These reflections on the Psalms by Barry Lamont talk of how we apply the verses of the Psalms to our everyday life and how the Psalms can inspire us, convict us, teach us, and strengthen our faith.
Our psalmist sings a tribute to our sovereign God, who makes a home for the poor in spirit. Though we may be forsaken, or neglected, or alone with no one to care for us, our God prepares a home for us. It is as Jesus tells us, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:2)
Being poor in spirit implies that one is humble, and does not exalt himself. In our Gospel this Sunday, our Savior reminds the Pharisee within us that the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
And in this Sunday's first reading from Sirach, we are told to conduct our affairs with humility, “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” (Sirach 3:18)
Our psalmist assures us sinners too that God will lead us out of whatever sinful habit is holding us captive. “He leads forth the prisoners to prosperity.” Like the 'bountiful rain' showered down upon us, God restores us and provides for our needs.
For all that God does for us, as the Psalm says, we are to “Sing to God, chant praise to His name!”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection 1. Our psalmist speaks of a 'bountiful rain' from the Lord, showering down upon us. Tell of how you have been restored by God's living water when you were parched and thirsty for His presence. 2. The Psalm says that God 'leads forth prisoners to prosperity.' Have you been set free from sinful habits or worldly attachments by the Lord's healing hand? Explain.
Reflections Psalm 117: 1, 2 (Read) “Praise the Lord all you nations; glorify Him all you peoples!”
This Sunday we sing this brief Psalm that inspires us to rise up and praise the God of Israel, and having done so, to go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
Just as the prophet Isaiah proclaims in this Sunday's first reading, we are comforted that God reaches out to us no matter what our language, no matter we live in the distant coastlands, no matter we have never heard of God or seen His glory. Isaiah says it this way, “They shall proclaim my glory among the nations.” (Isaiah 66:19)
St Paul cites this psalm in Romans 15:11 when he exhorts the faithful to minister to the Gentiles. We too are called to reach out to those who are distant from us spiritually, even though they may not be distant physically, some of whom may even be within our midst.
And what inspires us to proclaim the good news? It is as our psalmist says, “God's love for us is strong; His faithfulness is forever.”
Amen Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Psalmist is inspired by the power of God's love toward us. Speak of how God's love and mercy have done a work in your life.
2. The Psalm prompts us to witness to those who may be distant from us spiritually. Give an example of how you proclaim the Good News to those who may not know God.
Our psalmist waits for the Lord – to reach out to Him. He begs the Lord, “Lord, come to my aid!”
Just as Jeremiah was lifted out of the cistern in this Sunday's first reading, so too was David drawn out of the pit of destruction. We are like that. We are weak on our own; we need the Lord’s strength to be delivered from our sinful ways. We put our trust in God. Our God is an awesome God. “Many shall look on in awe and trust in the Lord.” Our psalmist says, “He put a new song into my mouth.” For us, too, it is no longer the same old tune. We are in fact a new creation, joyfully singing out the good news. Where does our joyful spirit come from? It comes from the Lord, and we are called to share what he has given us and to do his will, which is our delight. Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Psalm recalls for us that we place our trust in the Lord. Speak of how you have been lifted up and delivered by God.
2. Our psalmist says that the Lord has put a new song into his mouth. This reminds us that we are a new creation in the Lord. Tell of how you have been reborn in the Spirit.
Psalm 33: 1, 12, 18-19, 20-22 (Read) “The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, to deliver them from death." The Lord's eyes are upon us because we hold Him in awe, we praise Him. Like a Good Shepherd He protects us from harm; He puts up a hedge around us and provides us with armor in our battle against death and the evil one. He feeds us when we go through periods of spiritual hunger. He nourishes us and gives us our daily spiritual bread. Where else would we turn for deliverance from death, the kind of death which is a consequence of sin? Remember, 'the wages of sin is death,' and we are all afflicted. Fortunately for us, Christ destroyed death and brought life to us.
We would be dead in our sins without the Lord's protection, defeated by the evil one without the Lord's armor. And when our heart is starved for God's presence, when our bones are dry, He nourishes us and breathes life into our dry bones. It is through His divine plan that we are saved. Our own feeble efforts count for nothing. We must be submissive and abandon ourselves to His will and His grace. Because Christ humbles Himself for our sake, there is hope for us, even in our time of spiritual famine. That is the meaning of the verse, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our Psalm Response this Sunday is, "Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be His own." Speak of how you apply this verse to your daily life.
2. Verse 12 of the Psalm says, "Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord." Tell of how important it is that our nation receive God's blessing and His protection.
“God, in your goodness, you
