tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51762316450225439802024-03-18T14:03:44.621-07:00Celebrate the PsalmsThese reflections on the Psalms by Barry Lamont talk of how we apply the verses of the Psalms to our everyday life and how the Psalms can inspire us, convict us, teach us, and strengthen our faith.Editor @ Parishworld.nethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11351018547370080019noreply@blogger.comBlogger630125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-71385436796238494622024-03-18T14:03:00.000-07:002024-03-18T14:03:10.861-07:00Psalm for Sunday, March 24, 2024<p><br /></p><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-odMxXnStjsY4l00pgT-Gx7gZJvqhyjlQ8b_DoAxz4qbVWGwHvsaa-2ojuBgterewiNvmqKST-0MK8wZPALWkrb6KG-zQFK4SGuhe6EXIHHAR91KjMzVeYqiCcy4_JuYwuazsaZUNIaU/s1600/Passion16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-odMxXnStjsY4l00pgT-Gx7gZJvqhyjlQ8b_DoAxz4qbVWGwHvsaa-2ojuBgterewiNvmqKST-0MK8wZPALWkrb6KG-zQFK4SGuhe6EXIHHAR91KjMzVeYqiCcy4_JuYwuazsaZUNIaU/s320/Passion16.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="248" /></span></a><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/032424.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 22: 8-9, 17-18, 19-20, 23-24 (Read)</a></span></i></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“My God, my God, why have you </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">abandoned me?”</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">David writes this psalm almost as </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">though </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">it were planned to be part </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of the Passion</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of Christ. In fact </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the psalm becomes the </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prayer of </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ at the time of his crucifixion </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and speaks of the suffering that our </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Savior</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">experiences on our behalf.</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People are the same today as they were </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">back then, when Jesus was being led to </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the cross. We scoff at him; we mock him; </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">we wag our heads and hurl insults at him.</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why?</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Because he becomes contemptible in </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">our eyes. He reminds us that we are a </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sinful people; he convicts us; he catches </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">us in the lie; he embarrasses us; he </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">exposes us; he accuses us of being </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hypocrites. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He holds us to a higher standard;</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He speaks directly to God; </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He claims to be God's Son; </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and we reject him for this; and mock him. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We do not move to assist him. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let God rescue him – </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“He relied on the Lord; let him deliver him;</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">let him rescue him, if he loves him.” </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These words of the psalm are the same </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">words used by those who conspired against </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus when he was dying on the cross. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">They did not realize that the suffering and </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">death of an innocent servant would restore </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">life for sinful man. The words they spoke </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">were to be fulfilled, not by Jesus coming </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">down from the cross, but by sinful humanity </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">like us being delivered, forgiven, </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and lifted up. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are reminded by St Paul in today's second </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">reading that Christ takes the form of a slave, </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">obedient even to death for our sake. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Philippians 2:7-8) </span></i></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Isaiah in today's first reading speaks </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">about the Messiah long before his birth and </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">predicts that he will be beaten, and his beard </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">will be plucked. <i>(Isaiah 50:4-7)</i></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But the servant does not rebel (as Isaiah tells us).</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He knows that he will not be put to shame. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God the Father is not far off, even when Jesus lies </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hanging on the cross. The psalm describes the </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Passion of Christ, and we know that what seemed </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">like a moment of weakness for Christ became a </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">source of strength for sinful humanity. </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ultimately God reverses this <i>righteous man</i>’s </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">condition. As our psalmist says, “But you, O Lord, </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me.” </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hope returns, the <i>righteous man</i> is delivered, and he </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">celebrates his deliverance – “I will proclaim your name </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to my brethren; in the midst of the assembly I will </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">praise you: You who fear the Lord, praise him.”</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amen</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Discussion Questions</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">for Reflection</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />1. Were you part of the crowd of evildoers who closed in on Christ, that our </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">psalmist speaks about? Tell of what part you play even today in mocking Christ.<br /><br />2. The psalm asks, 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?' Do you </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">believe that our Lord was truly abandoned by the Father?</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b> </b><b> </b></span></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-9930058957020729672024-03-11T14:38:00.000-07:002024-03-11T14:38:57.705-07:00Psalm for Sunday, March 17, 2024<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031724-YearB.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 51: 3-4, 12-13, 14-15 (Read)</a></span></i></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Create a clean heart in me, O God.” </span></p><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrskA-SO5YK4lDtXr4COjSMcjT6slqiJ6NF5dmtxncwIWPceWeyGEC_lPifBN30cDo9L7x-kLA8uXjAeLmLQuInFPeaMS7zDS7HR3bWWj6EvwF_3I14AN1aoNPCBt7DJtc9KypccTGkgU/s1600/david_and_nathan2_819487360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrskA-SO5YK4lDtXr4COjSMcjT6slqiJ6NF5dmtxncwIWPceWeyGEC_lPifBN30cDo9L7x-kLA8uXjAeLmLQuInFPeaMS7zDS7HR3bWWj6EvwF_3I14AN1aoNPCBt7DJtc9KypccTGkgU/s320/david_and_nathan2_819487360.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This Sunday's Psalm is David’s </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">mea culpa </i><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and is written after Nathan calls attention </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to David’s adultery with Bathsheba. We are </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">shown in the Psalm that although David was </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">chosen by God to be king, even David sins </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">gravely. But God in His compassion and </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">goodness can blot out David’s offense, </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">no matter how grave.<br /><br />David realizes that only God, in His mercy,<br />can cleanse David from his sins.</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> David’s sins, </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">like our own, </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">are offensive to God first and </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">foremost; we are all born of a sinful nature.<br />David calls on the Lord to blot out his offense,<br />knowing that the Lord, in His abundant </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">compassion, will wash away his guilt.<br /><br />David’s words are a prayer of repentance and recall </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">for us the power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.<br />“A clean heart create for me, O God; renew within me </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">a steadfast spirit. Give me back the joy of your salvation.”<br />Where else can we turn when we are separated from God?<br />Who else has the healing power to cleanse us?<br /><br />“Do not drive me from your presence, nor take from me </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">your Holy Spirit.” David reminds us that without the Holy </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Spirit we are ruled by the desires of this world. And without </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Holy Spirit we cannot bear the fruits of the Spirit,<br />which we are called to do.<br /><br />The people of Jeremiah’s time were given the assurance </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">that David sought. They were assured that the Lord would </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">forgive their evildoing, their own infidelity to God, and that </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">their sin would be remembered no more. <i>(Jeremiah 31:34)</i><br />On David's part we can almost hear his loud cries and see </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">his tears, as he offers this psalm as prayer and seeks his </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">own inner renewal. When Christ was in the flesh, this is </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">how He himself prayed, as we are reminded in Sunday's </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">second reading. <i>(Hebrews 5:7)</i><br /><br />David prays that God will create for him a clean heart,<br />because God alone can bring about this transformation.<br />We, too, are called to seek our Savior’s mercy for our sinful </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ways, especially during this Lenten season. We, too, are </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">given an opportunity to be restored in the joy of His Salvation, </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to offer up what is dead within us, so that we can again bear </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">fruit and be good witnesses for the Lord. <i>(John 12: 24)</i><br />In that way, we will then teach the wicked, </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">God's ways, </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and our mouths will proclaim His praise.<br /><br />Amen</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. Our psalmist King David cites the greatness of the Lord's compassion in calling </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">upon God to wipe out his offense. Even though David was an adulterer and </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">a murderer, he knew that he could call upon the Lord to restore him and create </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">for him a clean heart. Does this give you confidence that no matter how serious </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">your sins may be, you can call upon God to be thoroughly cleansed? Explain.<br /><br />2. As our psalmist implies, it is not enough to call upon God to create a clean </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">heart within us. We must also ask for a steadfast spirit, for the Holy Spirit to be </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">sustained within us. Tell how the Holy Spirit is working within you and what you </span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman", times, serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">are inspired to do through the gifts of the Spirit.</span></span></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-90690823566531661752024-03-04T16:50:00.000-08:002024-03-04T16:50:30.046-08:00Psalm for Sunday, March 10, 2024<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031024-YearB.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 137: 1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 (Read)</a></span></i></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land?”</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_vAty-eodwTn36wS18XiTteGJZmTgcNT_yYZxChD9ngLu9jRAJo2MCEjofUWvKMRghVl_JUj5ZrBkYtrT6sylP94lAyBl839fGtTUiDdKKq4BRAoHirGfVvZBEt7uLsXki0RD_h5oH4/s1600/Fourth+Lent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_vAty-eodwTn36wS18XiTteGJZmTgcNT_yYZxChD9ngLu9jRAJo2MCEjofUWvKMRghVl_JUj5ZrBkYtrT6sylP94lAyBl839fGtTUiDdKKq4BRAoHirGfVvZBEt7uLsXki0RD_h5oH4/s1600/Fourth+Lent.