Reflections
Psalm 146: 6-7, 8-9, 9-10 (Read)“The Lord God keeps faith forever.”
The Psalm tells us that our long journey
of waiting and petitioning the Lord has
come to an end. For us, then, the Psalm
is about the time of Advent, when the
promises of Isaiah and the other prophets
are fulfilled. (Isaiah 35: 1-6, 10)
The coming of Jesus means for us that
we who are afflicted will be set free;
we who are hungry will receive real food.
Why do we trust in God and not princes of
this world? Because, “The Lord God keeps
faith forever; He gives food to the hungry.”
Who among us is not hungry for a closer
relationship with The Lord?
And, “The Lord gives sight to the blind.”
Our eyes are opened when we enter the
kingdom. St James tells us that our patience
will be rewarded. (James 5: 7-10)
And the psalm confirms this, “The Lord raises
up those who are bowed down.”
We are raised up with the Lord Jesus.
Our psalmist sings about God's promises to the
oppressed, the hungry, the prisoner, the blind,
and those who are bowed down in one way or
another. We could all benefit by being set free
in the Spirit or healed, so that we are no longer
blinded. Then we too would no longer be lame,
but would be able to leap like a stag as the
prophet Isaiah promises. (Isaiah 35: 6)
And how are the promises of the psalmist fulfilled?
Where else but in the healing ministry of Jesus,
as the Gospel tells us. (Matthew 11: 2-11)
Who else has the grace and the mercy to heal us?
Advent is our time to be joyful. The coming of
the Messiah opens up a new time for us, a time
of promise. We can celebrate with our psalmist,
“The Lord shall reign forever; your God, Zion,
through all generations! Hallelujah!”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm's verses speak of a hopeful time when our God
will come and save us. Tell of what it means to you to trust in
the Lord, to be set free, and to be raised up.
2. Our psalmist promises that the Lord will give food to the
hungry. Speak of your hunger for a closer relationship with the
Lord, and how you expect to receive real food this Advent.
Yes, the Lord God keeps faith forever. Let us wait on the Lord, for Our Savior is near and the Virgin is about to give birth to Him. Amen.
ReplyDeleteThe psalmist says,"Blessed is he whose hope is in the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." Because, out of his mercy and grace He upholds the oppressed, afflicted, and gives food to the hungry. He sets prisoners free and gives sight to the blind. Therefore, God is the hope and the help of the needy. In this way he remains faithful, loving those who are righteous.
ReplyDeleteI am beginning to understand the Christian values that Jesus teaches us. That's why I praise the Lord. We could all benefit by being set free in the Spirit and healed so that we are no longer blinded.
And so, I could start a right relationship with Lord by serving Him through others in need. In order to follow
his footsteps I have to train myself to be more patient, humble, loving.
I am hungry for the Lord. I want to know Him more by reading his Word. Most of all I want to do God's will. I expect to receive real spiritual food during this Advent. I am sure his food which I am about to receive will make me renewed and refresh my soul. Praise the Lord who comes to us to fulfill his promises.