Reflections
Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24 (Read)
I was hard pressed and falling, but the Lord came to me as savior.”
Once again we visit this powerful psalm
of praise and thanksgiving. This time the
verses stress the enduring love that God
has for us, so much so that despite the part
we played in crucifying his Son, God went
ahead with His plan to save us.
Jesus’ risen presence among us is living
proof of God’s enduring love. Our psalmist
assures us, “God’s mercy endures forever.”
We may be hard pressed and falling, or
we may be spiritually sick and weakened
by sin. Are we really any different from those
Dr Luke speaks of in today's first reading,
any less desperate or in need of the Lord's
healing power and presence in our lives?
(Acts 5:15-16)
Fortunately the Lord comes to us as Savior,
as our psalmist says. And the Lord is present
to us when we are frightened, as He was present
to those frightened disciples in the upper room.
(John 20:19-21)
Who would have been more hard pressed and
falling than they were before Jesus appeared
to them and blessed them and extended his
peace to them? That same source of strength
the psalmist speaks of is available to us –
all we have to do is believe and open our hearts
to receive his saving grace.
As the psalmist says, the Lord is our strength.
He is present to us, just as He was in those early
days of the church described in today's first reading
and in today's Gospel of St John.
We may not have the awesome experience
Thomas had of physically putting our hand in
the Lord’s side and our fingers into the nail
marks on his hand, but He is with us.
We are victorious over death. The Lord’s
deliverance is cause for joy. Just when we were
down, the Lord raises us up. “I was hard pressed
and falling, but the Lord has been my Savior.”
“The joyful shout of victory is heard.” The verses of
the Psalm confirm that we are on firm ground after all.
When Thomas put his fingers into the Lord's side,
it was clearly a moment of epiphany for Thomas
and for us as well. Thomas was struck with awe,
and came to believe in the risen Lord. What does
it take for us, though we have not seen, to get down
on our knees and say, “My Lord and my God.”
(John 20: 24-28)
Christ has become our cornerstone, as our
psalmist reminds us. Christ has become a
source of strength for us, despite his apparent
weakness that day on the cross, when he died
a shameful death.
Only the Lord could have done this remarkable
thing. As the Psalm says, “By the Lord has this
been done; it is wonderful in our eyes.” This is
cause for rejoicing -- “This is the day the Lord
has made.” Along with the disciples and the
early church, “Let us be glad and rejoice in it.”
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Have you ever been 'hard pressed and falling,' as was our psalmist?
Describe how the Lord has been your strength and courage in times of trouble.
2. As the Psalm says, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.' Speak of how our Savior has become the rock you can rely on
2. As the Psalm says, 'The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.' Speak of how our Savior has become the rock you can rely on
in your life.
Many a time in my life, I have felt "hard-pressed and falling." I have felt the sorrow and perceived defeat of Good Friday and wanted to stay there. But I cannot. That's not the plan. We are an Easter people -- we share with Jesus in his victory over sin and death.
ReplyDeleteAs we prepare for Divine Mercy Sunday, it makes sense to look at the writings of St. Faustina. At one point in her diary, she writes that Jesus spoke to her saying "My Daughter, Rest close to my heart. Known to me are your efforts..."
I know that when I first learned of these words, I felt instantly comforted. My human adversaries may not see my efforts to reconcile. Difficult family members may not acknowledge my hard work in making a gathering feel special. Friends may not see the sacrifices made in order to let another shine. My beloved adult children may feel dismissed or overlooked by bosses and colleagues.
And it's ok. God sees it all.
He invites me to rest close to him. To not be afraid. His divine mercy and love cast out fear and he patiently waits for me to choose him. Again.
The familiar image of the red and white rays emanating from his tender heart is powerful. Jesus, I trust in you.