Psalm for Sunday, September 14, 2025

 

Reflections (by J Kim)        

Psalm 78: 1-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38  (Read)

"Do not forget the works of the Lord!"

The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

draws on Psalm 78, a passage that recounts 

the rebellious nature of the people of Israel.   

The Psalmist describes their forgetfulness, 

disobedience, ungratefulness, and insincere 

praise of God.  As we read such descriptions, 

we must soberly recognize our own shortcomings 

and look up to the Holy Cross to deliver us from sin. 

Beginning with Verse 34, "While he slew them 

they sought him and inquired after God again," 

we are linked to the first reading.  Numbers 21 

describes God's use of venomous snakes to punish 

the people for their unbelief and complaining.  In their 

suffering, the people turn to Moses and the Lord for help; 

Moses is instructed to make a bronze snake and put it up 

on a pole for all to see.  The people looked up, believed,

and were healed.  In the Gospel of John, the image

is brought to its full meaning:  as the Israelites were 

healed by obeying God's command to look up at the 

elevated bronze serpent, believers today can be saved

by looking up to Jesus and his death on the cross.

Unfortunately, the next verses of the Psalm detail 

the fickle nature of the Israelites.   Over and over, 

they would claim to follow God for a while and then 

turn away from him.  "But they flattered him with their 

mouths and lied to him with their tongues, though their 

hearts were not steadfast toward him, nor were they 

faithful to his covenant."  (v. 36-37).  They followed God 

with their words and not with their hearts.  

An omniscient and all-powerful God would have every 

right to be angered.  Does our Lord choose to punish

His children?  The most tender, comforting, and 

awe-inspiring answer is found in v. 38:  "But he, being

merciful, forgave their sin and destroyed them not; '

Often he turned back his anger and let none of his wrath 

be roused."  God shows mercy on the Israelites; as many 

times as they rebel, He offers love and guidance, 

sometimes, firmly.  He is the same with us today, 

exhibiting perfect patience.  We must not "forget the 

works of the Lord," but remember to seek Him and 

exalt the cross at all times, not just in seasons of dire need.  

Amen

Discussion Questions for Reflection

1.  Just like the Israelites, when have you been guilty of forgetfulness,

thanklessness, or rebellion?  What has been God's response?

2.  How do you "Exalt the Cross" in your daily life?  Or... perhaps, 

do you need to raise Him up higher for yourself and others to see?