Reflections
Psalm 66: 1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20 (Read)
“Say to God, “How tremendous are your deeds!”
The Psalm celebrates the awesome power of God,
manifest in “His tremendous deeds among the children
of Adam.” Our psalmist recalls the dividing of the Red
Sea, which delivered Israel from the Egyptians, by the
favor of God. That same awesome power that split the
Red Sea became available to the early apostles of the
Church, as they went about healing and doing signs
and wonders.
Where does that power come from to heal the lame and
drive out unclean spirits? It comes from the Holy Spirit,
who accomplishes in each of us a spiritual resurrection.
No wonder those early believers in Samaria were eager
to have St Peter and St John lay hands on them so they
could receive the Holy Spirit (1st reading, Acts 8:5-8, 14, 17).
In response, they cry out to God with joy, as our psalmist
says, “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.”
We too cannot help but sing praise to God when we feel
His presence within us. In today's Gospel (John 14:15-21)
our Savior promises that He will not leave us spiritual orphans.
Rather, He assures us that we are in Him and He is in us.
We proclaim His glorious praise, and we on earth worship Him.
We want all the earth to know what God has done for us;
as the Psalm says, we shout joyfully to God and proclaim His
glorious praise.
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm urges us to say to God, "How tremendous are
your deeds!" Speak of the Lord's awesome works in your life
and how you go about praising Him.
2. Our psalmist blesses God who "refused me not." Tell of how
your petitions and prayers have been answered by the Lord.
I love hearing examples of the Lord's saving power in real, daily life. If I had kept a prayer journal, as was suggested to me by a wonderful spiritual mentor, I would have overflowing volumes to report on how my petitions and prayers have been answered. Since I have not done so, (not yet, anyway), I actually have to think. I feel the Lord's protection every day, and for this reason, not having huge tragedy or trial, is my testimony.
ReplyDeleteI have been shielded, day in and day out, from evils that could befall me. Additionally, I feel His compassionate intervention in the details. No event in our lives is too insignificant for the Lord! How awesome that He can touch the heart of a grouchy teacher and allow my son to thrive in an otherwise unfriendly classroom. How worthy of praise that He can give me prayer time with my kids in the car, on the way to school. And when we carpool, I can share that gift with whomever is in my car that morning!
How beautiful that He can send the right friend to give me an encouraging word when I need it! How tremendous that the Lord is opening a door with my daughter's dance training, when at first He closed the doors on another! God is ever-present and very, very active in my life. Where will I find Him today? I wait expectantly as I praise His name.
I sit still in the presence of God to think about how our Lord has transformed me to be a better Christian. I was impatient, condemning others always, and my anger used to erupt like a volcano. In the past, I could not control my uneven emotions and awful character. I took it out on my loved ones around me without having any guilty feelings. I tried to justify my behavior.
ReplyDeleteGod put me through a trial. He let me go through fire to purify my character. Surely this trial refined my character. This trial helped me to realize God's love for me. He did awesome works in my personal life through my true confession of sin to Him.
I have learned one thing -- He will not listen to my prayer if I have a hidden sin or a willful sin in my heart. Even though I continue to do wrong, through the Holy Spirit He convicts me, and forgives my sins. Sometimes, He comforts me by answering my prayer. Even if He refuses, I place hope in Him that my petitions will be granted. Because I am saved by Jesus Christ, I praise his tremendous deeds for me.
Here in North County San Diego, with the Santa Ana winds, zero humidity, and horrific fires to the North, East ,South, and West of us…..we could stand on the ridge and see the tremendous power of God. We prayed and asked for help, and we got it. Praise God, that with fires all around us, we were spared. Thanks for your prayers!
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