Reflections
Psalm 4: 2, 4, 7-8, 9
This Psalm is about trust in God.
Our Psalmist, King David, is filled
with desire for God's mercy,
and invites us to pray, saying,
“When I call, answer me,
O my just God, … hear my prayer.”
David reminds us the Lord
works wonders for the faithful,
“The Lord does wonders for his faithful one.”
Part of keeping our faith must surely be
keeping our Lord’s commandments,
as we are reminded to do in
this week’s 2nd reading -- 1 John says,
“Whoever keeps his word,
the love of God is truly perfected in him.”
What more could we ask for?
Is it necessary that the risen Jesus
show us his hands and feet,
or touch his flesh and bones (today's Gospel)?
Our psalmist reminds us it is in our hearts
where the Lord’s presence does the most good.
“You put gladness into my heart.”
If our hearts are made clean,
and our sins are forgiven
by the Easter sacrifice and resurrection
of God’s only son,
who or what can stand in our way?
What the Lord Jesus has done for us
will give rise to action on our part.
For just as the disciples were witnesses
of what came to pass 2000 years ago,
so too are we called to witness for the Lord.
We are called to keep his word,
and to open our minds, so that we too can
better understand the scriptures.
And then go about doing his work.
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Psalm Response this week is,
"Lord, let your face shine on us."
What does it mean to you the have
the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions
the Lord to answer him and to hear him.
Have you also prayed as David did
for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?
1. Our Psalm Response this week is,
"Lord, let your face shine on us."
What does it mean to you the have
the 'light of His countenance' shine upon you?
2. Our psalmist repeatedly petitions
the Lord to answer him and to hear him.
Have you also prayed as David did
for the Lord to hear your prayer?
What has been the result?
The important idea of the scriptures is so that we may know about Jesus and what he has planned for us. The scriptures aren't just writings but are like an opening to us. Psalms are an important part because they help us understand God in a better way. With the scriptures, we then become closer to God.
ReplyDeletel. It means to me that if our hearts are clean and our sins are forgiven through the risen Jesus, He'll put gladness into our heart. That's why David desires God's mercy more than anything else. David knows that the Lord does wonders for his faithful ones, and the love of God and his power can reach perfection in him. And by keeping his commandments and his word faithfully, He'll answer our prayer, and we'll able to live in his presence. We'll have the light of his countenance shine upon us with His divine Mercy.
ReplyDelete2. Unfortunately not, but there is one thing for sure -- if we'll petition God persistently like David did, and also trust in God like David (believing that "the Lord does wonders for his faithful one,") then our God who is merciful will answer our prayers in due time.
(When I first answered your question, my heart was hardened, and if I think again, I realize that I was wrong and ungrateful toward Our Lord who has washed away my past sins.
I came to realize that I'll be sinning all the time and my life will be off track if I do not heed God's words and scriptures. By committing sins against God due to my sinful nature and repenting over and over again and asking for his mercy, I am being transformed little by little into the image of God. I think it is an on-going process to experience God's grace.
This is the outcome of my prayers.)
Trust .....it's simply amazing....it is the basis of all committed relationships......this is true for animals and humans. Without a history of trust, all relationships are very tenuous and easily broken. Our trust in Jesus/God is unique, and the only way it can be broken is if WE cause it to happen, or allow it to happen. God will continue to do His part, we just have to do ours!
ReplyDelete"Put gladness in your heart"........I totally believe that it is essential that we try to maintain a joyful attitude in all that we do.
To me, it means to have the Lord shine down on me during school and during dance. Friday night I had a little show and my dance teacher told me the time we did the dance on stage was the best performance we have ever done it. I was so happy. I received a ton of compliments about my dancing but only through the Lord. Also, I had to give a speech last week for my Language Arts and Social Studies (combined) classes. I was so nervous and I thought I didn't do well on it. But, I got a 95% and I am so grateful because I persevered through the Lord. These two examples show how the Lord shines his face down on me. This week, I have a big two day test and I know I will do well because I have the Lord with me. All I have to do/say is pray and "Lord, take over."
ReplyDeleteTo me, it means to have the Lord shine down on me during school and during dance. Friday night I had a little show and my dance teacher told me the time we did the dance on stage was the best performance we have ever done. I was so happy. I received a ton of compliments about my dancing but only through the Lord's strength. Also, I had to give a speech last week for my Language Arts and Social Studies (combined) classes. I was so nervous and I thought I didn't do well on it. But, I got a 95% and I am so grateful because I persevered through the Lord. These two examples show how the Lord shines his face down on me. This week, I have a big two day test and I know I will do well because I have the Lord with me. All I have to do is pray and say, "Lord, take over."
ReplyDelete