Reflections
“Light shines through the darkness
for the upright.”The Psalm inspires us to have a right relationship with the Lord by becoming 'upright.' Having done so, having delighted in God's commands, we begin to imitate Him and treat our brothers and sisters
as He would do.
“Light shines through the darkness for the upright;
he is gracious and merciful and just.”
These are heavenly qualities
(being gracious, and merciful and just),
and having God's light in our hearts
inspires us to do good works,
to “conduct our affairs with justice,”
“give to the poor lavishly.”
And as we measure out a good
and generous measure, our measure
is returned to us many times over.
As the Psalm says, we will be lifted up
from within; our "horn shall be exalted
in glory."
Amen
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm's verses are in keeping with this Sunday's Gospel
and the reading from Isaiah. All three affirm that we people of
faith are the 'light of the world' and are motivated to do good deeds.
Give an example of how your light shines through in the darkness.
2. Our psalmist speaks of a man whose 'heart is firm, trusting in
the Lord,' whose 'heart is steadfast.' In our world today, what makes
you firm of heart and trusting in the Lord?
ReplyDeleteIn the weeks preceding the start of Lent, I feel a familiar weight creeping up. Is it guilt? Is it a conscience trying to find balance? Is it the literal number on the scale, that's jumped up since Christmas and won't come off? In all candor, it's all of the above.
The habits of holiday indulgences are still with me, in my overconsumption and selfish focus on me and my beloved ones. Yet I know that to obey God is to use my time, talent, and treasure for OTHERS, especially those less fortunate. As the Gospel commands, we are to be "salt and light" to all. In my heart, I do desire to be flavor-filled in preserving God's values in this world and illuminating His holy and perfect love for others. How do I make this shift from inward to outward?
First of all, I should not presume to have the power to do it at all. The Lord chooses the humble, weak, and often incapable... as long as our hearts are open to His touch. He is all-the-more glorified when someone the world deems as foolish can rise up and do great things in His Name. So, I rest in the fact that He can and will mold me in His image. I am not passive about it, but rather active in prayer as I allow the sometimes painful shaping to start. I watch for how God enlarges my heart to love and forgive, gives me wisdom in place of confusion, and instills faith for my doubts.
V.7 says "He is not afraid of evil tidings; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord."
Indeed, in our ever-frightening world, I can embrace an inner peace, thanks be to God. Striving to be "salt and light" becomes a natural response after spending time with the Lord and leaning on Him, not on my own understanding. I am then emboldened to take part in more works of mercy (spiritual and corporal) and like a muscle, the more I engage, the stronger I become.