Reflections
Psalm 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 (Read)
"Near indeed is His salvation."
The Psalm is a prayer that God
will grant mercy and forgiveness
to the Israelites, and by extension
we are told that our own salvation
is near. “The Lord proclaims peace
to His people, glory dwelling in our land.”
The Prophet Isaiah tells us in today's
1st reading, our God declares, “Give
comfort to my people.” And Zion is told,
“Cry out at the top of your voice;
here is your God!" (Isaiah 40:1,6,9)
The Psalm is a promise of salvation.
“Near indeed is salvation for those
who fear Him.” St Peter too affirms
that the Lord does not delay in keeping His
promise in today's 2nd reading. (2 Peter 3:9)
And what should we expect?
Nothing less than the coming of the Messiah
himself. Our psalmist affirms, “Truth will spring
from the earth,” and for us this takes place
when the Messiah is born.
The psalmist prepares the way of the Lord,
as does John the Baptist in this week's Gospel.
As the Psalm says, “Justice shall walk before
Him and prepare the way of His steps.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm says, "Truth shall spring out of the earth." For us this verse
foretells the coming of the Messiah, our Lord Jesus Christ. What else about
the Psalm prepares us for the birth of our Savior?
2. Our psalmist says, "I will hear what God proclaims." This verse can be seen
as a reminder to study the Word of the Lord. Explain how your study of the Word
is strengthening your faith.
“Justice shall walk before Him and prepare the way of His steps.”
ReplyDeleteSocial justice with minimum levels of food, clothing, and shelter are not available in WAR torn areas such as in Syria. My heart goes out to the refugees who are completely discarding ALL their worldly possessions to find some minimum level of food, clothing and shelter for themselves and their families. Let us pray for these refugees…….We have so much to be thankful for.
When we believe that God hears us, it is but natural that we should be eager to hear Him. Only from Him can come the word which can speak peace to troubled spirits; God's voice is power, He speaks and it is done, and hence when we hear Him our distress is ended.
ReplyDeleteSooner or later, God will speak peace to His people. If He does not command outward peace, yet He will suggest inward peace; speaking to their hearts by His Spirit. Peace is spoken only to those who turn from sin.
God speaks the truth. The truth of the promises is shown by the Divine mercy in sending the Redeemer. Christ, the way, truth, and life, sprang out of the earth when He took our nature upon Him, and Divine justice looked upon Him well pleased and satisfied. For His sake all good things, especially His Holy Spirit, are given to those who ask Him. Through Christ, the pardoned sinner becomes fruitful in good works, and by looking to and trusting in the Savior's righteousness. Righteousness is a sure guide, both in meeting God, and in following Him.
"I will hear what God proclaims." What a beautiful way to begin this Psalm passage! Hearing someone entails more than physically taking in the sounds. It means having the sounds register into words and thoughts, and in turn, having the words and thoughts take root in our hearts and minds. What we do next is up to us... do we reject the idea or do we agree by forming a response -- verbal or behavioral? If God is speaking, I sure hope we are in agreement -- both in word and deed.
ReplyDeleteWhat does God ask of us during Advent? He wants preparation of His arrival through repentance (change of attitude) and reconciliation (confessing our sins and forgiving others). For me personally, He wants me to "make straight my paths," the phrase from Isaiah (1st reading) also echoed in Mark (Gospel) for this week.
I am guided to study His Word ever more closely as I take my next steps. After all, v. 14 says, "Righteousness goes before Him and prepares the way for His steps." Amen.
Our psalmist affirms, "Truth will spring from the earth," "The Lord proclaims peace to His people, glory dwelling in our land."
ReplyDeleteThe coming of the Messiah is a promise of salvation for us. Saint John the Baptist is the Advent prophet who was preparing the way for the Messiah, and he preached the Word in the wilderness, before Jesus came. Saint Francis Xavier is the Advent saint; He preached and proclaimed the Word of God to peoples who had not yet heard the Good News in the Far East, India and Japan.
By studying the Word of God faithfully, the Lord will show me what is good. His Word is like a road map for me which shows clearly the direction for my life.
The birth of Jesus Christ our Savior, is the Good News. By Him, through Him, and in Him, God will grant us His Salvation and restore our relationship with Him for good. His unfailing love and peace and Joy prevail on this earth because our Savior is coming.