Psalm for Sunday, July 2, 2023

Reflections

Psalm 89:  2-3, 16-17, 18-19   (Read)

"The promises of the LORD I will sing forever."

Whatever our circumstances, 

we are encouraged to sing 

to the Lord of His goodness.

Just as Elisha promised the 

woman of Shunem that 

she would bear a son

(this Sunday's first reading),

so does the Lord reach out

to us in unlikely 

circumstances.

The Lord surprises us when 

we are barren; He renews us 

when we are spent; He grants us a share in the life of 

the Messiah even though 

we are unworthy and sinful.

All we have to do is bear our cross and praise Him, 

sing of His promises forever, as our psalmist says. 

There may be interruptions in our joy, and there 

will be times when we will question, “How could 

the Lord allow this to happen to me?” But so long 

as we bear our cross with dignity and die to sin, 

then we are living for God in Christ Jesus, 

as St Paul reminds us. (Romans 6:11)

Jesus says in today’s Gospel that we are not worthy

of Him if we do not take up our cross.  We must lose

our life for Christ in order to find it.  (Matthew 10: 38-39)

Despite the setbacks we face, we must endure;

for as St Paul tells us, endurance produces character

and character produces hope, which does not

disappoint. (Romans 5: 3-5)

Whatever it takes, our psalmist tells us, “Through

all generations my mouth shall proclaim your 

faithfulness.” Our job is to know the joyful shout;

to walk in the light of God’s countenance; and to 

sing the goodness of the Lord forever.

Amen

 

Discussion Questions for Reflection

1.  Are you able to sing of the promises of the Lord even when you have been 

disappointed or are suffering?  Explain

2.  Are you one of the blessed people who walk in the light of the Lord’s 

countenance?  Speak of how His countenance is reflected in your own face.