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This Sunday's Psalm is a prayer of the Jewish people </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in exile in Babylon. As Sunday's 1st reading tells us,<br />the Lord became angry with the people of Judah<br />because of their many infidelities. <i> (2 Chronicles 36:14-16)</i><br />And when they mocked the messenger of God, <br />God allowed them to be carried off to Babylon as slaves. <br />“By the rivers of Babylon, we sat mourning and weeping.” <br /><br />But God's chosen people could not forget Jerusalem<br />and the covenant God had made with them. “If I forget </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you Jerusalem, may my right hand wither. May my tongue </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">stick to my palate if I do not remember you.” And more </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">important, God did not forget them. <br /><br />It is the same way with us. We sin against God and He </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">allows us to be carried off into a kind of self imposed exile,<br />where we separate ourselves from Him for a time. <br /><br />“How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land?”<br />When our hearts are hardened by sin, how can we sing </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a song of the Lord? When we are in the darkness because </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">we prefer the darkness, how can we sing a song of the Lord? <br />When we are separated from the Lord and indulging in things </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of the world, how can we sing a song of the Lord? <br />It is only when we are in the light, then can we sing a song </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of the Lord.<br /><br />As Sunday’s 2nd reading tells us, “Even when we are dead in our </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">transgressions, God brings us to life with Christ.” <i>(Ephesians 2:5)</i><br /><br />And the Gospel reminds us in a powerful way that although we </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">are a wicked people who hate the light, God sent His Son not to </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">condemn us, but to save us and lead us into the light. <i>(John 3: 17-21)</i><br />That is how we free ourselves from our own spiritual exile. <br />It is only when we are in the light, when we become a light unto </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">the world, then can we sing a song of the Lord!<br /><br />Amen</span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1. This Sunday's Psalm Response is, "Let my tongue be silenced, </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">if I ever forget you!" When you are separated from God because of sin, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">have you noticed how it becomes difficult to praise and worship Him? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In a way your tongue becomes silenced for a time. Explain how you </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">can get your voice back and start again singing a song of the Lord.</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />2. Our psalmist tells us that it was difficult for the Jewish people captive </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">in Babylon to sing the songs of Zion in a foreign land. Is it sometimes </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">difficult for you to speak of your faith in the company of non-believers? </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you are being persecuted by a world that does not acknowledge you </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">as one of its own, how do you overcome your reticence and speak boldly </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">of your faith?</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><br /></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><br /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-2513389548722253602024-02-26T16:50:00.000-08:002024-02-26T16:56:22.352-08:00Psalm for Sunday, March 3, 2024<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="color: #990000;"><i><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/030324-YearB.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 19: 8, 9, 10, 11 (Read)</a></i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 11px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 11px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.” </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DOFJYuqtyYCtw_rk1dkDTICnhyHhgYxgaOZlIsUC1JdanJfKC61Yllq2f1m7498IHJpG44aH0pycY9e-qDpPVNcl-8RV5hZa6QZtZ6h98TiYmObdTb7PCj2oi7r-0JeeDY49dkQMOD0/s1600/10commandmentstop.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8DOFJYuqtyYCtw_rk1dkDTICnhyHhgYxgaOZlIsUC1JdanJfKC61Yllq2f1m7498IHJpG44aH0pycY9e-qDpPVNcl-8RV5hZa6QZtZ6h98TiYmObdTb7PCj2oi7r-0JeeDY49dkQMOD0/s320/10commandmentstop.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: repeat rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">This Sunday's Psalm celebrates the law of the Lord, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">first given to the Israelites that day on Mt. Sinai in the </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">desert when Moses received God's commandments.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><i>(Exodus 20:1-17)</i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">As the Psalm says, “The</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> law of the Lord is perfect, </span></span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none;">refreshing the soul.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">But more than a set of rules that we cannot hope </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">to follow, </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">God’s commandments give us wisdom; </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">they ‘rejoice our hearts; </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">they are more desirable </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">than gold, sweeter also than honey.’</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Word is the same way; </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">even though we may be </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">convicted by the Word, </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">our Savior Lord Jesus came </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">to fulfill the law </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">and make us right with the Lord.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">And just as the disciples came to believe in the </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">scriptures </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">when Jesus was raised, we too know </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Him as the </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">‘Word made flesh,’ </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">the one who </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">perfected the ‘wisdom of God.’</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Our Psalmist David shows us that obeying the law </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">does not prevent us </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">from being happy. Instead, </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">obeying the Law “brings much reward.”</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">We may think of statutes as something intended </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">to control us or restrict us, </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">but as our psalmist </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">explains, the law of the Lord </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">is in fact a source of joy, </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">something to be desired, </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">because the law gives us </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">wisdom and provides us with something</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">we can trust.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Today’s Psalm tells us about the joy that is stirred u</span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">p </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">in our hearts </span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">when we follow the Lord’s commands.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">“The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">The Word and the statutes endure forever.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">They are refreshing to the soul; they enlighten the eye. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">It is through the Word that we know His commandments</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">and through this Psalm that we know His law is </span></span><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">a source </span><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">of refreshment, a source of joy.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">His statutes do not bind us, they set us free. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif">Amen</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">1. Our psalmist says that the ordinances of the Lord are 'sweeter than honey.' </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">How can it be that, instead of being harsh, the commandments of the Lord </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">are sweet to the taste? Explain.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">2. Our psalmist says that the commandments of the Lord are a source of joy --</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">they 'rejoice the heart.' Tell about how obeying the commandments can be a </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">source of joy in your life.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-2700616702152060382024-02-19T14:47:00.000-08:002024-02-19T14:47:25.517-08:00Psalm for Sunday, February 25, 2024<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: large;"> </span><br /><i><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/022524.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 116: 10, 15, 16-17, 18-19 (Read)</a></span></i><br /></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />“ I believed, even when I said, I am greatly afflicted.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVETYrrKUFZOIXw_vnT4dn2TEQhS1jTOMBCbSO3qDTiZ05YsWorLtYW9XcK7NX3ocMilKYJ9cdHkVy9mBjimNhM4ySuOcIAuvjdjalXY1wXZre0dQxiQ9_ViVg2u2mybNyPgJZ1EqeJk/s1600/Abraham9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOVETYrrKUFZOIXw_vnT4dn2TEQhS1jTOMBCbSO3qDTiZ05YsWorLtYW9XcK7NX3ocMilKYJ9cdHkVy9mBjimNhM4ySuOcIAuvjdjalXY1wXZre0dQxiQ9_ViVg2u2mybNyPgJZ1EqeJk/s1600/Abraham9.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Sunday's Psalm recalls words Abraham might have </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">prayed when he was called on to sacrifice his son Isaac. <br />“I will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving; I will pay my vows to </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the Lord.” Who else could have kept the faith at a time like that? </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yet Abraham’s devotion to the Lord did not waver. <i>(Genesis 22:10-12)</i><br />We may not be called upon to offer up so heavy a sacrifice, <br />but we are commanded to listen to our God and pay our vows.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />Abraham may have used words like those of our psalmist,<br />“I believed even when I said, ‘I am greatly afflicted.'” </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">God relented and provided a substitute for Isaac,<br />“Too costly in the eyes of the Lord is the death of the faithful.”<br />But God did not spare His <u>own</u> son, as St Paul reminds us in <br />Sunday's 2nd reading.<i> (Romans 8:32)</i><br /><br />And for whom did God sacrifice His son Jesus? It was for us </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">that God handed over His beloved Son. Jesus’ death on the </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">cross has given us life. As people of faith we are chosen by God </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">for life. We pray that we are not put to the test as Abraham was, <br />but we might at least, as the Psalm says, “Pay our vows to the </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Lord in the presence of all His people.”<br /><br />The psalmist says, “O Lord, I am your servant; you have loosed </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">my bonds.” We too are made free by becoming the Lord's servant. <br />That is how it is when we follow His commandments and do His will. </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is not something that binds us. Rather, it is something that sets us free.<br />We take delight in serving the Lord.<br /><br />Amen</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Our psalmist speaks of the power of his faith, even in the darkest of times,</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">"I believed, even when I said, 'I am greatly afflicted.'" Give an example of</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"> how your faith has strengthened you in difficult times.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">2. The Psalm says, 'O Lord, I am your servant; you have loosed my bonds.' </span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">Explain how it is that, having been freed from your chains, you wish to serve</span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">the Lord and become yoked to Him.</span></span><br /><br /></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><br /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-56587766605177760842024-02-12T14:28:00.000-08:002024-02-12T14:28:42.759-08:00Psalm for Sunday, February 18, 2024<p><br /></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqX-wAOuEa5lO-M7rhSLkRuqm2xUv8yJ8n4wjyS8SzI2UoePjKhf9AonJBaA9qxm2rlyDh11gZmoyYKDN-OiPJk5InLPdqO8CVK9FCVjR2vVHkJLjV2TP9nGKWAlBhDGaYzLuFW7N-KBg/s1600/Lent-2018-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #993322; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br /></a></div></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021824.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (Read)</a></span></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv12ee7ngyOE07-YDgryjF_GKm4qjSgax-Flibxkt3Y6xVbiAjFqBw6ENkCKoi_NWH_rNDX6OddKdxbIOuhwndAdmFejSc5ZsRrglNPgoy91fLcFAeu0_DIcxtHZU-nt2hPyYF7wSFqA/s1600/Lent-2018-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv12ee7ngyOE07-YDgryjF_GKm4qjSgax-Flibxkt3Y6xVbiAjFqBw6ENkCKoi_NWH_rNDX6OddKdxbIOuhwndAdmFejSc5ZsRrglNPgoy91fLcFAeu0_DIcxtHZU-nt2hPyYF7wSFqA/s320/Lent-2018-2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Good and upright is </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Lord, </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He shows sinners the way.”