Reflections
Psalm 34: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (Read)
“When the poor one called out, the Lord heard,
and from all his distress He saved him.”
Just as the Lord delivers St Peter from his
captors (1st reading), so He delivers us from
whatever sinful habits hold us captive.
“Let my soul glory in the Lord; that the poor
may hear and be glad.” The word poor is
said to apply to one who depends completely
on God for his deliverance and his very life.
That’s where St Peter stood also in the early
stages of his apostolic journey, totally dependent
on God for the strength to walk the walk that
was planned for him (1st reading, Acts 12: 1-11).
And if the truth is to be known, that’s where
we stand even today, when we are short of
endurance along our spiritual journey.
Fortunately, God provides the inner strength
we need to complete our own spiritual journey
when we get bogged down.
Our psalmist David recounts for us how he gained
deliverance, “I sought the Lord, who answered me,
and delivered me from all my fears.” Despite the
anguish in David’s voice, the Psalm's verses speak
of a promise of joy, “Look to God that you may be
radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame.”
In Sunday's 2nd reading St Paul is rescued from the lion's
mouth and is empowered by the Lord to finish the race, to
keep the faith, to complete the proclamation. In his own words,
“The Lord stood by me and gave me strength.” (2 Tim 4: 6-8, 17-18)
The Psalm assures us that our prayers are heard if we have
a right relationship with the Lord, “The angel of the Lord will
rescue those who fear him.” This verse is David's affirmation
of total confidence. The angel of the Lord will be sent to deliver
the poor one who cries out. Both Saints Peter and Paul
know how weak they really are, but given their trust in God's
strength, both saints know the happiness of taking refuge in God.
We follow in their footsteps, “Blessed the man who takes
refuge in the Lord.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm's verses speak of the comfort that we
obtain by taking refuge in the Lord. Speak of how
you have tasted and seen how good the Lord is when
you seek His deliverance.
2. Our psalmist prays that his soul will glory in the Lord,
that the lowly will hear him and be glad. Tell of how you
have given witness to those who are struggling spiritually.
The man who seeks the Lord is the man who feels that he needs Him. He is under a sense of need—a need which he could hardly describe, but which, nevertheless, weighs very heavily upon him.
ReplyDeleteThe answer to that is,“The Lord is good to the soul that seeks Him.”
God wants us to discover Him, perceive Him, see Him, and experience Him through relationship with Him. He wants us to know that we can trust Him. His character is love, kindness, mercy, faithfulness; He only does what is right and just.
Oh Lord you have been so good to me throughout my years, You are my Shepherd. I trust you, I seek you and I need you. You are always there for me. Thank you O Lord.
When I started to lead the Christian life, my knowledge of God was vague and partial. Now, as a more mature Christian I can taste how good God is. I know that the angel of the Lord will be sent out to deliver me when I cry out in time of trouble.
ReplyDeleteHe provides inner strength and endurance along my spiritual journey. He will help me to complete my own spiritual journey as He helped Saints Paul and Peter during their journeys on earth.
When I pray from the bottom of my heart, He will deliver me from my sinful actions and set me free from the snare of the evil one. He leads me out of the darkness into the light. I tasted the Lord and He is good and merciful. He bestowed on me His goodness and blessings. I trust in His love for me.