Reflections

Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13 (Read)

“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

The Psalm is a prayer for our newborn King,

a Messiah who will be like the “rain coming

down upon the fields, like showers watering

the earth.” Our psalmist prays that our

newborn King will be anointed by God with

divine judgment and empowered to rule the earth.

The prophet Isaiah in our 1^st reading predicts that

the light of the Lord will cause our hearts to overflow,

and the riches of the sea to be emptied out

before us. (Isaiah 60:5)

Our psalmist also speaks of abundance

that will flourish in the King's days.

But the Messiah is among us, to do more than

bless us materially; the Savior has come to make

our burdens easy, to share our afflictions.

“The lives of the poor He shall save.”

We see the light, just as the prophet Isaiah said

we would. (Isaiah 60:1)

In the Psalm, the mystery is revealed

to us, poor in spirit though we are:

“He rescues the poor when they cry out [as we do],

the afflicted who have no one to help.”

This is what our Good Shepherd Jesus is sent to do,

to shepherd God’s people. This is why we join the

Magi in paying homage to our newborn King, and

join with our psalmist in singing,

"Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

Amen

Discussion Questions for Reflection

1. Our psalmist mentions 'afflicted ones' and 'the afflicted' in two of the Psalm's verses.

Are there times when you can identify yourself as an 'afflicted' one? Tell what remedies
are available to you that are mentioned in the Psalm.

2. The Psalm says, 'Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.' Using the verses

of the Psalm, explain why 'all kings' would want to pay homage to our Lord.

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Studying the Psalms

The Psalms are a powerful part of the Mass and are often overlooked in Catholic Bible studies. I believe the Psalms should be studied in relation to the Gospel and the other scripture readings of the Mass, and we should attempt to see how the Psalms tie in to the teaching of the day.

The Psalms, although written thousands of years ago and well before the time of Christ, are alive, and speak powerfully to each of us. These reflections that appear in these pages 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.

About Barry Lamont

As an adult convert, Barry was baptized nearly 40 years ago in Boston, along with his wife and his two daughters.
His eyes were opened, and he recognized Jesus as the way to his salvation and as the way to ensure the spiritual well being
of his wife and his children. He is now a daily communicant.

Barry realizes there is a spiritual battle going on all around him, and he needs all the weapons that his faith provides.
Scripture says the sword of the spirit is the Word of God.
Barry believes the Word is a powerful instrument of God that
can purify and strengthen him, and guide him.

Following his retirement some ten years ago, Barry began to study the Sunday readings as a member of the Bread of Life Bible Study. He was inspired to celebrate the Psalms as a way of doing the Lord's work. Armed with the power of the Word, Barry believes he is better equipped to do the will of the Lord, who speaks to us through the verses of the Psalms. The Bible says, “It was I who chose you.” Barry now has a job from which he will not be retiring.