of us are innocent of transgression, but the Lord keeps us from failing greatly when we are heedful of his word. But the greatest reward is that by listening to God we begin to know him, and there is no greater gift God has to give us than his very self.
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