Reflections
Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5 (Read)
“We will go up to the house of the Lord.”
The
Psalm is about a pilgrimage to the holy
city
of Jerusalem. “Let us go to the house
of
the Lord.” And for us it may also be about
a
spiritual journey that we must embark
upon
if we are to enter the Lord’s kingdom
and
be present to the King of Kings.
For
us the way is clear – we have only to
follow
God’s beloved son, our Savior.
For
just as God chose David to be the
shepherd
for his chosen people (2
Samuel 5:2),
so
God chose his son Jesus to lead us to
redemption.
And as St Paul says, the
Father
saw to it that we would be transferred to the
kingdom of his beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13,14)
saw to it that we would be transferred to the
kingdom of his beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13,14)
The
gate is narrow, but as the psalmist says,
“And
now our feet are standing within your
gates,
Jerusalem.” Now we too have a share
in
Christ’s inheritance.
And
what draws us to make the journey
through
the narrow gate? We seek to be with
the
Lord, just as did
St Dismas, the
thief who
was
crucified with Jesus
on Calvary.
Sunday’s
Gospel quotes St Dismas
when
he says, “Jesus, remember me when you
come
into your kingdom.”
The
Lord replies, “Today you will be with me
in
Paradise.” (Luke
23:42-43)
This
is our goal, too – to complete that pilgrimage
the
psalmist speaks about, to reach that
holy
city where are the “thrones of justice, the
thrones
of the house of David.”
Jerusalem
in the Psalm symbolizes for us
the
end of our journey, being present with the Lord.
This
is what God has planned for his people.
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Psalm speaks of a journey to the Lord's kingdom. What progress are you
making along the way on your own journey to the Lord's holy city?
2. The psalmist mentions that he has set foot within the gates of Jerusalem.
Describe your decision to walk the walk and go through the narrow gate that leads
to redemption and a share in our Lord's inheritance.
1. When I made a Spiritual retreat called Cursillo it kicked me off on a journey I have been on now for ten years. It was a mixture of 15 talks given by lay and religious brothers in the course of three days. It really was spiritual and holy, and the love shown on that weekend was incredible. Grown men were sharing their deep spiritual journeys and always, always, always, Jesus was there to love and guide us.
ReplyDeleteSubsequently I started attending bible study, got more involved in church life and continue to take classes about our rich Catholic faith. I pray you attend a spiritual retreat that makes you feel the Lord's presence through His people and it moves you to fall deeper in Love with The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as I did. Thanks be to God.
A year ago, my son, Tom and his wife went to Israel. After several months of home schooling about Jesus and the Middle East, today his wife and their 3 kids (my grandchildren) are in Jerusalem, following the actual path of Jesus. What an education these kids are getting, and I am so proud of them and their parents!
ReplyDeleteThe psalmist says that our ultimate goal is to complete our journey to reach that holy city, Jerusalem, where we are going to be present with the Lord. In order to go to the house of the Lord, we have to pass through the narrow gate, which is difficult for us human beings, because we are physically weak even though spiritually willing.
ReplyDeleteI know the narrow gate is a hard and difficult road to pass through. While on earth I know we have to endure hardships and trials in order to share in Christ's sufferings. But I seek to be with the Lord in Paradise, and I also want to share in Christ's inheritance.
How can I obtain Salvation? I thought about the conversation of Jesus with St Dismas, this thief who was crucified with Jesus on Calvary. The thief repented of his sins, and he recognized Jesus as the Son of God by saying, "Jesus remember me when you come into your Kingdom." He is redeemed, and Jesus assures him, "Today you will be with me in Paradise." This verse keeps coming into my heart. Look at that thief, St Dismas; he repents of his sins at the last minute on the cross. But with Jesus' Mercy He is saved. It is the grace of God. I wish I could hear the same words that Jesus spoke to St Dismas, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
In this psalm the psalmist calls for charitable, intercessory prayer on behalf of others who are in need, and we are to pray for our neighbor's peace and well-being. I can find peace of mind within me and peace with others because peace comes from doing the work of Jesus Christ. I have made some progress by learning how to live with others in harmony and humility and being less selfish toward them.
Praise the name of the Lord!
My own journey to the holy city is fraught with twists and turns. One day, I can feel as if I am making progress toward becoming more Christ-like and loving. In an instant though, I can be pushed three steps back when an unexpected trial comes into my life. I have known feelings of anger to well up inside as I ask God to avenge the wrongs committed against my children by classmates, teachers or even coaches.
ReplyDeleteIf I allow my heart condition to be ruled by emotions, I make no progress on my journey. It is when I get silent with the Lord and surrender to His will that I can hear the truth and understand the direction in which I need to go next. I can feel and understand the peace that permeates his holy city. I can enjoy a little bit of heaven while still on my earthly journey.