The Roots of God's Justice

Transgression speaks to the wicked deep in their hearts; there is no fear of God before their eyes.

For they flatter themselves in their own eyes that their iniquity cannot be found out and hated.

The words of their mouths are mischief and deceit; they have ceased to act wisely and do good.

They plot mischief while on their beds; they are set on a way that is not good; they do not reject evil.

Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your judgments are like the great deep; you save humans and animals alike, O Lord.

—Psalm 36:1-6

Sinners and sin speak the same language. When the proud go deep and find the seat of their pride, they are satisfied. The pleasure they gain from their selfishness will never be called out, they think. They have everything they want and most of what others need, leaving the world unbalanced in their favor.

God's love and goodness are found far above the skies the wicked would pollute; the roots of God's justice thrive beneath the earth and water they would exploit for their selfish gains. Blessed as they are by those who use God's Name in vain, the greedy at the top echelons of both business and government believe they have no one and nothing to answer to but their money. But God's salvation will come—not just for people, but for all of creation. What then for those who have sought salvation elsewhere?

Send forth your Spirit, Lord, and renew the face of the earth. Amen.