Catechesis Notes for the Week —Psalm 109:1-21—A Prayer for God to Judge False Witnesses—False witness includes any form of gossip, slander, or malicious statement that destroys another person and refuses to show mercy. The psalmist is attacked by false witnesses. Instead of lashing out against them, he commends them to God to judge them for what they have done and continue to do. It may seem off putting that the psalm would actually pray for God’s judgment upon his accusers. Would not the psalmist and God Himself desire their repentance? Yes! But such repentance often comes through the offender experiencing the same judgement his false witness gives to others. As we pray Psalm 109 we think of our Lord who was falsely accused, but appealed His cause to God. We remember Judas who vacated his apostolic office by his betrayal and impenitence. Finally, we remember His mercy which never fails to preserve and rescue our faith and life, even from the lying lips of those who speak against us.

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