Reflections
Psalm 91: 1-2, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 (Read)
“Whoever clings to me I will deliver;
whoever knows my name, I will set on high.”
This Sunday's Psalm is about God’s
protection of the faithful. It applies to us
who place ourselves under His protection
along the path of life. The psalmist
addresses us, “You who dwell in the shelter
of the Most High, say to the Lord, 'My refuge
and fortress.'”
As mentioned in Sunday’s first reading, the
Israelites were in great distress under the
oppression of the Egyptians. What the Lord
did for them, He is prepared to do for us,
“The Lord heard our cry and saw our
affliction.” (Deuteronomy 26:7)
In today's Gospel even the devil respects
the power of God and His commitment to our
security, when he quotes this verse of the Psalm,
“For God commands the angels to guard you in
all your ways.” (Luke 4:10)
And how do we obtain this level of protection
amidst the snares along the way and the terror
of the night? We call upon the Lord, and we trust
in Him to deliver us, “Whoever clings to me I will
deliver; whoever knows my name I will set on high.”
St Paul proclaims a similar message in Sunday's
second reading, “Everyone who calls on the name
of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
The psalmist agrees and quotes the Lord,
“All who call upon me I will answer; I will be with
him in distress; I will deliver and give him honor.”
What could be more reassuring than that?
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist speaks about God's angels guarding us in all our ways.
Give an example of how you have been borne up upon the wings of angels
and given power physically or spiritually to trample down the devil and his minions.
2. In the Psalm God says that if we cling to Him, He will deliver us and set us on high.
Tell of what it means to you to 'cling' to the Lord, and having done so, how have you
been made free from evil that threatens you.
Jesus shows by example how to resist the devil in the desert. When we are physically weak in time of trial and tests, and being spiritually down, having no power, trampled down by the devil and evil spirits, who tempt us constantly to drag us down to the road of destruction, what shall we do?
ReplyDeleteI learned from Jesus how He resisted Satan in a time of temptation in the desert. He resisted Satan's temptations with God's words, Scripture. I cling to His words. And I pray for strength.
Jesus quotes Scripture and uses Scripture as a weapon when He resists the evil forces in the desert. I often use that weapon whenever the devil threatens me. I experience God's protection in the midst of dangers. He protects me from the danger of car accidents.
Because God is my shelter, my refuge when I am afraid, most of all I trust him. And no disaster will come near me. Furthermore, He commands his angels to guard me in all my ways. I will be safe and saved, "Whoever clings to me I will deliver." I agree with the psalmist.
During my most difficult times in my life, the Lord has been there to guide me away from the darkness into His light.
ReplyDeleteHis approach with me has been one of patience. I had been very self centered early on looking to the world to satisfy my need for material possessions and status.
Once I met my wife and we had our precious gift of our son, I realized I needed to turn away from self and concentrate on our family.
We attended church together, and we met more couples that were faithful and we joined several ministries that helped to build our support group of faithful friends.
I thank God daily for allowing me to cling onto Him in prayer for His People and look forward to Continue our bond in Heaven.
Very comforting, especially when in an unfamiliar area. Like having a Father or an older Brother who has been there before, and is comfortable in the setting.
ReplyDeleteWith the Lord to guide you, you can take on the warm, and very comfortable cloak of help, support, and assistance, and confidently make your way in the new surroundings.
I asked for help a week ago, when I was in the Santa Cruz/San Jose area, and I got the help I needed. Praise the Lord.
I could have written this question myself. The words and concepts are part of my daily life, my daily spiritual battle. I believe in angels around us waging war on our behalf, keeping us protected. The spiritual beings are further equipped to fight evil when we pray for the Lord's mercy and walk in tune with His Spirit.
ReplyDeleteI need to be better about keeping track of the miracles in my life. I believe I encounter them every day, some very small, but no less important to my well-being and safety. I call upon Philippians 4:13 DAILY. "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." We are told not only to learn and quote Scripture, but also to believe and obey it. (Even the enemy knows the Truth.)
It follows that I believe for the Lord to provide me with supernatural brawn and fortitude. And I do mean both the physical and the mental. Every day, the Lord helps me to solve misunderstandings, to parent wisely in the face of unexpected problems, to model goodness when I don't think anyone is watching, and the list goes on. I am victorious over the devil and his minions, thanks to my own faith, and the subsequent fueling of angel action.