Reflections
Psalm 16: 1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10, 11 (Read)
“With the Lord at my right hand, I shall never be shaken.”
This psalm of David speaks to us about a belief in
an everlasting life with God. “Lord, my allotted portion
and my cup, you have made my destiny secure.”
The distress that afflicts us from time to time when
we feel separated from God is overcome – “Keep me,
O God, for in you I take refuge."
St Peter cites the Psalm's verses in today’s 1st
reading (Acts 2: 14, 22-33) and affirms that David's
verses speak of the resurrection of Christ. “You will
not suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption.”
Death is destroyed; our faith in everlasting life with
our resurrected Lord is confirmed. “I set the Lord ever
before me; abounding joy in your presence, the delights
at your right hand forever.”
For us these are encouraging words, with a promise that
we too can look forward to being lifted up and spending
the rest of our days in the presence of the Lord.
The Lord promises, if we are His faithful servants, that
we will not have to see the pit; He will not abandon us.
As David says, this is enough to make our hearts glad
and our souls rejoice. When the Lord is with us, do not
our hearts burn within us, as the two disciples declare
on the road to Emmaus in today's Gospel?
Our burdens are made light; His yoke is easy, and that
gladdens the heart and strengthens the body.
We raise a song of praise to our risen Savior!
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm 's verses affirm that we who are His faithful ones
will remain in the presence of our Lord forever. Speak of how
you are encouraged by the Psalm's promises.
2. Our psalmist inspires us to set the Lord ever before us and
if we do so, "My soul rejoices, my body too abides in confidence."
How do you go about putting the Lord first in your life despite all
the worldly distractions that surround us.
Knowing that Jesus’ life was perfect in regard to putting God first, we should look at the way He lived His life and imitate Him, attempting to “walk in the manner that He walked” (1 John 2:6). Jesus’ life was characterized by submission to the Father’s will, service to others, and prayer. It is interesting to note that Jesus never pursued worldly ambition in any way and never pursued the glory of this world. He had every gift, talent and ability to make Him the most famous and wealthiest man who ever lived. But there was only one goal which He considered worthy of His talents—the glory of the Father.
ReplyDeleteThis should be an example to us. The time, resources, energy, gifts, and knowledge of God that we’ve been given should be used not to gain influence, make money, or fuel pride, but instead to multiply glory for the Kingdom as we trust in Him to protect us and provide for us.
Loving God with all our heart, all our soul and all our strength is not an easy path (Luke 13:24). Yes, the life of a Christian is a life of joy, despite trials, and a life that anticipates great joy (2 Corinthians 7:4). But we should not expect our life in this world to be easy, or successful and fulfilling in a worldly sense.
Our life should be characterized by moment-by-moment selfless service to God that flows from love for Him and His people. That is what it means to put God first. Any wealth that comes our way should be used to generously give, any success or influence or talents that we have should be used to multiply His influence, and any strength or health we enjoy should be spent in His service .
HOW DO YOU PUT THE LORD FIRST WITH ALL THE WORLDLY ATTRACTIONS????? A VERY GOOD QUESTION.
ReplyDeleteI THINK FOR MOST OF US, IT’S SETTING UP A DAILY ROUTINE THAT INCLUDES THE LORD, AND THEN THE HARD PART IS ADHERING TO IT. INCLUDE THE LORD FROM THE VERY START OF YOUR DAY, STICK CLOSE TO HIM DURING THE DAY, AND THEN DON’T GO TO SLEEP UNTIL YOU’VE FINISHED THE DAY WITH THE LORD. OUR COMPLICATED, BUSY LIVES WILL BE MUCH MORE PLEASANT IF WE INVOLVE THE LORD, AND KEEP HIM CLOSE AT HAND.
Psalmist David's heart was glad he found the secret to joy. He is sure that God would not leave him alone. I am assured as a believer that Jesus will never forget us when we die. He will bring us life again, everlasting life.
ReplyDeleteOur faith will not be shaken in spite of tribulations and trials of this earthly life. If we put God first in our lives, we will have true joy that comes from God. We will daily experience His presence within us. He will provide the strength and wisdom how we can avoid the worldly distractions that surround us daily. Day by day, moment by moment, we have to depend on Him and be submissive to God's will.
Prayer and daily Bible study would lead us to live a Holy life. He wants us to live an abundant life while on earth as well. And we can easily overcome confusion and difficulties in our lives with help of His divine Mercy. Our soul starts to rejoice in His greatness.