Psalm for Sunday, September 8, 2024

 

Reflections

Psalm 146: 6-7, 8-9, 9-10  (Read)

“The Lord raises up those who were bowed down.”

 
Our psalmist is singing about God's 
promises to the oppressed, the hungry, 
the prisoner, the blind, and those of us 
who are bowed down in one way or another.

We could all benefit by being set free in the Spirit or healed so that we are no longer blinded.   Then we too would no longer be lame, but would be able to “leap like a stag,” as the prophet Isaiah foresees in this Sunday's first reading.  (Isaiah 35:5-6)

The Psalm is telling me that I really need 
to humble myself if I want to be raised up 
with Jesus.  That may be hard to do if it 
means I have to swallow my pride and put 
aside worldly concerns.   But if I truly want 
to be set free from the sins that bind me, 
then I need to repent and bow down before 
the Lord, accept my brokenness, and seek 
his grace.  Only then will I begin 
to have a right relationship with the Lord.

And where do I turn to be lifted up and made whole again?  
I turn to the Lord.  Where else are the promises of our God 
fulfilled but in the healing ministry of Jesus, as this Sunday's 
Gospel tells me.  (Mark 7:31-37)   Who else has the grace 
and the mercy to heal me?

Christ carries out the promises of the Psalm – He sets us 
captives free and gives sight to us so we can truly see. 
The Lord raises me up when I am down – He sustains me – 
with real food and drink.

So I can pray this Psalm, not only in honor of the heavenly Father,
but also in honor of Christ Jesus, whom God exalted.  
“The Lord shall reign forever, through all generations.”

Amen


Discussion Questions for Reflection

1.  Our psalmist says, "The Lord sets captives free."   In what ways are you captive, and how has the Lord set you free?

2.  The Psalm proclaims, "The Lord gives sight to the blind."  In what areas of your life were you not able to see things clearly, and give an example of how the Lord has enabled you to regain your sight.