Reflections
“Proclaim his marvelous deeds to all
the nations!”
Today's psalm is a song of Israel, the
chosen people, brought back from exile.
Their joy and praise is understandable.
The prophet Isaiah says that God calls
them, “His Delight, His Espoused.”
(Isaiah 62:4)
No wonder they want to “Sing to the
Lord a new song,” and tell of God’s
glory and His marvelous deeds.
We are all summoned to adoration of
our sovereign God. We are called to
give Him 'glory and praise,' as our
psalmist says. And we are called
to bring gifts as we enter His courts.
But no matter how precious our own
offerings may be, they are no match
for the gifts of the Spirit that each of us
receives, and which St Paul speaks
about in this Sunday's second reading.
Each of us receives these spiritual gifts
individually, and they are given through
the Spirit to us for 'some benefit.'
(1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
In this Sunday's Gospel our Lord Jesus
uses His marvelous gifts to turn water
into wine at the wedding in Cana and so
reveals His glory. (John 2:1-11)
Even today the Lord provides real food
and real drink for us, in the Eucharist.
What better nourishment could there be
in our lives? As the psalm says, we are
called to be grateful and, “Give to the Lord
the glory due His name,” to bow down
to the Lord, and to tremble before Him.
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist encourages us to, 'Sing to the Lord a new song."
What is it about your faith that makes you want to sing praise to the Lord?
2. The Psalm urges us to, 'Proclaim His marvelous deeds to all the nations.'
How will you go about proclaiming the Gospel to those around you in your family and your community?
This week's blog has tied together all of the Mass readings so brilliantly.
ReplyDeleteIn the first reading, we begin with a chosen people, who had failed miserably before God in their idolatry and syncretism... and yet through Isaiah's prophecy, God is promising them a restoration. He describes his love for them with the excitement of someone about to be married! Such pure love!
The response on our part surely is joyful praise and thanksgiving. Despite sinning against our perfect Father, he remains steadfast in his provision and mercy for us. Why did God create us with an ability to sing, in addition to talk? What is the purpose of this gift, along with the sweet notes of music? All gifts are to give glory back to God and reveal new characteristics of his goodness. We each reflect a unique part of Gods' whole.
In the Gospel, we recognize that Jesus not only helps out with the bridegroom's family and the provision of good wine, but he offers us THE NEW WINE, that will save the world. His body. His blood. The ultimate nourishment forever and ever.
These messages of unfailing love and attention to even the details of our lives give evidence of God's faithfulness to us. In my journey to be faithful to him, I want to sing his praises. I sing a new song upon my lips and in my heart. And may all the earth hear me.