Scripture:
“Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
- Psalms 51:2 NIV 

Growing up as a Catholic altar boy, I heard the above words countless times.  These are the words that a priest says as the altar boy pours water over his hands prior to the priest lifting the Eucharist and raising the Cup.  Depending upon the priest, these words are either said aloud to the congregation or whispered more quietly.  Either way, as an altar boy, l had a “ring side seat” and heard them at every mass that I served.  “Wash away my iniquity and cleanse me from my sins.”  I assumed that these words reflected both a remembrance of Pontius Pilate “washing his hands” of the crucifixion decision, as well as acknowledgement of the priest’s sinfulness and a plea for cleansing prior to the sacrament of communion. 

I recently took a fresh read of Psalm 51 in its entirety to see if I might find more.  (It turns out that there are 19 verses; not just the one that I heard regularly!) The Message version of this chapter was certainly a different perspective.  It’s always helpful to hear plain language like “scrub away my guilt”; “don’t look too close for blemishes”; “give me a clean bill of health” and — perhaps most appropriate for me: “Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you.” 

Psalm 51 reminds us that having Christ in us (and not just through ingestion of Communion), can allow pure white cleansing to take place.  Yet, there is the acknowledgment that, as humans, we will regularly return to sin — and we need to remember to return to the Lord and ask for His forgiveness.  Lastly, Psalm 51 reminds us to avoid the temptation to fall into routine, rote prayer.  Return to the Lord with a contrite heart — and in your own words — to ask for His forgiveness and grace.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we ask that you forgive us our sins.  We pray that we can become more Christ-like and avoid the temptation of sin each and every day.  Knowing that cleansing can only come through You, remind us to be in continuous conversation with You. In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.