When someone is completely permeated with the love of God, the brightness of his soul is reflected by his whole personality as if in a mirror. (John Climacus)

For several years Psalm 45 has annoyed me. It is a royal wedding song and describes the groom as:

You are the most handsome of men; fair speech has graced your lips, for God has blessed you forever.

Gird your sword upon your hip, mighty warrior! In splendor and majesty ride on triumphant!

In the cause of truth and justice may your right hand show you wondrous deeds.

I am not handsome, triumphant, or a doer of wondrous deeds. On my most difficult days the text seemed meant to taunt me. And it is regularly repeated in the list of readings.

As the psalm has reappeared in recent months I have begun to wonder if my sour response should push me to more careful reflection.

How might I love God so completely that I could reflect divine beauty, triumph, and wonder?