Repaying the Lord

For Evening Prayer II on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ, we read psalm 116. As the psalmist speaks of what God has done for him, saved him in time of trouble, protected him in danger, heard his cry, he comes to this wonderful sentence: How can I repay the Lord for all the good done for me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord.

The concept is wonderfully enlightening. God is good. How do we repay him? By giving our lives to serve him, by offering that life up to him, by calling on his name in confidence. The psalmist does not try to compete with God's goodness. He only tries to accept it by turning even more to the Lord.

Often we are given a spirituality that suggests God has given us much and expects pain and suffering in return as a proof of our gratitude. Yet, we know in scripture that God doesn't seek "sacrifice or oblation", but a heart open to his grace. The difference is in the realization that God doesn't need us; he WANTS us. He is quite sufficient unto himself. He desires our companionship because he is good. We do not add anything to God or Jesus or heaven. But by opening ourselves to God, he adds to our lives, souls, hearts and minds. It isnt' that simple: opening to God requires attention, attitude, simplicity, desire. These are the gifts God looks for.

I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the Lord's name, the psalmist says. This is my gratitude to all the lord has done for me. It should become our mantra.