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?
"Sing to the Lord a new song..." How familiar is this refrain through songs at Mass or catchy Scriptural art! And how befitting is the declaration, no matter what my situation in life! When the Lord has given me a monumental victory, I want to praise him. (Examples are a good health report, or a restored relationship). And when I am in the pit of self-pity or prolonged trial, I still seek to praise him. Why? Because I know that gratitude helps me to take a step up, and another step up... until I am out of the darkness.
ReplyDeleteEvery time I read Scripture, a mini-miracle occurs. Different words and different lessons jump out at me. Today, as I read this Psalm, I am struck by the NEWNESS of the song I must sing. I have sung many songs in private prayer to the Lord. Now, I feel he is asking me to change my tune a bit.
In my journey, he is asking me to do MORE than praise His name, although that alone is a wonderful place to be. I am challenged to figure out if he wants my singing to be more public -- so that my faith is truly lived for others to see. The lesson from James 1:22-25 comes to mind: I must be a DOER of the word, not just a HEARER.
Additionally, I love this week's Gospel reading on the miracle at the wedding at Cana. The power of intercession, appreciating the way Jesus listens to His Mother, and her faith in saying "Do whatever he tells you..." are all examples of how I can be a stronger Christian.
As I ponder this week's lesson, I feel the Holy Spirit tugging at my heart to delve more deeply into my faith and ACT on it, as Mary does so beautifully.