</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This Sunday's Psalm is </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">a prayer </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">for forgiveness </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and guidance, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">a good </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">way </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to begin the season </span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of Lent. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Our psalmist </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">David </span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">recalls </span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the covenant </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Lord </span></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">made </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">with </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Noah </span><br /><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(Genesis 9: 8-15)</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and David </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">writes, “Remember </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">your </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">compassion </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and love, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">O Lord, for they are </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ages old.”</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Later in the psalm David affirms, </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Good and upright is </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Lord, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">thus He shows sinners the way.” </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Who else could </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">lead us out of the pit </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of our sins but God’s Son, the righteous </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">one who suffered for us </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">un</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">righteous </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">ones, as St Peter </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">reminds us in this </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Sunday's second</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> reading. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>(1 Peter 3:18-22)</i> </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Peter says Baptism doesn’t remove </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">the dirt from our bodies; </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">it doesn’t </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">remove our sinful nature. But it does </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">allow us </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to receive the Holy Spirit </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">within us, because without the Spirit, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">we are powerless against the devil.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We are blessed to have a God who </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">does not disregard us. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">On the contrary, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He is a caring, compassionate God, </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">willing to humble himself to share in </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">our humanity, </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">so that we might come </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to share in His divinity. Who else </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">would have such regard for sinners, </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">for believers who </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">disobey him? </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">It is He who encourages us when </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">our </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">tongues </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">confess – “The Lord guides the </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">humble rightly, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and teaches the humble </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His way.”</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In this Sunday's Gospel, our Lord Jesus </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">tells us what we are </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to do as we prepare </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">for the most important season of the year, </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Repent and believe in the Gospel.” <i>(Mark 1:15)</i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And in response we join with our psalmist </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and say, </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“You are God my Savior.”</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Amen</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">1. Our Psalm speaks of being taught by the Lord ("Teach me your paths; guide me</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">in your truth and teach me; He teaches the humble His way.") Are you a good student </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">of the Lord? </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">Tell about what you have learned or are learning from the Lord.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><br />2. Our psalmist says, "The Lord shows sinners the way." As we enter the season </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">of Lent, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">we could all use some guidance </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">and help as we strive for repentance and </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">to be bolder </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">in our faith. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">Explain what you will do during Lent to become a more </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">obedient </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">Christian and a better witness for your faith.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-56770106716490912592024-02-05T23:14:00.000-08:002024-02-05T23:14:19.396-08:00Psalm for Sunday, February 11, 2024<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-1658917104213992336" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><p><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;" /></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><i><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021124.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 32: 1-2, 5, 11 (Read)</a></i></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #333333;">“I confess my faults to the Lord." </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4izxBsJSQW4Pm2Utzzh0ZBR_gWTstdpT_nTu0kEt-pOrwkxuz68WxaCWn5INlT_lGAMSqL-kd-T8UcveDcIFJkMw3KLvjMn1Qml1sojiO_wenvgCKuCwurhduJBdt2YBR1mwUTImioGw/s1600/Healing+leper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4izxBsJSQW4Pm2Utzzh0ZBR_gWTstdpT_nTu0kEt-pOrwkxuz68WxaCWn5INlT_lGAMSqL-kd-T8UcveDcIFJkMw3KLvjMn1Qml1sojiO_wenvgCKuCwurhduJBdt2YBR1mwUTImioGw/s1600/Healing+leper.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This Sunday's Psalm is one of David’s <br />penitential psalms. David sings out about <br />the heaviness of his sin that weighs upon him <br />so long as he keeps silent. The Psalmist’s sins <br />were hidden in his heart. Then, when he declares <br />his sin, and confesses his faults, his burden <br />is lifted and his guilt is taken away.<br /><br />David’s sins may not have been so obvious <br />as the sores on the lepers described in this <br />Sunday's lst reading. <i>(Leviticus 13:1-2)</i><br />But like those same lepers, David is compelled <br />to cry out, “Unclean, unclean,” and to seek <br />God’s forgiveness in order to be healed. <br />Just as David throws himself on the mercy <br />of the Lord, so does the leper in today's Gospel, <br />who kneels before Jesus and moves the <br />Lord to pity. <i> (Mark 1:40-41)</i><br /><br />The leper in the Gospel shouts for joy after he <br />is made clean. The same thing can happen to us <br />when we receive the Sacrament of Confession <br />and we are made clean inside. We may not be joyful <br />for the same reasons as the leper, but as Jesus says, <br />it is what's inside our hearts that needs to be purified.<br />And having been cleansed from within, <br />we really have something to be joyful about.<br /><br />We are all pitiful in the sight of Christ, <br />but once on our knees, having confessed and repented <br />of our sins, there is hope for us whose sins are forgiven. <br />As it says in the Psalm, “Blessed is he whose fault <br />is taken away, whose sin is covered.”<br /><br />We all need a spiritual cleansing from time to time<br />if we are to obtain a pure heart. They say confession <br />is good for the soul, and from what the Psalm tells us,<br />confessing our faults will lead us to be glad <br />in the Lord and rejoice. <br /><br />Amen</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1. This Sunday's Psalm Response is, "I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, </span></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and you fill me with the joy of salvation." Tell of a 'time of trouble' in your life </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">when you turned to the Lord, confessed your faults, and were filled with </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the 'joy of salvation.'<br /><br />2. Our psalmist is grateful for God's gift of forgiveness; having confessed his sin </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">before God, he is a new creation thanks to the grace of God. Give an example </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of how your anxiety over your sin ceases when you bow down and confess </span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your faults to the Lord.</span></span></p><p><br /></p></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-50287877750761842122024-01-29T15:50:00.000-08:002024-01-29T15:50:57.336-08:00Psalm for Sunday, February 4, 2024<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #660000;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020424.cfm" target="_blank"><i>Psalm 147: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 (Read)</i></a></span></span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333;">“Praise the Lord, who heals </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the brokenhearted.”</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3oeMdOsqKlF35m3M1v3y4xioRBGXBd4H-XdnwWTPtOlxEu0JENjSIqLEfLGaCFBmXyNgTd3jck9SxlVJSoJFXiq8_u7RlM-USrp9V1yMChu31ruEJjQxglIxuDKDowhU6vS8ifR32cs/s1600/Jesus+healing1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT3oeMdOsqKlF35m3M1v3y4xioRBGXBd4H-XdnwWTPtOlxEu0JENjSIqLEfLGaCFBmXyNgTd3jck9SxlVJSoJFXiq8_u7RlM-USrp9V1yMChu31ruEJjQxglIxuDKDowhU6vS8ifR32cs/s1600/Jesus+healing1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Psalm says that the Lord “rebuilds Jerusalem” </span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and “heals the brokenhearted, binds up our wounds.”</span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There is comfort in these words for all of us. The Psalm </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">points to the healing power of Jesus, our Lord and Savior,<br />which is depicted in this week’s Gospel. <i>(Mark 1:29-39)</i><br /><br />We too can be rebuilt from the inside out by the promise </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of our Lord's salvation. It is surely by the grace of God<br />that we are made well. It is God's grace that drives the </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">demons out of us; there is no room in our hearts for both </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Holy Spirit and the demons. And we obtain God's grace</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">from the sacraments, which empower us to be well physically,<br />emotionally, and spiritually.<br /><br />There is even hope for someone beaten down like Job,<br />whom we hear about in Sunday's 1st reading. <i>(Job 7:1-4, 6-7)</i><br />Like Job we may be poor in spirit, but it is at our moment </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of greatest weakness that the Lord will call us by name –<br />“He numbers all the stars, calls each of them by name.”<br /><br />Having put our trust in the Lord, He will sustain us, </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“The Lord sustains the lowly.” Once we realize that the Lord </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">takes care of the lowly (for we are His sheep), we can not help</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">but praise God, preach the Gospel, and boast in our faith as </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">does St Paul. <i>(1 Corinthians 9:16-18, 23)</i><br />Our Psalmist says it well – “How good to sing praise to God;<br />how pleasant to give fitting praise.”<br /><br />Amen</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><i><br /></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Our Psalm response this Sunday is, 'Praise the Lord, who heals </span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the brokenhearted.' Explain how the verses of the Psalm give you hope </span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">that the Lord will 'bind up your wounds.'<br /><br />2. Our psalmist says that the Lord 'calls each of the stars by name.'<br />Does this verse give you comfort that our Creator also knows your name<br />and seeks you out despite the infinite size of the universe? What does this<br />verse mean to you?</span><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-191949736023916810" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-15988942035859976372024-01-22T16:52:00.000-08:002024-01-22T16:52:49.545-08:00Psalm for Sunday, January 28, 2024<p> </p><p><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012824.