Clean Heart (Ps 51:12) by Peggy Bowes

21 Aug Clean Heart (Ps 51:12) by Peggy Bowes

“A clean heart create for me, God; renew within me a steadfast spirit.” ~ Ps 51:12 (full readings)
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Peggy’s Reflections:  To understand the significance of this verse, one must look at the circumstances behind it.  These words were uttered by David, the great king of Israel, after he committed a series of very serious sins.  He lusted after Bathsheba, another man’s wife, sent for her and committed adultery with her.  She becomes pregnant by David while her husband, Uriah, was at war. After trying to cover up for his actions through various schemes, David finally has Uriah put in the front lines of battle, knowing he will be killed.  Yet even after committing these horrible acts, David turns to God and begs for forgiveness, humbly asking for a “clean heart.”  As pro-life advocates, we would do well to remember David and this story, especially when talking to people who have had abortions or pressured someone to have one.  Anyone can turn away from sin, ask for forgiveness, and receive a clean heart.
* Peggy Bowes is the author of The Rosary Workout and co-author of Tending the Temple and Truth for Teens.  She is a former Air Force pilot and loves her current job as wife and mother of two.  Visit www.rosaryworkout.com.

.Faith Challenge:  We may not sin to the extent that David did in the story above, but we do have our habitual sins that inhibit our spiritual growth.  Spend some time this week in front of the Blessed Sacrament and ask God to show you how to overcome the sin that most prevents you from growing in your relationship with Him.  You could start by reading the entire Psalm 51 and the story of David, Bathsheba, and Uriah in 2 Samuel, chapters 11 and 12.

Counter-Culture News: LifeSiteNews, LifeNews, American Family, Vatican, Project Rachel..
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Our Prayers: Pray LIFE Runners Creed to End Abortion.  Add Prayers. Pray with meals, bedtime, wake up, unceasingly. Consider mid-week Family Rosary (17 min). Let’s pray now.
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Feast Day:  St. Pius X
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Faith Quote:  “Truly we are passing through disastrous times, when we may well make our own the lamentation of the Prophet: ‘There is no truth, and there is no mercy, and there is no knowledge of God in the land’ (Hosea 4:1).  Yet in the midst of this tide of evil, the Virgin Most Merciful rises before our eyes like a rainbow, as the arbiter of peace between God and man.” ~ St. Pius X, Pope, statement prior to World War I
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Through Christ our Lord,
Peggy