From the Friars: How long?

We normally pray Night Prayer in our friary around 8:30pm. On Saturday night, Psalm 4 is the first of the Office. It is a great Psalm to reflect on as we once again begin Advent. “O men, how long will your hearts be closed, will you love what is futile and seek what is false.” (v. 3) This line strikes me to the core. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours over time allows the Psalms to become a part of you. They are mystical, God’s own prayer book.

Around the time we are chanting this Psalm, the customers are filing into the Tavern on Merrimack two doors down from us. It is a neighborhood bar with sports on the TVs and live music occasionally. At closing time there may be some friars unable to sleep due to the loud conversations of those who don’t want the party to end. I shouldn’t complain, although I do, since there was a time when I would have been right there with them, unconcerned about people’s sleep. I loved and sought the false happiness of drunkenness and self-indulgence. Not that all pub-goers are this way. I speak for myself.

But even people who are striving to love God and follow His Law can easily have a divided heart. They continue to love what is futile despite their efforts of self-denial and practice of virtue. Hence, the question “How Long?” still pricks their conscience. Here we see the wisdom of God’s plan. The yearly cycle of the Liturgy brings us back to the basic truths and challenges that we are called to embrace and live. Advent teaches us to love Him Who is the Truth and seek our happiness in His coming.

Here also Psalm 4 is powerful and instructive. “’What can bring us happiness?’ many say. Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord.” (v. 6) The happiest person, the most blessed, is the Mother on the road to Bethlehem who longs to see the face of her Son.

She can say to God about the loud people in the parking lot: “You have put into my heart a greater joy than they have from abundance of corn and new wine.” (v.7)

–Fr. Peter