Reflections (by J Kim)
Psalm 92: 2-3, 13-14, 15-16 (Read)
"Lord, it is good to give thanks to you."
Displaying an attitude of gratitude. Sending
a thank-you note. Saying your "please
and thank you’s.” Such are lessons we
teach our children as we train them in
what is socially proper. If only we would
spend as much time considering what is
proper in the spiritual sense.
God our Creator is all-deserving and worthy
of our praise. A well-known prayer guide
pinpoints five essential elements of prayer.
Adoration, Confession, Petition, and
Intercession, are ALWAYS followed by
Thanksgiving. Psalm 92:2 is often quoted
in support: "It is good to give thanks to the
Lord, to sing praise to your name, Most High."
Also to be noted is the use of the word "sing" in that first verse.
The Lord loves to hear our voices in song. Thus, hymns of any
sort are an integral part of worship. Something about singing
focuses our hearts on Jesus and softens his heart to accept
our prayerful pleas.
Our Abba Father gives us our days in 24 hour increments.
Could we handle any more? His grace is enough for each day;
the psalmist writes, "It is good to proclaim your kindness at dawn
and your faithfulness throughout the night."
The cedar of Lebanon is a mighty and beautiful tree referenced
throughout Scripture. In this Sunday's first reading, a small cedar
shoot is replanted and compared to a "majestic cedar" as it grows
strong with its roots firmly planted. (Ezekiel 17:22-23) The Psalm
says, “The just one shall flourish like the palm tree, like a cedar of
Lebanon shall he grow."
Later, the psalmist writes, "They shall bear fruit even in old age;
vigorous and sturdy shall they be." Living in a righteous manner,
with the foundations of our beliefs firmly rooted, we too are called
to have the strength and fruitfulness of the cedar, even unto the
very end of our earthly lives.
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. "Lord, you are holy indeed. It is right to give you thanks and praise."
These are familiar words to any Mass-goer. How do you sincerely give thanks
to the Lord in your daily life?
2. How can you become more like the upright palm tree or the majestic and
firmly-rooted Lebanese cedar? Do others see you as a just and righteous person
through your everyday speech and actions? What can you change about
yourself so that you, too, can "bear fruit even in old age?"
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