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7, 7-9 (Read)</a></span></i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“If today you hear His voice, harden not your hearts.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-go4XNs20YFZXRn5h-JmMMZDVQxHSWSMu4C1lpsBwC3wXQu7g0lo_DBYpoKkDzVqiekBNGsye4cVQ1OZ68CxtSKZ8-xRVLTdx2Bxp2vjBTxUGTrAB55xPVny43DgcDVB7vo1z_0bUW0/s1600/repent7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #993322; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-go4XNs20YFZXRn5h-JmMMZDVQxHSWSMu4C1lpsBwC3wXQu7g0lo_DBYpoKkDzVqiekBNGsye4cVQ1OZ68CxtSKZ8-xRVLTdx2Bxp2vjBTxUGTrAB55xPVny43DgcDVB7vo1z_0bUW0/s320/repent7.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today's Psalm is about obeying and worshiping </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">God. </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are urged to bow down in worship before </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">our God, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whose sheep we are (remember we are His </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">well-tended flock). </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are instructed to be alert for </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His voice </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and to be </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">receptive to His teachings </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(we need to be good listeners).</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are not to harden our hearts or test the Lord </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(as the Israelites did at Meribah).</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are to humble ourselves and open our </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">hearts </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">to the Lord; having done so we are set free.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we are no longer constrained by the </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">things of this world, </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and we can be open to His love </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and His teachings. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Moses prophesied that the Lord would speak to us </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">through one of our own kind <i>(Deuteronomy 18:18)</i>.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we had better listen to God’s son, Jesus, who </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">became one </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">of us so that we could be more like Him.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His works should be sufficient to convince us of His</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">saving power and grace.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St Paul tells us we need to be free </span></span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from anxiety and </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">distractions </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(1 Corinthians 7:32)</i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is not an easy </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">thing to do when we are caught up </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">in the things of the </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">world. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would all benefit </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from an authoritative </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cleansing of our hearts, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and a removal of unclean </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">forces that distract us </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">from praising the Lord. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Then we can make room for Jesus to fill our hearts </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and remain in us.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amen</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1. Our psalmist encourages us not to harden our hearts if we hear God's voice. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you find it difficult sometimes to carry out God's will in your life even if you believe </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is speaking to you? Give an example.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />2. The psalm reminds us that we are like sheep and the Lord is our shepherd. <br />Are you willing to be just an ordinary sheep among His flock? If so, what does it </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">mean to you to be shepherded by the Lord?</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-85823093312735801922024-01-15T16:16:00.000-08:002024-01-15T16:16:20.387-08:00Psalm for Sunday, January 21, 2024<p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/012124.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (Read)</a></span></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #333333;">“Good and upright is the Lord, who shows sinners the way.” </span><br /><span style="color: #333333;"> </span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAsA1IG8QSKHXAIbBoKo74Rcp4vARi7Yo6xZvcoUv5oRqOIuzy79OGFIyZJ2Pd2GUjTrk5gJYzATlkNNNVGBXQrQ750kXu3CTEo-AGI6SzBKHPlvaceWUel6kgNOQdf5lXVeq9UdEP4o/s1600/repent8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMAsA1IG8QSKHXAIbBoKo74Rcp4vARi7Yo6xZvcoUv5oRqOIuzy79OGFIyZJ2Pd2GUjTrk5gJYzATlkNNNVGBXQrQ750kXu3CTEo-AGI6SzBKHPlvaceWUel6kgNOQdf5lXVeq9UdEP4o/s1600/repent8.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">We are blessed to have a God who does not disregard us. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">On the contrary, He is a caring, compassionate God, </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">willing to humble Himself to share in our humanity, so that </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">we might share in His divinity. Who else would have such </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">regard for sinners, for believers who disobey Him?<br /><br />Our psalmist David humbly offers up his sins to God </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">his Savior, and waits for God’s guidance. “The Lord guides </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">the humble rightly, and teaches the humble His way.”<br /><br />In today's Gospel the early disciples leave their nets <br />and their families behind when Jesus calls out </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">to them. <i>(Mark 1:16-20) </i>Jesus had a plan for His </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">disciples, when He singled them out to serve Him. <br />God had a plan for Jonah as well (1st reading);<br />his mission was to warn the people of Nineveh<br />to repent and turn to the Lord. <i> (Jonah 3: 1-5)<br /></i><br />St Paul, in our 2nd reading, has a similar message for </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">all of us, that time is running out and any day now </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">would be an acceptable day for us to focus on our own </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">salvation. <i>(1 Corinthians 7: 29-31) </i>The Lord is there </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">to guide us, as He was in the days of David, our psalmist.<br /><br />Whether it's through a Jonah in our midst or a Saint Paul,<br />the message of the Lord is clear – “Repent and believe </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">in the Gospel.” We may not be able to do this on our own,<br />but as our psalmist says, “The Lord shows sinners the way.”<br /><br />The Lord is talking to all of us here; we are all sinners.<br />We are all able to benefit from the healing power of Jesus.<br />And where does the power come from to turn away from sin? <br />It comes from the Lord, It is He who encourages us when </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">our tongues confess, “Remember no more the sins of my youth; <br />remember me only in light of your love.” <br /><br />Amen </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Our psalmist petitions the Lord, 'Teach me your ways.' </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">How do you go about learning the ways of the Lord? Tell how </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">the verses of the Psalm help you understand the ways of the Lord.<br /><br />2. Our Psalm says the Lord 'shows sinners the way.' Give an example </span><span style="font-size: large;">of how you have been guided by the Lord to turn away from sin and repent.</span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><br /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-70213993331266430252024-01-08T14:08:00.000-08:002024-01-08T14:08:33.924-08:00Psalm for Sunday, January 14, 2024<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-6348746893007964688" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011424.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 40: 2, 4, 7-8, 8-9, 10 (Read)</a></span></i></span><span style="color: #333333; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">“Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.”</span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoA_VZTPBYeZwBmFGUnxBUmsSxYhVk784fvVsplRb6SgECuiYEg5ymYOzxMwFOC1uDm1xNmt5dcL_8QhPwsIstKhIsISJd8HycP-5lTqrQoegJwsAocsgVtj0DX2jnr8t_5Zx4VObltE/s1600/jesus-and-peter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoA_VZTPBYeZwBmFGUnxBUmsSxYhVk784fvVsplRb6SgECuiYEg5ymYOzxMwFOC1uDm1xNmt5dcL_8QhPwsIstKhIsISJd8HycP-5lTqrQoegJwsAocsgVtj0DX2jnr8t_5Zx4VObltE/s320/jesus-and-peter.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /><br /></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span><br />The Psalm is a prayer of gratitude<br /><span style="font-kerning: none;">and of obedience to the Lord.<br />Our psalmist David answers God’s call<br />when he says, “Here I am.” <br />Young Samuel does the same<br />in our first reading. <br />Samuel waits expectantly <br />for the Lord to speak to him – <br />he is ‘all ears’ <br />when he hears the Lord’s voice.</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He grows up serving the Lord<br />and following God. <i>(1 Samuel 3: 3-10,19)</i><br /><br />Our psalmist says,<br />“He put a new song into my mouth.”<br />For us too it is no longer the same old tune<br />or the same old we. We are in fact <br />a new creation, singing out the good news.</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Where does our joyful spirit come from?<br />It comes from the Lord, and we are called<br />to share what He has given us and to do<br />His will, which is our delight.<br /><br />In the Gospel reading <i>(John 1:35-42),</i><br />Andrew recognizes Jesus as the anointed<br />and is drawn to Him.<br />Andrew and his brother Simon <br />truly become members of Christ's body.<br />They are joined to the Lord <br />and have become one spirit with Him,<br />as St. Paul proclaims in our 2nd reading. </span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(1 Corinthians 6:15,17)</span></i></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br />We too are called to follow Christ<br />and to do His will.<br />Obedience isn’t an unpleasant chore for us;<br />instead as the Psalm tells us, <br />“To do your will is my delight.”<br /><br />Amen<br /><br /> </span><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large; text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1. In this beautiful Psalm our psalmist speaks of waiting, waiting for the Lord. </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">Tell what it means to you to have waited for the Lord, and what has been the result of your presenting yourself to the Lord?<br /><br />2. Our psalmist is delighted to do God's will; he says to God, "Your law is within </span><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: large;">my heart!" Have you also felt the Lord's pleasure when you obey Him and serve Him? </span><span style="font-size: medium;">What does it mean to you to say God's law is within my heart?</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><br /><br /><b style="font-size: large;"> </b></span></span></div></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-76918561041163422022024-01-01T12:30:00.000-08:002024-01-01T12:30:58.368-08:00Psalm for Sunday, January 7, 2024<h1 class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></span></h1><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><p><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/010724.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (Read)</a></span></i></p><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”</span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCWAJ8xMtRDvHN0DO_xALoJLgOu5uRvgzFUKo1NxW6xDKNorL1zSUq8tK_Y-N0o73_1RG6e1fiu74WszI2XahZIElohP0CAE1Pp3TQC_-bGreBTsqX6dM3HPDvfJ-M8p6qZTQ7Vld1Ks/s1600/Epiphany20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCWAJ8xMtRDvHN0DO_xALoJLgOu5uRvgzFUKo1NxW6xDKNorL1zSUq8tK_Y-N0o73_1RG6e1fiu74WszI2XahZIElohP0CAE1Pp3TQC_-bGreBTsqX6dM3HPDvfJ-M8p6qZTQ7Vld1Ks/s320/Epiphany20.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Psalm is a prayer for our newborn King,</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">a Messiah who will be like the “rain coming </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">down upon the fields, like showers watering </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the earth.” Our psalmist prays that our </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">newborn King will be anointed by God with </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">divine judgment and empowered to rule the earth.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The prophet Isaiah in Sunday's first reading </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">predicts that </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the light of the Lord will cause </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">our hearts to overflow, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and the riches of the sea </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">to be emptied out</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">before us.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><i style="font-family: helvetica;">(Isaiah 60:5)</i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our psalmist also speaks of abundance </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that will flourish in the King's days. