Catechesis Notes for the Week — The Week of Judica— “Vindicate…”—The Latin title for this week in Lent is “Judica” which means “judge” or better translated “vindicate me.” It is taken from the Introit for the Sunday: “Vindicate me, O God, and plead (or defend) my cause against an ungodly nation; Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!” (Psalm 43:1-2) There are times in life in which evil and deceit are perpetrated against us by wicked and deceitful people. Jesus endured all such injustices for us from those who hated His ministry of mercy. At such times, we are called to entrust ourselves to God. We identify with our Lord and draw our strength and comfort from Him who endured all manner of injustice for us. In the end, and for Jesus’ sake, He will vindicate His people and plead their case against the ungodly. In the end, God will bring forth justice for the oppressed, and right all wrongs at the last.

“Vindicate me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;

Oh, deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man!

For You are the God of my strength.

Oh, send out Your light and Your truth! Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacle.

Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy; and on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God.

Why are you cast down, O my soul?

And why are you disquieted within me?

Hope in God; for I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God.”

(Psalm 43:1-2a; Psalm 43:3-5)CP220403