Reflections

Psalm 122: 1-2, 3-4, 4-5 (Read)

“We will go up to the house of the Lord.”

The Psalm is about a pilgrimage to the holy city of Jerusalem. “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” And for us it may also be about a spiritual journey that we must embark upon if we are to enter the Lord’s kingdom and be present to the King of Kings.

For us the way is clear -- we have only to follow God's beloved Son, our Savior. For just as God chose David to be the shepherd for his chosen people (2 Samuel 5:2), so God chose his Son Jesus to lead us to redemption. And as St Paul says, the Father saw to it that we would be transferred to the kingdom of his beloved Son. (Colossians 1:13,14)

The gate is narrow, but as the psalmist says,
“And now our feet are standing within your
gates, Jerusalem.” Now we too have a share
in Christ’s inheritance.

And what draws us to make the journey
through the narrow gate? We seek to be with
the Lord, just as did St Dismas, the thief who
was crucified with Jesus on Calvary.
Sunday’s Gospel quotes St Dismas
when he says, “Jesus, remember me when you
come into your kingdom.”
The Lord replies, “Today you will be with me
in Paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43)

This is our goal, too – to complete that pilgrimage
the psalmist speaks about, to reach that
holy city where are the “thrones of justice, the
thrones of the house of David.”

Jerusalem in the Psalm symbolizes for us
the end of our journey, being present with the Lord.
This is what God has planned for his people.

Amen

Discussion Questions for Reflection

1. Our Psalm speaks of a journey to the Lord's kingdom. What progress are you making along the way on your own journey to the Lord's holy city?

2. The psalmist mentions that he has set foot within the gates of Jerusalem. Describe your decision to walk the walk and go through the narrow gate that leads to redemption and a share in our Lord's inheritance.

1 comment:

J Kim8:35 AM
Jesus Christ, King of the Universe! In my smallness, I often use the word "universe" to describe the superlative largeness of something. It is good to be reminded that our tender Lord, Abba Father is King of the UNIVERSE. Nothing is too great for Him -- He is Lord of it all and still cares for the smallest of my concerns.

My Savior is also KING of the Universe. A good king should reign with wisdom, justice, and courage while also showing integrity, compassion and leadership for the benefit of his people. Our Psalmist David exhibits both the worldly and spiritual attributes as he proclaims, "...Let us go to the house of the Lord!" Our feet have been standing within your gates, O Jerusalem!" (V.1-2)

If I am to model myself after good kings, the ultimate example being Jesus, then I must wear his priestly garments. The seamless purple robe that was thrown upon him in jest, by the Roman soldiers. The radiant and pure white garments of the Transfiguration. Modest garments, as a sign of service to others. All of Jesus' outer coverings point us toward the importance of being "clothed with Christ" in layers of love, forgiveness, mercy, and humility.

I want to be covered by his righteousness and welcomed into his kingdom someday. Advent is a powerful time to reassess where I am on this journey toward Jerusalem. I love the 3rd Joyful mystery of the Holy Rosary as it focuses on the Lord's humble birth and how we might detach from fleshly comforts. Is it a surprise that the world chooses this time to go into greedy overload with the delights of Christmas and "the holidays?"

With His help, may I walk through the narrow gate and keep my focus on what's truly important during this season and all year round.

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Studying the Psalms

The Psalms are a powerful part of the Mass and are often overlooked in Catholic Bible studies. I believe the Psalms should be studied in relation to the Gospel and the other scripture readings of the Mass, and we should attempt to see how the Psalms tie in to the teaching of the day.

The Psalms, although written thousands of years ago and well before the time of Christ, are alive, and speak powerfully to each of us. These reflections that appear in these pages talk of how we apply the verses of the Psalms to our everyday life and how the Psalms can inspire us, convict us, teach us, and strengthen our faith.

About Barry Lamont

As an adult convert, Barry was baptized nearly 40 years ago in Boston, along with his wife and his two daughters.
His eyes were opened, and he recognized Jesus as the way to his salvation and as the way to ensure the spiritual well being
of his wife and his children. He is now a daily communicant.

Barry realizes there is a spiritual battle going on all around him, and he needs all the weapons that his faith provides.
Scripture says the sword of the spirit is the Word of God.
Barry believes the Word is a powerful instrument of God that
can purify and strengthen him, and guide him.

Following his retirement some ten years ago, Barry began to study the Sunday readings as a member of the Bread of Life Bible Study. He was inspired to celebrate the Psalms as a way of doing the Lord's work. Armed with the power of the Word, Barry believes he is better equipped to do the will of the Lord, who speaks to us through the verses of the Psalms. The Bible says, “It was I who chose you.” Barry now has a job from which he will not be retiring.