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But the Messiah is among us, to do more than </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">bless us materially; the Savior has come to make</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">our burdens easy, to share our afflictions. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“The lives of the poor He shall save.”</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We see the light, just as the prophet Isaiah said </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we would. <i>(Isaiah 60:1)</i> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the Psalm, the mystery is revealed </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to us, poor in spirit though we are:</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“He rescues the poor when they cry out [as we do],</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the afflicted who have no one to help.”</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is what our Good Shepherd Jesus is sent to do, </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to shepherd God’s people. This is why we join the </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Magi in paying homage to our newborn King, and </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">join with our psalmist in singing,</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Amen</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Our psalmist mentions 'afflicted ones' and 'the afflicted'</span><i style="font-size: large;"> </i><span style="font-size: medium;">in two </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">of the Psalm's verses. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Are there times when you can identify yourself </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">as an 'afflicted' one? Tell what remedies </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">are available to you that are </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">mentioned in the Psalm.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />2. The Psalm says, 'Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.' </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Using the verses </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">of the Psalm, explain why 'all kings' would want </span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;">to pay homage to our Lord.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="western" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-39122261160338711412023-12-25T15:43:00.000-08:002023-12-25T15:43:35.524-08:00Psalm for Sunday, December 31, 2023<p><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span><span style="background-color: #c0a154; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><p><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; text-align: center;"></div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFiSJZLbobTqjw7UBju7FCWe95cUI3L1wV5my-kgjJ1OEXSdx2EBYyIGUnGZ8RJ9oemruanwrN5LbkCM47e6-Jv3YHos8EEGc5lEHey7_Rkg8bd-CW2nNuufeGvwh3hZMZJI6CcW_seo/s1600/Holy+Family3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiFiSJZLbobTqjw7UBju7FCWe95cUI3L1wV5my-kgjJ1OEXSdx2EBYyIGUnGZ8RJ9oemruanwrN5LbkCM47e6-Jv3YHos8EEGc5lEHey7_Rkg8bd-CW2nNuufeGvwh3hZMZJI6CcW_seo/s1600/Holy+Family3.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></a><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/123123.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5 (Read)</a></span></i></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Blessed are those who fear the Lord</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and walk in His ways!”<br /><br />The Psalm affirms that the blessings <br />for those who fear the Lord are <br />to be found in the recesses of our <br />homes, in the ordinary joys of family.<br /><br />The worthy wife is valued in the Psalm <br />as a fruitful vine because she blesses <br />her home and family with the gift <br />of her handiwork. As shown in the Gospel<br />she uses wisely what is given her as <br />her way of obeying the Lord and <br />holding Him in awe. <br /><br />“Just so will they be blessed <br />who fear the Lord.”<br /><br />If we fear the Lord and walk in His <br />ways, we will receive the blessings <br />of our labor, prosper, and grow old <br />gracefully in the company of our <br />wife and children.<br /><br />Amen</span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. The Psalm assures us that we will be favored by the Lord, </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">if we walk in His ways. Speak of how you have been blessed </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">by obeying the Lord and holding Him in awe.<br /><br />2. Our psalmist tells of a worthy wife who uses wisely what </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">she has been given. Give an example of how you have used </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">your God-given talent to serve your family or your community.</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;" /></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-15293450210450366072023-12-18T15:45:00.000-08:002023-12-18T15:45:44.457-08:00Psalm for Sunday, December 24, 2023<p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Reflections</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122423.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 89: 2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 (Read)</a></span></i><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDeM0C_toh2fxqJAqJzBxUm9CeW7ZHtxsgDa3PvexV06I3MIBZexqMgdH1cR_vrOFoX_5i15e6f3Hg_cdshwK6DvJoBeGFgsVkLmjsuicUu0Z4I59QeXsB-NJ7hiwEqq9DkMkfr8Ch4Y/s1600/King+David5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDeM0C_toh2fxqJAqJzBxUm9CeW7ZHtxsgDa3PvexV06I3MIBZexqMgdH1cR_vrOFoX_5i15e6f3Hg_cdshwK6DvJoBeGFgsVkLmjsuicUu0Z4I59QeXsB-NJ7hiwEqq9DkMkfr8Ch4Y/s1600/King+David5.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></span></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;">" I have made a covenant </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;">with my chosen one."</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This Sunday's Psalm sings about God’s <br />promises to Israel and God's covenant <br />with David. "I have made a covenant <br />with my chosen one." That same divine <br />selection is celebrated in Sunday's <br />first reading that tells the story of how David </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">was taken from pasturing sheep to become Israel’s </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">commander.</span><i style="font-family: helvetica;"> (2 Samuel 7:8)</i></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Our psalmist quotes the Lord, “I have sworn to <br />David my servant: Forever will I confirm your posterity<br />and establish your throne for all generations.”<br /><br />And how does this young shepherd boy rise to <br />greatness in Israel? He succeeds because he has <br />found favor with God, and God will be the source of his <br />strength. This is the same divine strength that St Paul <br />tells us is available to each of us, if we believe and <br />have faith.<i> (Romans 16:25)<br /></i><br />But it isn’t a one way street with the Lord. David is <br />to show us that we must give glory to God. He cries out,<br />“You are my Father, my God, the Rock, my Savior.”<br /><br />Mary also finds favor with God and is anointed to be <br />the Blessed Mother of our Lord Jesus. She too responds<br />by giving glory to God in this week’s Gospel. <i> (Luke 1:38)</i><br /><br />The Lord’s covenant with David stands firm, and it is <br />through God’s promise to David that the Messiah is <br />born of Mary. “Forever, I will maintain my love for David;<br />my covenant with him stands firm.” That promise <br />to David is fulfilled in the birth of our Savior and for that <br />we too must give glory to God.<br /><br />Amen<br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. David is to call out to the Lord, 'You are my father, my God, the Rock, my savior.' We too are inspired to cry out to God in a similar way. Tell of the times when you have felt like crying out to God in worship and praise.<br /><br />2. Our Psalm response is, 'Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.' One reason to sing of the Lord's goodness is because His promises are trustworthy. Describe how you have relied on the promises of the Lord in your journey.<br /><br /></span></p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-35897420477980652402023-12-11T15:15:00.000-08:002023-12-11T15:15:42.286-08:00Psalm for Sunday, December 17, 2023<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections </span></span><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #990000; font-family: helvetica;"> </i></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121723.cfm" target="_blank">Luke 1: 46-48, 49-50, 53-54 (Read)</a></span></i></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“My soul rejoices in my God.”</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCBq_Oh8I_qthtlqaADfQXkNiGtgCraADnq1-3rJ4rZ_Nz8Ab3bGLB4cewBHN10fTOHaSCUwhkJozecdizhEHHsJ2oK2XeoyU-yrfOKcxynGbAAFRq4NldcoUHTkAPoUdI0aDhJLUBr8/s1600/Blessed+Mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCBq_Oh8I_qthtlqaADfQXkNiGtgCraADnq1-3rJ4rZ_Nz8Ab3bGLB4cewBHN10fTOHaSCUwhkJozecdizhEHHsJ2oK2XeoyU-yrfOKcxynGbAAFRq4NldcoUHTkAPoUdI0aDhJLUBr8/s1600/Blessed+Mother.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; text-align: center;"></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Our Blessed Mother Mary speaks this hymn </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">of praise to God in the words of a humble servant,</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">“For He has looked upon his lowly handmaid.”</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Despite her position as God’s chosen instrument, </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Mary does not exalt herself; she exalts God </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">the Father as she professes her Magnificat.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Her soul “proclaims the greatness of the Lord.”</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">She glorifies the Lord, “The Almighty has done</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">great things for me.” Mary is truly God’s anointed</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">one, and the spirit of the Lord is upon her. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">She “rejoices heartily in the Lord.” </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">We too are God’s lowly creatures, and Mary inspires</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">us to expect the Lord will do great things for us as well.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">We too should expect to be singled out by the Lord </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">to do His work. This is our food (to do the Lord’s work)</span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">just as it was for Jesus the Son.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Mary testifies to the light, as does John the Baptist in </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">our Gospel reading. </span><i style="font-size: 15.455999px;">(John 1: 8)</i><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Because of Mary’s faith, the Old Testament </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">promises are fulfilled, and the tide is turned. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">As our Blessed Mother says, the hungry (that is who we are) </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">are filled with good things. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Amen </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">1. Mary declares that God has filled the 'hungry' with good things. </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">Do you consider yourself one of the hungry ones? And if so, in what way </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">has the Lord fed you with good things?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">2. Our Blessed Mother says, "The Almighty has done great things for me." </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">In what way do you also believe that God has done great things for you, </span><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">and how have you responded?</span></span><br style="font-size: 15.455999px;" /></p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-53526554422705236872023-12-04T21:16:00.000-08:002023-12-04T21:17:58.037-08:00Psalm for Sunday, December 10, 2023<p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Reflections</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #660000;"><i><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121023.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 (Read)</a></i></span></span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">"Near indeed is His salvation." </span></span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHj3Amc33XytHcpwzS8BB22OZAJQoHk6JxMaHvh_T4uWz1isM7SQjV-vyvU-wa0FEIbhrysL7hGhCX52aaEPx4cD9YvianUx3gRAhyphenhyphenDpxpk-ZzS6Vf_2OUHpiG2Y_vwSQSstrSbk9Vir8/s1600/2nd+Advent4.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHj3Amc33XytHcpwzS8BB22OZAJQoHk6JxMaHvh_T4uWz1isM7SQjV-vyvU-wa0FEIbhrysL7hGhCX52aaEPx4cD9YvianUx3gRAhyphenhyphenDpxpk-ZzS6Vf_2OUHpiG2Y_vwSQSstrSbk9Vir8/s1600/2nd+Advent4.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: repeat white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">The Psalm is a prayer that God<br />will grant mercy and forgiveness<br />to the Israelites, and by extension<br />we are told that our own salvation <br />is near. “The Lord proclaims peace <br />to His people, glory dwelling in our land.”<br /><br />The Prophet Isaiah tells us in today's <br />1st reading, our God declares, “Give <br />comfort to my people.” And Zion is told,<br />“Cry out at the top of your voice;<br />here is your God!" <i> (Isaiah 40:1,6,9)</i><br /><br />The Psalm is a promise of salvation.<br />“Near indeed is salvation for those <br />who fear Him.” St Peter too affirms<br />that the Lord does not delay in keeping His<br />promise in today's 2nd reading. <i>(2 Peter 3:9)</i><br /><br />And what should we expect?<br />Nothing less than the coming of the Messiah<br />himself. Our psalmist affirms, “Truth will spring<br />from the earth,” and for us this takes place<br />when the Messiah is born.<br /><br />The psalmist prepares the way of the Lord,<br />as does John the Baptist in this week's Gospel.<br />As the Psalm says, “Justice shall walk before <br />Him and prepare the way of His steps.”