Reflections
Psalm 138: 1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8 (Read)
“Forsake not the work of your hands.”
Our psalmist David composed this
prayer with a grateful heart. “I will
give thanks to you, O Lord, with all
my heart.”
David is grateful because his
petitions are answered by the Lord.
“For you have heard the words of
my mouth.” The Lord's answers to
David's prayers have come at a
critical time, a time when our
psalmist is seeking to build up
his strength.
David speaks of a divine rescue --
“When I cried out, you answered;
you strengthened my spirit.”
Perhaps we’re all in need of a
spiritual rescue of the type David
describes. And it isn’t because of
any of the psalmist’s virtues that he
obtains salvation. It is a result of
God’s loving fidelity, “Lord, your
love is eternal.”
Our God does not forsake the work
of his hands, though who has given
the Lord anything that he may be repaid?
Unworthy as we are, and although the Lord
is exalted, He watches over us in our
lowly state. And thanks be to God, his
kindness endures forever. St Paul says
the same thing in today's 2nd reading,
“But by the grace of God I am what I am.”
(1 Corinthians 15:10)
Our psalmist reminds us: all God has
to do is stretch out his right hand, and
we will be saved. “You stretch out your
hand, your right hand saves me.”
In like manner, in today's Gospel our
Lord Jesus reaches out to Simon Peter,
who is empowered to become a true
apostle and a catcher of men by following
the Lord. (Luke 5:10)
Our psalm concludes with a grateful and
affirming theme, showing how Peter
probably felt, as he fell on his face
at the feet of the Lord that day by the lake.
“The Lord is with me to the end.
Lord your love endures forever,
never forsake the work of your hands.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist affirms, 'When I called, you answered me;
you built up strength within me.' Speak of your own experience
when you were in need of the Lord's help to build up your spiritual vigor.
2. David pleads with God, 'Forsake not the work of your hands.' As a child
of God, tell of how you can expect the Lord to love you forever unconditionally.
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