Psalm for Sunday, May 13, 2012

Reflections

Psalm 98:  1, 2-3, 3-4
 
“Break into song, sing praise.”
The Lord makes all thing new,
and we are a new creation,
the work of his hands.
And so it is right that
we sing a 'new song' to the Lord,
who has done marvelous things for us. 

This is a Psalm of joy, originally
written to celebrate the return
of Israel from exile.
Today’s Gospel also speaks of joy --
our joy in keeping the Fathers’
commandments and imitating Christ.

The Psalm says,
“The Lord has made his salvation known;
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.”
This can be for us about Jesus' victory
over death and sin, so that we might live.
And how is salvation obtained;
how is the victory won?
It is won by God's holy arm,
his son, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Victory is obtainable for us too,
if we keep the faith, give thanks to God, and praise Him. 

“The Lord has remembered his kindness
and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.”
What greater love can there be
than the love of the Lord?
(As put so profoundly in this
week’s 2nd reading from 1 John 4)

Our Psalm exclaims,
“All the ends of the earth
have seen the salvation of our God.”
This verse and today's 1st reading
confirm that the gift of the holy Spirit
is for us Gentiles too.
For we are called to be baptized
in the name of Christ.
We too are appointed by Him
to go forth and bear fruit,
to remain in the love of the Lord,
and to do his will.

Amen

Discussion Questions for Reflection 

1.   Our Psalm Response is,
"The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power."  
How has the Lord shown his saving power to you personally?

2.   Our Psalm speaks of singing a new song,
of singing joyfully to the Lord,
and we are urged to break into song and sing praise.  
What is it about your faith and the Easter season
that makes you want to sing praise to the Lord?