<br /><br />Amen</span></span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. The Psalm says, "Truth shall spring out of the earth." For us this verse </span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">foretells the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. What else about </span></span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">the Psalm prepares us for the birth of our Savior?<br /><br />2. Our psalmist says, "I will hear what God proclaims." This verse can be seen </span></span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">as a reminder to study the Word of the Lord. Explain how your study of the Word </span></span><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;">is strengthening your faith.</span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-72519252980653746282023-11-27T15:05:00.000-08:002023-11-27T15:05:26.122-08:00Psalm for Sunday, December 3, 2023<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Reflections</span><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120323.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 80: 2-3, 15-16, 18-19 (Read)</a></span></i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Lord, let us see your face and we shall be saved."</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkYwynDOXArR-DjVbAjmgDc1B_r-FD7ZRErZOBbGjq5TWvm_aeGZpZTvw3cFXUbEsNHnKm0boSJwdKe6lNmYejsV_0ewculFCkVEkAX2Mqlr-inapouPakFDYP7ME_zzuj1Nkpdkr1yc/s1600/advent-words.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwkYwynDOXArR-DjVbAjmgDc1B_r-FD7ZRErZOBbGjq5TWvm_aeGZpZTvw3cFXUbEsNHnKm0boSJwdKe6lNmYejsV_0ewculFCkVEkAX2Mqlr-inapouPakFDYP7ME_zzuj1Nkpdkr1yc/s320/advent-words.jpeg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Psalm is a prayer to </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">restore Israel, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">at a time </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">when the chosen people </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">were </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">scattered and had </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">withdrawn from God.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Psalm is well adapted </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to our prayers during Advent.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We are a people scattered </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and separated from God,</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and we await His coming.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Our psalmist makes a direct </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">appeal to God to shepherd us,</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Shepherd of Israel listen; </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">come to save us.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Turn again Lord, attend to this vine.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Lord tends to His vineyard.</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He protects a shoot planted by His </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">right hand, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the son of man whom God </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">himself made strong. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The coming of </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Christ is intended to revive us, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">restore </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">our strength. As the Psalm says,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Then we will not withdraw from you;</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">give us new life, and we will call upon </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">your name.”</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We all need to be renewed from</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">time to time when our faith grows </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">lukewarm, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">when our hearts harden </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">due to the sins </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">that separate us </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">from God. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">We, like the Israelites, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">need </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to beg for God’s mercy, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to petition </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Lord and seek His </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">peace, the peace </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">that will guard our </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">hearts and minds, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and restore us as </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His people. We are after all,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the work of His hands.<i> (Isaiah 64:7)</i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i></i><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Where does our hope for revival </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">come from? It comes from our savior, </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">sent by the Lord, our cornerstone.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In Him we are restored. “Lord of </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">hosts restore us; let your face shine </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">upon us, that we may be saved.”</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Amen </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">1. The Psalm says, 'Lord, make us turn to you.' </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you noticed at times when </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">we stray off His path </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">how the Lord tugs at each of us so that we return to His ways. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">Give an example from your own experience.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">but his words may </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">apply to each of us in our separation from God. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In what way do the Psalm's verses </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">encourage you as we begin </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">the season of Advent?</span></div><p><br /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-4879823660241934892023-11-20T15:23:00.000-08:002023-11-20T15:23:22.036-08:00Psalm for Sunday, November 26, 2023<p><br /></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112623.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 23: 1-2, 2-3, 5-6 (Read)</a></span></i><br /></span><br /><i style="color: #333333;"><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-indent: -21.6px;">"He guides me in right paths."</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug3Y_T1SWPxQ48Z-CndjTLJZRf98hyCPzNkHMDGOTM4AFVX7r0-bFMMcHpfrp7hoMn3UPqyc1eh5rVieHC2nm8U3iwmFoe7BoTLnfW1tEVDJAZNAWFYL5T5R0EtEm_oSoQCz1qTwJuH0/s1600/psalm23_1-2.jpg" style="clear: left; color: #993322; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhug3Y_T1SWPxQ48Z-CndjTLJZRf98hyCPzNkHMDGOTM4AFVX7r0-bFMMcHpfrp7hoMn3UPqyc1eh5rVieHC2nm8U3iwmFoe7BoTLnfW1tEVDJAZNAWFYL5T5R0EtEm_oSoQCz1qTwJuH0/s320/psalm23_1-2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><br />This well known psalm is a prayer </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">that we offer to our Lord, the Good Shepherd.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.” </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We desire to be one of His sheep because He</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">looks after us and protects us and seeks us</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">out when we stray. On the other hand we</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">do not want to be one of the goats that He</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">scatters. Nor do we want to be on the wrong </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">side of His judgment when He separates the </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">sheep from the goats. </span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>(See Gospel, Matthew 25: 31-34)</i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In Sunday’s first reading the prophet Ezekiel tells us --</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“The Lord God looks after his scattered sheep.” </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(Ezekiel 34:12)</span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">He brings us back to the sheep-hold</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">where He will bind up our wounds.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Jesus speaks of himself as the Good Shepherd,</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">and we are drawn to Him, </span>because He offers <br />to lead us beside still waters, to grant us peace, <br />and to restore us spiritually.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Our Lord Jesus, King of kings, stands by us </span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;">in the victory over death. </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Our psalmist David says it this way, a thousand</span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;">years </span>before the time of Christ,</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“You prepare a table before me in the </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">presence of my enemies.” </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">As the Psalm says, our Lord anoints us; </span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;">He fills our cup so that it overflows.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We are ready to go forth on our own journey </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">to discover who we are and how we are to treat others, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">especially the least among us. <i>(Gospel, Matthew 25: 45)</i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In our journey we learn that, </span>if we really want <br />to have eternal life with our Lord, then we must <br />become shepherds in our own right, here on earth.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Having been rescued by our Savior, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and now counted among His obedient sheep, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and ready to do His will, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">we are groomed to enter the kingdom </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and to sit at the table that God sets for us.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Surely goodness and mercy </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">shall follow me all the days of my life,</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Amen</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. The Psalm makes it clear we want to stay on the right side of our <br />Good Shepherd; we want to be guided in right paths for His name's sake. <br />Explain what you are doing so that you will be placed on His right, and not <br />on His left with the goats.<br /><br />2. As His good sheep, we are being groomed to do His will. Our psalmist <br />says that our Lord anoints us with oil. Having been anointed by the Lord, <br />how are you carrying out His will within your family and your community?</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-46241891351950677292023-11-13T13:22:00.000-08:002023-11-13T13:22:31.629-08:00Psalm for Sunday, November 19, 2023<p><br /></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvOQXw1da1BDD2UKxka9Zp5nd1XKknoKhWYkEYOHxlr31ecksoXlL4y4pv5_ULl7okSV2wc28wuJkhOI-Kqk1XIVPKcOvWgbgGHVWqHVH5bOnQYg6GqLt4P38jFU0uKuSVAAqnnbdL-I/s1600/Holy+Family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; font-size: 15.455999px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTvOQXw1da1BDD2UKxka9Zp5nd1XKknoKhWYkEYOHxlr31ecksoXlL4y4pv5_ULl7okSV2wc28wuJkhOI-Kqk1XIVPKcOvWgbgGHVWqHVH5bOnQYg6GqLt4P38jFU0uKuSVAAqnnbdL-I/s320/Holy+Family2.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="262" /></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111923.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 128: 1-2, 3, 4-5 (Read)</a></span></i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Just so will they be blessed </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">who fear the Lord.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The Psalm affirms that </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">blessings </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">for we who </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">fear the Lord are </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">to be </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">found in the recesses </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">our </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">homes, in the </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ordinary joys of family.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The worthy wife is valued </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">in the Psalm </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">as a fruitful </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">vine because she blesses </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">her home and family with </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the gift </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of her handiwork. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">S</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">he uses </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">wisely what is </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">given her as </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">her way of </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">obeying the Lord </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">holding Him in awe. </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And if a man walks with the Lord, </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">this will </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">be reflected in the way </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">he loves his wife. