Monday, August 14, 2017

Psalm for Sunday, August 20, 2017


Reflections 


"So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation."

 
No wonder the Gentiles (people like us)
were attracted to the faith when St Paul
and Barnabas were traveling through
the towns, visiting the early churches,
and ministering to the Gentiles.  
The apostles were doing as Jesus did 
when He encountered the Canaanite 
woman in the region of Tyre and Sidon  
(Gospel, Mt 15:21-28).
Though she was not a member of the 
house of Israel, Jesus recognized how 
great was her faith, and the woman's 
daughter was healed from that hour.

By ministering to the Gentiles the way 
of the Lord became known upon earth 
among all the nations, as the Psalm says.  
Indeed the Psalm predicts that God’s 
saving power shall be known among all 
the peoples.  Thankfully, that includes us.

So much that God does for us is sung
in the Psalm's verses, which pray,
"May God have pity on us and bless us;
may He let his face shine upon us."

 God gives us His grace through His son Jesus,
   who is our Savior.
 
God gives us material blessings –
    all our treasure and gifts are from Him.
 
He gives us spiritual blessings  –
    we know these as fruits of the spirit.

Today we join with the members of the early church 
in praising God – “May the peoples praise you, God; 
may all the peoples praise you."

Amen


 
Discussion Questions for Reflection

1.  The Psalm petitions God to 'Let His face shine upon us.'  In what way 
do you believe that God has let His face shine upon you?

2.  Our psalmist calls for God's salvation to be known among all the nations.  
How are you evangelizing to those who do not know His saving grace?



1 comment:

  1. From my limited studying of the Bible, it’s obvious that Jesus and the Apostles, were much better received away from their own neighborhoods where they and their families grew up and were well known. And, very few miracles in Nazareth!
    Much better receptions received from the Gentiles in the outlying areas, than with the Jews in their home town. The Gentile woman in Psalm 67, and especially the Roman Legionnaire …" not necessary that “You" come to my house
    …...“just say the word, and my servant will be healed"……...Very interesting.

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