Reflections
Psalm 130: 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 (Read)
“With the Lord, there is mercy and fullness of redemption.”
The psalmist calls to the Lord from “out of the depths”
of his sin that has brought him near to death. He asks
the Lord, “Hear my cry for mercy.” He waits with longing
for the Lord, knowing that God forgives, and redeems us,
even when we abandon Him. “My soul looks for the Lord
more than sentinels for daybreak.”
There is no way we can please God, so long as we remain
in the flesh, as St Paul says in today's 2nd reading (Romans 8).
But God forgives us, gives us 'life in the spirit' and saves us
from death (remember 'the wages of sin is death.') What
greater act of forgiveness could there be than the sacrifice
of the Son of God for our sins? “But with you there is
forgiveness, that you may be revered.”
We too await our redemption with hope, knowing that even
if we are dead in our sins, the Lord will revive us. We too
cry out to the Lord for forgiveness – “Lord, may your ears
be attentive to my cry for mercy.”
Redemption is a promise made to us, just as the Lord
promised the Israelites that he would open their graves and
put his Spirit within them, so they would live (today's 1st reading,
Ezekiel 37.)
That same Spirit raised Jesus from the dead, and St Paul
tells us the Spirit of God will give life to our mortal bodies too.
This is that “full redemption” the psalmist talks about that is
later made real to us in the Gospel story of Lazarus.
And so we too have come to believe and revere our Lord,
as happens in the Gospel among the Jews in Bethany.
Truly, 'Our God is an awesome God.'
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist sings about the promise of forgiveness that is
available to us if we trust in the Lord. Speak about how you will
seek out God's mercy during this Lenten season.
2. The Psalm talks about 'plenteous redemption,' or the 'fullness
of redemption.' Tell what this means to you as you prepare for
the coming of Easter.
Lent is a time of special preparation for the most important religious feast day of the year. It's important to make "the extra" effort during this time. Some give up what they enjoy, others make an extra effort to be pro-active. Do what suits you, but do something.
ReplyDeleteDuring Lent season, the Church renews the urgent offer of healing words and sacraments to all who call upon God in their need, seeking pardons. I'll truly ask Him to empower me to forgive those who harmed me badly without holding any personal grudges against my offenders. I'll go to confession with a contrite heart. I need my spirit to be renewed.
ReplyDeleteI know there is mercy, compassion and forgiveness with the Lord. During this Lent I set my mind to do charitable works: to visit the sick and homebound. I'll reach out to those who are in need.
In addition, the Lent season always reminds me of our Lord, Jesus Christ's Passion, Suffering and Death, along with His Resurrection. Whenever I meditate upon the Stations of the Cross, I have a deeper understanding of His unbearable suffering because of my hideous sins. He endured all for my Redemption.
I am redeemed and justified in the eyes of God because of His love for me. He won over Death. With His Resurrection I became a coheir with Him. That's why I rejoice in the coming of Easter. I put my hope in God for his unfailing love.
As I review the Mass readings for this Sunday, including this Psalm of course, I am struck by the theme of resurrection. New life. Renewed life. Through His Spirit. If we have the Spirit of Christ in us, then God promises to be in us. I am struck by the power of that promise. Even though we have a sinful nature, we have an all-good, all-powerful Father who dwells in us and guides us toward the good.
ReplyDeleteAs part of this week's second reading from Romans, we are directed to look at Galatians 5:24. "Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." At first glance, I don't feel strong enough to crucify my worldly passions and desires -- dare I say... I don't even want to sometimes. However, I can be set free from that grip of earthly delights with daily exercise. If I fall short one day, I can try again the next. I can practice daily the crucifying of my sinful nature... the moment by moment turning to the Lord so that I can overcome anything that is not pleasing to Him.