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Because if a man </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">cherishes his wife, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">as ‘flesh of his flesh’ </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and ‘bone of his bones,’ </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">he nourishes </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">his relationship with her, </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">as Christ </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">nourishes the Church. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">And the man’s </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">reward is that his wife will be </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">like </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">a ‘fruitful vine’ within his house. </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This is </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">how a man is blessed who </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">fears the Lord.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As the Psalm says, if we fear the Lord </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and walk in His </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">ways, we will receive </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the blessings </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of our labor, prosper, </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">and grow old </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">gracefully in the company </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">of our </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">wife and children.</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Amen</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: 15.455999px;">1. The Psalm assures us that we will be favored by the Lord, if we walk in </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His ways. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">Speak of how you have been blessed </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">by obeying the Lord and </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">holding Him in awe.</span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />2. Our psalmist tells of a worthy wife who uses wisely what she has been </span></span><br /><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">given. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">Give an example of how you have used </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">your God-given talent to serve </span><br /><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">your family </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;">or your community.</span><br /></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br /></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-87989504302809978432023-11-06T14:29:00.000-08:002023-11-06T14:29:53.338-08:00Psalm for Sunday, November 12, 2023<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O36El0ciRL8Ot8FnEdn_O4PEM56N6YE8FR-Njs4O1OZ6vVxmvvEUGBz9LUdnxrw0jjI5VRGgBk_o-y4YAs1y1H3dEgF7QYv0bwgO62Q7FR3YtNsqQhaC-nfcrLUghwbXEXq94VilMBs/s1600/Soul+thirsting.JPG" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; font-size: 16.228798px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O36El0ciRL8Ot8FnEdn_O4PEM56N6YE8FR-Njs4O1OZ6vVxmvvEUGBz9LUdnxrw0jjI5VRGgBk_o-y4YAs1y1H3dEgF7QYv0bwgO62Q7FR3YtNsqQhaC-nfcrLUghwbXEXq94VilMBs/s1600/Soul+thirsting.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 16.228798px;"><br /><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111223.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 63: 2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (Read)</a></span></i></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“My soul is thirsting for you, </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">O Lord my God.”<br /><br />This prayer of longing was written </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">at a time when David was in the </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">desert, a place where physical thirst </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">was all </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">around him, and the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">earth </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">was </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">parched, lifeless and without </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">water. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But David is writing also </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">about a </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">spiritual thirst </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">that </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">overwhelms him </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and reminds him </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">of the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">emptiness of life without God.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />David meditates on those happier moments </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">when he was close to the Lord, </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">when his soul was satisfied as with the riches </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">of a banquet, and when he took shelter </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">in the shadow of the wings of God.<br /><br />We too go through times of spiritual deprivation<br />when we are away from God and indulge in <br />sinful practices that separate us from Him. <br />At those times, like a penitent sinner, we experience <br />our deepest longing for the love of the Lord, and <br />we seek out His loving embrace. As our psalmist <br />says, at times like that our soul clings fast to the Lord. <br />We bless Him, we glorify Him, we praise Him.<br /><br />Amen<br /><br /><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">1. Our psalmist seeks the Lord because his soul thirsts for Him. </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Give an example of a time when you have thirsted for God's </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">presence and blessing in your life.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">2. The Psalm speaks of gazing toward the Lord in the sanctuary.</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Tell of a time when you have gazed at the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament </span><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Chapel of your parish and how you could see His power and His glory.</span><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-674761569021863783" itemprop="description articleBody" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16.228798px; line-height: 1.5; position: relative; width: 568px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-33382063815601397702023-10-30T15:11:00.000-07:002023-10-30T15:11:13.009-07:00Psalm for Sunday, November 5, 2023<div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span></span><br /><span style="color: #333333; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110523.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 131: 1, 2, 3 (Read)</a></span></i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"In you Lord, I have found my peace."</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JtmDi-fDCs3cn1Pn0AV9Yt8nnRCi3nm1nutlzuqeGQDzvEphLRnWSL1dYjNtf_zkSk7p7H7kQI79_397nCQA8rXw0PT_27TseK_ndOErzrJdVTa653qgGacUOkGGixumW2NDDpEi2eI/s1600/Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JtmDi-fDCs3cn1Pn0AV9Yt8nnRCi3nm1nutlzuqeGQDzvEphLRnWSL1dYjNtf_zkSk7p7H7kQI79_397nCQA8rXw0PT_27TseK_ndOErzrJdVTa653qgGacUOkGGixumW2NDDpEi2eI/s320/Prayer.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;">Our psalmist David writes about his </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -21.6px;">childlike trust in God. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His soul is stilled. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He is “like a weaned child on its mother’s lap.”</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> David is so unlike the priests of Israel </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> described in Sunday’s first reading, </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> who do not listen and are contemptible</span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> in the Lord’s eyes. <i>(Malachi 1: 8-10)</i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> Instead, David listens and submits </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> completely </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;">to God in all humility. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> His heart is not proud, </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">nor are his eyes </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> haughty. </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">He is so unlike the </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">scribes </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> and the Pharisees described by Jesus </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> in Sunday’s Gospel. </span><i style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">(Matthew 23: 2-6)</i></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> Our psalmist does not busy himself </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> with </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;">great </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;">matters </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">or concern himself </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> with things </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">beyond </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">his reach. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> By </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">humbling himself, </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">he will be </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> raised up, as the Gospel promises.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"><i> (Matthew 23: 11-12)</i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> Our psalmist</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> is in the care of the Lord,</span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> and he is being cared for as those </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">in </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> the Church of the Thessalonians were – </span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> “as a nursing mother cares for her children”</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"><i> (1 Thessalonians 2:7)</i></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 11px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> There is a message for us, too, in the </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"> Psalm’s </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;">final verse – </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">David says we </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">are </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> to hope in </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">the Lord, now and forever. </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> That is all we need as </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">believers – </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> the message is simple – </span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">trust in the Lord </span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> like a child and learn to do His will.</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 15px;"><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> A</span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">men</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px;"><div style="font-size: 12px;"><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"> Discussion Questions for Reflection</span></div><div style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-kerning: none; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> 1. </span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our<span style="font-size: 12px;"> psalmist calls for us to be like a child and trust in the </span>Lord<span style="font-size: 12px;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">unconditionally.</span></div></div><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> Give an example of how you are able to do so.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2. David says he has found his peace in the Lord and that his soul is stilled </span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> and quieted. Speak of how you have been able to find peace.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-8801158257067387522023-10-23T18:54:00.001-07:002023-10-23T18:54:51.764-07:00Psalm for Sunday, October 29, 2023<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections </span></span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;" /></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKlhBrN5dc66oJ1_cdtorQo5MNCqeInkpi1N3ZUKoWLlfS4m5ceHdEbAppXnGtxxCTBihUtLUDqvkvbCY3rfP80EUt-A0-LWDukohrXRb4Tbd2Ai5IFq6Yc9ZOFmBsSIIWhMQXIeTTkI/s1600/Refuge1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSKlhBrN5dc66oJ1_cdtorQo5MNCqeInkpi1N3ZUKoWLlfS4m5ceHdEbAppXnGtxxCTBihUtLUDqvkvbCY3rfP80EUt-A0-LWDukohrXRb4Tbd2Ai5IFq6Yc9ZOFmBsSIIWhMQXIeTTkI/s1600/Refuge1.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="269" /></a></span></span></div><p><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102923.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 18: 2-3, 3-4, 47, 51 (Read)</a></span></i><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><br />“The Lord Lives!”<br /><br />The Psalm is saying that the Lord <br />is present to us, here and now, just as <br />He was when He delivered David <br />from his persecutors.<br /><br />The really key revelation for us is <br />that the Lord lives. He lives among us; <br />He is present in the Word. Jesus is<br />in fact the Living Word; He is present <br />on the inside of us through the holy <br />Spirit. He is alive in the Eucharist. <br />He humbled himself to share in our <br />humanity, so that we might have a <br />share in His divinity!<br /><br />So Jesus is alive and well, standing <br />by us as our “rock of refuge, our <br />shield, our saving horn.” We join <br />with David in praising God and loving <br />Him with all our heart and all our mind, <br />as Jesus reminds us to do in the Gospel.<br /><i>(Matthew 22: 37)</i><br /><br />How do we apply the Psalm's verses to <br />our lives? We turn to our Lord to equip <br />us for the battles that we fight against the <br />evil one. Jesus becomes our fortress!