Monday, August 21, 2023

Psalm for Sunday, August 27, 2023


Reflections  



“Lord, do not forsake the work of your hands.”

Our psalmist David composed this prayer 
of a grateful heart. “I will give thanks to you, 
O Lord, with all my heart.”

David is grateful because his petitions 
are answered by the Lord. “For you 
have heard the words of my mouth.”  
The Lord's answers to our psalmist's 
prayers have come at a critical time, 
a time when David is seeking to build 
up his strength.

David speaks of a divine rescue -- “When I 
cried out, you answered; you strengthened 
my spirit.”  Perhaps we’re all in need of a 
spiritual rescue of the type David describes.

And it isn’t because of any of the psalmist’s virtues 
that he obtains salvation. It is a result of God’s loving
fidelity. “Lord, your love is eternal.” Our God does not 
forsake the work of His hands, though as St Paul says
in Sunday's 2nd reading, “Who has given the Lord 
anything that he may be repaid?” (Rom 11:35) 

Unworthy as we are, and though the Lord is exalted,
He watches over us in our lowly state.  And thanks
be to God, His kindness endures forever.

Amen


Discussion Questions for Reflection

1.  Our psalmist speaks of a divine rescue when he was in great need of the 
Lord's Providence.  Give an example of when you have cried out to the Lord 
and He has answered your cry.

2.  The Psalm's verses deal with an age old mystery--the Lord is exalted, 
yet the lowly He sees.   How do you reconcile the apparent contradiction between God's heavenly dwelling and His concern for us lowly humans?


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