Reflections
"So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation."
No wonder the Gentiles (people like us)
were attracted to the faith when St Paul
and Barnabas were traveling through
the towns, visiting the early churches,
and ministering to the Gentiles.
The apostles were
doing as Jesus did
when He encountered the
Canaanite
woman in the region of Tyre and
Sidon
(Gospel,
Mt 15:21-28).
Though she was not a member of the
Though she was not a member of the
house of
Israel, Jesus recognized how
great was her
faith, and the woman's
daughter was healed
from that hour.
By ministering to the Gentiles the way
By ministering to the Gentiles the way
of the
Lord became known upon earth
among all
the nations,
as the Psalm says.
Indeed the
Psalm predicts that God’s
saving power shall
be known among all
the peoples. Thankfully, that includes us.
So
much that God does for us is sung
in the Psalm's verses, which pray,
"May God have pity on us and bless us;
may He let his face shine upon us."
may He let his face shine upon us."
God gives us His grace
through
His son Jesus,
who is our Savior.
who is our Savior.
God gives us material blessings –
all our treasure and gifts are from Him.
all our treasure and gifts are from Him.
He gives us spiritual
blessings –
we know these as fruits of the spirit.
we know these as fruits of the spirit.
Today we join with the members of the early church
in praising God – “May the peoples praise you,
God;
may all the peoples praise you."
Amen
Amen
Discussion
Questions for Reflection
1. The Psalm petitions God to 'Let His face shine upon us.' In what way
1. The Psalm petitions God to 'Let His face shine upon us.' In what way
do you believe that God has let His face shine upon
you?
2. Our psalmist calls for God's salvation to be known among all the nations.
2. Our psalmist calls for God's salvation to be known among all the nations.
How are you evangelizing to
those who do not know His saving grace?
From my limited studying of the Bible, it’s obvious that Jesus and the Apostles, were much better received away from their own neighborhoods where they and their families grew up and were well known. And, very few miracles in Nazareth!
ReplyDeleteMuch better receptions received from the Gentiles in the outlying areas, than with the Jews in their home town. The Gentile woman in Psalm 67, and especially the Roman Legionnaire …" not necessary that “You" come to my house
…...“just say the word, and my servant will be healed"……...Very interesting.