<br /><br />In this Psalm we hear David, crying out <br />to the Lord, as one cries out to his savior.<br />“My God, my rock of refuge, my shield, <br />my saving horn, my stronghold.” David <br />has just emerged after being saved <br />by God from his enemies. David has been <br />rescued by that same God of compassion <br />and mercy that is present to us.<br /><br />David praises his savior in language that <br />is familiar to us as his spiritual descendents,<br />“The Lord lives! Blessed be my rock! <br />Exalted be God my savior!”<br /><br />For David has been delivered from the <br />forces of evil that surrounded him.<br />And that same deliverance is available to<br />us, so long as we surrender ourselves <br />to God and love God with all of our heart <br />and soul and strength.<br /><br />Amen</span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. The Psalm affirms for us that our Lord lives! Tell of how <br />the Lord is present to you in your daily life. How does He reveal <br />Himself to you?<br /><br />2. Our psalmist extols God our savior, and speaks of the Lord<br />as the horn of salvation. When and how do you turn to the Lord<br />as your rock of refuge?<br /></span></span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", Times, serif;"><br /></span></span></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-63698821539636395192023-10-16T17:23:00.000-07:002023-10-16T17:23:29.885-07:00Psalm for Sunday, October 22, 2023<p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Reflections</span> <span style="color: #990000;"><i> </i></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYoGTx-zf0Gn2rVClyRHBoTX3uX_hhsv4z5Voj-PNSMRLKfAJubmXDESjP2SSEA4qpXtbC26WFLS0Wc0PBIzHNfyFpfPFH6j87mpRiBbNl7Ew2uvbDiEP91Lt1iG8HrWTlfU7ymWLYT4/s1600/New+Song3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYoGTx-zf0Gn2rVClyRHBoTX3uX_hhsv4z5Voj-PNSMRLKfAJubmXDESjP2SSEA4qpXtbC26WFLS0Wc0PBIzHNfyFpfPFH6j87mpRiBbNl7Ew2uvbDiEP91Lt1iG8HrWTlfU7ymWLYT4/s1600/New+Song3.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><br /><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102223.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 96: 1, 3, 4-5, 7-8, 9-10 (Read)</a></span></i></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Awesome is He; give to the Lord the glory due His name!”<br /><br />The Psalm is a message to Israel’s neighbors, and to the rest of the world, that there is one true God. “Tell God’s glory </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.455999px;">among the nations; among all peoples God's marvelous deeds."</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Israelites have returned from exile </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">and have been brought back </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">from near death as a people. The </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">remnant has survived, and the </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Israelites </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.455999px;">have been delivered by </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.455999px;">the one and only God. </span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And so they sing a “new song,” celebrating the<br />“newness of God” that comes with the joy of <br />praising Him as sovereign. “Sing to the Lord a <br />new song; sing to the Lord, all you lands.” <br />As the Psalm says, we are all summoned to <br />adoration of our sovereign. We are called <br />to give Him glory and praise.<br /><br />In this Sunday's first reading the prophet Isaiah confirms <br />there is no other God besides Him. <i>(Isaiah 45: 5)</i><br />The gods of other nations are mere idols, and they <br />all do nothing, says our psalmist. But our God made <br />the heavens; He is to be praised and feared. <br /><br />And how do we praise Him?<br />How do we give the Lord the glory due His name? <br />We engage in works of faith; we undertake a labor <br />of love for Him, as St. Paul tells us in today's <br />2nd reading. <i>(1 Thessalonians 1: 3)</i><br /><br />All peoples are invited to recognize our God,<br />and pledge to obey Him. “Say among the nations, <br />“The Lord is King; the world will surely stand fast, <br />never to be shaken.” <br /><br />And having acknowledged that God is sovereign, <br />how should we and all the nations behave? <br />The Gospel tells us how -- Jesus says,<br />“Repay to God what belongs to God.” <i>(Matthew 22: 21)</i><br />And we understand our calling,<br />“Give to the Lord the glory due His name!” <br /><br />Amen<br /> <br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span><br /><br />1. The Psalm exhorts us to "Sing to the Lord a new song." <br />How does your song go when you sing praise to God? What <br />do you have to say to the Lord?<br /><br />2. Our psalmist encourages us to "Give the Lord glory and honor." <br />We are called to give glory to God in the works of faith that we do. <br />Speak of how you give God the glory in what you do.<br /><br /></span><br style="font-size: 15.455999px;" /></p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-3733200307385230402023-10-09T15:16:00.001-07:002023-10-09T15:16:42.125-07:00Psalm for Sunday, October 15, 2023<p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-indent: -21.6px;"><br /></span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large; text-indent: -21.6px;">Reflections</span></p><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucyN7513tUDbc_tR_DtHgiR2wJjpEda4kyn3BUmlX48xRGcFkwnAY7U4AKBAP_cubz1fu1BL5QzmRaYuSFoLWX-HMnchWaApgI_D-xhblYkqRDdNHT-VMldN61BMAT9bCOqS52OxKwK8/s1600/23rd+Psalm22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #993322; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhucyN7513tUDbc_tR_DtHgiR2wJjpEda4kyn3BUmlX48xRGcFkwnAY7U4AKBAP_cubz1fu1BL5QzmRaYuSFoLWX-HMnchWaApgI_D-xhblYkqRDdNHT-VMldN61BMAT9bCOqS52OxKwK8/s1600/23rd+Psalm22.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" /></span></a></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i><span style="color: #990000; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; min-height: 17px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101523.cfm" target="_blank"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span>Psalm 23: 1-3, 3-4, 5, 6 (Read)</a></span></i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I shall dwell in the house of the Lord </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin-left: 21.6px; text-indent: -21.6px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">all the days of my life.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It is said that this wonderful prayer </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">was written at the end of King David’s </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">life. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">We are with David as he passes</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">from death to life </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">on God’s holy </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">mountain.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Isaiah says the Lord will provide </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">a feast of rich food and choice wines </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">on His holy mountain. <i>(Isaiah 25: 6)</i></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Our psalmist tells us, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“The Lord prepares a table before me;</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">He anoints my head with oil, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">my cup runneth over.”</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Isaiah says that God wipes away our </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">tears. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">King David tells us,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Even though I walk through the valley </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">of death, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">I shall fear no evil,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">for you are </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">with me.”</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">What greater companion </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">would we want as we face death?</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">St Paul agrees -- </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">his strength comes </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">from the Lord,</span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">through Jesus, who </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">empowers him. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> (Philippians 4:13)</i></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">This is the same Lord </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">who shepherds </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">us in the Psalm. </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“He restores my soul.” </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">David sets the tone for what is to come -- </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Jesus becomes the good Shepherd, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">leads us beside still waters,</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">guides us along the right path.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With the Good Shepherd as our guide, </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">if we walk with Him, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">we are sure to be </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">among the chosen ones, </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">and we are </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">sure to be clothed in the right clothing</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">when we arrive on God’s holy mountain.</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Amen</span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">1. King David, our psalmist, is confident that he will </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;">dwell in God's house for all </span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">the days of his life. What draws you to God's heavenly mansions and what gives </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">you confidence that you will live there?<br /><br />2. The Psalm's verses reassure us that we are God's sheep and our Lord is our </span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Good Shepherd. Are you one of His sheep, and in what way are you gaining repose </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.455999px;">in His pastures?</span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5176231645022543980.post-8019381246585442502023-10-02T14:36:00.001-07:002023-10-02T14:36:31.645-07:00Psalm for Sunday, October 8, 2023<p><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"><b>Reflections</b></span></p><p><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.455999px;"><br /></i></p><p><i style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: helvetica; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="color: #660000;"><a href="https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100823.cfm" target="_blank">Psalm 80: 9, 12, 13-14, 15-16, 19-20 (Read)</a></span></i></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">"O Lord, take care of this vine." <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqckgnHUpzTQ7YMp75s80NZhuCAmXduqGkJYOByBeUZxitef89jZlH3RSMfJLvphJQNcbsmbravws-zurMKh0XIW8AsKJZAuUarth3FHqxLiweXNDYKBY-P2AkFQSqdSHc29AI_OLB8Dg/s1600/God's+vineyard5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #993322; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqckgnHUpzTQ7YMp75s80NZhuCAmXduqGkJYOByBeUZxitef89jZlH3RSMfJLvphJQNcbsmbravws-zurMKh0XIW8AsKJZAuUarth3FHqxLiweXNDYKBY-P2AkFQSqdSHc29AI_OLB8Dg/s1600/God's%2Bvineyard5.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; background: white; border: medium; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></span></a></div><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The Psalm is a prayer to restore the Israelites to God’s vineyard. <br />The chosen people have lost God’s protection; God has removed <br />the hedge that He put up around them.<br /><br />“God brought a vine out of Egypt and planted it.” But what kind <br />of fruit did God’s vineyard bear? The prophet Isaiah says in <br />our 1st reading that despite all of God’s efforts, nothing but wild<br />grapes was produced. <i>(Isaiah 5:2) </i> And so God broke down the<br />vineyard’s walls, letting, “The boar strip the vine, and the beast <br />feed upon it.” <br /><br />There is a message here for all of us who do not bear fruit or <br />use our resources wisely. We could lose God’s protection, <br />and we may not be able to defend ourselves from the evil one <br />that prowls around like a roaring lion. <br /><br />We, like the psalmist, need to beg for God’s mercy.<br />“Turn again, O Lord of hosts, attend to this vine.”<br />If we’re not careful, the kingdom will be taken away <br />from us, as it was in the Gospel, and given to a people<br />that will produce its fruit.<i> (Matthew 21: 43) </i><br />We, like the Israelites, need to be restored. The Psalm's<br />verses pray, “Give us new life, and we will call on your name.”<br /><br />Where does our hope for revival come from?<br />It comes from our Savior, sent by the Lord, our cornerstone,<br />“The son of man whom God himself made strong.”<br />In Him we are restored. As the Psalm says, “Lord of hosts <br />restore us; let your face shine upon us, <br />that we may be saved.”<br /><br />Amen <br /> </span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large;">Discussion Questions for Reflection</span></p><p style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15.455999px;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />1. The Psalm says, “Lord, take care of this vine; then we will no more withdraw <br />from you. Give us new life, and we will call upon your name.” Have you noticed <br />at times when we stray off His path how the Lord tugs at each of us so that <br />we return to His ways. Give an example from your own experience.<br /><br />2. Our psalmist is writing about the scattered people of Israel, but his words may <br />apply to each of us in our separation from God. In what way are you inspired by the Psalm's verses to repent and seek renewal?</span></p><p><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></p><p><br /></p>Psalm Posterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14662377137814699081noreply@blogger.com0