Reflections
Psalm 25: 4-5, 6-7, 8-9 (Read)
“Good and upright is the Lord, who shows sinners the way.”
We are blessed to have a God who does not disregard us.
On the contrary, He is a caring, compassionate God,
willing to humble Himself to share in our humanity, so that
we might share in His divinity. Who else would have such
regard for sinners, for believers who disobey Him?
Our psalmist David humbly offers up his sins to God
his savior, and waits for God’s guidance. “The Lord guides
the humble rightly, and teaches the humble His way.”
In today's Gospel the early disciples leave their nets
and their families behind when Jesus calls out
to them. (Mark 1:16-20) Jesus had a plan for His
disciples, when He singled them out to serve Him.
God had a plan for Jonah as well (1st reading);
his mission was to warn the people of Nineveh
to repent and turn to the Lord. (Jonah 3: 1-5)
St Paul, in our 2nd reading, has a similar message for
all of us, that time is running out and any day now
would be an acceptable day for us to focus on our own
salvation. (1 Corinthians 7: 29-31) The Lord is there
to guide us, as He was in the days of David, our psalmist.
Whether it's through a Jonah in our midst or a Saint Paul,
the message of the Lord is clear – “Repent and believe
in the Gospel.” We may not be able to do this on our own,
but as our psalmist says, “The Lord shows sinners the way.”
The Lord is talking to all of us here; we are all sinners.
We are all able to benefit from the healing power of Jesus.
And where does the power come from to turn away from sin?
It comes from the Lord, It is He who encourages us when
our tongues confess, “Remember no more the sins of my youth;
remember me only in light of your love.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist petitions the Lord, 'Teach me your ways.'
How do you go about learning the ways of the Lord? Tell how
the verses of the Psalm help you understand the ways of the Lord.
2. Our Psalm says the Lord 'shows sinners the way.' Give an example
of how you have been guided by the Lord to turn away from sin and repent.
I am always hoping to hear from the Lord. I wish to hear His voice, receive His direction, and have clarity with my next steps. In v.4, David prays, "Your ways, O Lord, make known to me; teach me your paths." David shows us that it is good to desire God's guidance and that our Father longs to enlighten us.
ReplyDeleteWhere do we begin? First and foremost, guidance comes from the Word of God, the Bible. It is life's greatest manual. After reading, we must obey. Even if we run away from God's plan, as Jonah did, He still awaits us with a second chance as we see in the first reading.
Once we seek God, read the Word, and obey, we will see the correct path very clearly. I have the most trouble with the obeying part. I pray that my heart becomes more pliable and willing.
Both of my teenage sons have been struggling with their faith, questioning their Catholic upbringing and have no desire to attend Mass. Through this time of search and questioning, I have been praying that our Lord will guide them and fill their hearts with His presence. I believe my prayers are starting to be answered as one of my sons has asked to attend a Christian awaking retreat, and he even talked about going to Confession. It was his idea, his choice; this is an example of how I believe God guides us sinners and shows us the way. Granted we have a long journey yet to overcome, however, this is a big stepping stone.
ReplyDeleteI continue to pray that my other son will also see that God needs to be a part of his life for him to be happy. Lord continue to guide us sinners and show us the way.
Our psalmist has absolute trust in God and recognizes God's nature, which is upright, forgiving, and merciful, although we are sinners, weak and afflicted. David knows that God's way is life giving and healing. He knows, "No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame." God instructs sinners in His way.
ReplyDeleteOn my part, I gain knowledge of Him through His Word. By reading and learning scripture, I can benefit from the healing power of God. First, I recognize my sinful behavior and ask for pardon. I lift up my soul, thanking Him for what He has done for me.
I have been guided by Jesus to turn away from sin and repent. But I still hear inner voices often, so I do not obey Him right away. I have faith without action. What I have learned is to receive His instruction and direction for my life. I have to listen to Him and obey Him without hesitation.