Justin Appel

Dear Friends in Christ,

Today’s readings incorporate several sections of Psalm 119. I am moved by the first segment, entitled “Quoph,” by its description of a prayerful posture.

“I call with my whole heart;
answer me, O Lord, that I may keep your statues.”

This compact verse describes being “all in” with one’s faith, of seeking God intensely and with intention. One seeks God’s presence in order to do what he asks of us.

“Early in the morning I cry out to you,
for in your word is my trust.”

Ultimately, I will value what I prioritize, and I will become what I love.

“My eyes are open in the night watches,
that I may meditate upon your promise.”

This verse brings to mind St John of the Cross’ poem, Dark Night of the Soul:

“In darkness, and secure,
by the secret ladder, disguised,
—ah, the sheer grace!—
in darkness and concealment…

O guiding night!
O night more lovely than the dawn!”

These verses suggest a special connection between nighttime prayer and God’s presence, a dynamic which all of us may discover with time and purposeful attention—and perhaps, insomnia.

“They draw near who in malice persecute me;
they are very far from your law.
You, O Lord, are near at hand,
and all of your commandments are true.”

Understood typologically, we know that our enemies are always close at hand—at our very elbow, as it were. My sins, which are a failure to be present to God, plague my every step, and death waits just around the corner. But if adversaries lurk nearby, God is also close, and closer than these if we dwell in him and if he abides in us.

Here is a choral setting of two stanzas of St John of the Cross’ poem:

Dark Night and Luminous Night, Ola Gjeilo

Yours in Christ,

—Justin