Psalm for Sunday, May 21, 2017

Reflections
 
Psalm 66: 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20  (Read)

“Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”

The Psalm celebrates the awesome power 
of God, manifest in “His tremendous deeds 
among the children of Adam.” Our psalmist 
recalls the dividing of the Red Sea, which 
delivered Israel from the Egyptians, by the
favor of God.  That same awesome power 
that split the Red Sea became available 
to the early apostles of the Church, as they 
went about healing and doing signs and 
wonders.

Where does that power come from to heal 
the lame and drive out unclean spirits?   
It comes from the Holy Spirit, who accomplishes 
in each of us a spiritual resurrection.

No wonder those early believers in Samaria 
were eager to have St Peter and St John lay 
hands on them so they could receive the Holy 
Spirit (Sunday's 1st reading, Acts 8: 14,17). 
In response, they cry out to God with joy, as our 
psalmist says, “Let all the earth cry out to God 
with joy.”

We too cannot help but sing praise to God 
when we feel His presence within us.  In Sunday's 
Gospel (John 14:16-18) our Savior promises that 
He will not leave us spiritual orphans.  Rather, 
He assures us that we are in Him and He is in us.
We proclaim His glorious praise, and we on earth 
worship Him.  We want all the earth to know what 
God has done for us; as the Psalm says, we shout 
joyfully to God and proclaim His glorious praise.

Amen


Discussion Questions for Reflection  

 1.  The Psalm urges us to say to God, "How tremendous are your deeds!" 
Speak of the Lord's awesome works in your life and how you go about praising Him.

2.  Our psalmist blesses God who "refused me not."  Tell of how your petitions and 
prayers have been answered by the Lord.