Reflections
"Blessed are the poor in spirit."
The Psalm is about trusting in God,the one who made us. “Happy those
whose hope is in the Lord, the maker
of heaven and earth.” Why do we
trust in God and not princes of this
world? Because, “He keeps faith
forever,” and, “He gives food to the
hungry." Who among us is not hungry
for a closer relationship with The Lord?
of heaven and earth.” Why do we
trust in God and not princes of this
world? Because, “He keeps faith
forever,” and, “He gives food to the
hungry." Who among us is not hungry
for a closer relationship with The Lord?
In Sunday's first reading,
the prophet Zephaniah tells us,
"Seek the Lord all you humble of
the earth.” (Zephaniah 2: 3)
St Paul in our second reading assures
us, God is not going to call the wise,
the powerful, or those of noble birth.
Rather, he calls the lowly, the weak,
St Paul in our second reading assures
us, God is not going to call the wise,
the powerful, or those of noble birth.
Rather, he calls the lowly, the weak,
to shame the strong.
(1 Corinthians 1: 26-28)
(1 Corinthians 1: 26-28)
The message is clear – The Psalm is
telling us we really need to humble ourselves
if we want to be raised up with Him.
That may be hard to do if it means we have
if we want to be raised up with Him.
That may be hard to do if it means we have
to swallow our pride and put aside worldly
concerns. But it we truly want to be set free
from the sins that bind us, then we need to
concerns. But it we truly want to be set free
from the sins that bind us, then we need to
repent and bow down before the Lord and
seek his grace. Where else are the promises
of our God fulfilled but in the healing
ministry of Jesus? Who else has the grace
seek his grace. Where else are the promises
of our God fulfilled but in the healing
ministry of Jesus? Who else has the grace
and the mercy to heal us?
So we can pray this Psalm, not only in honor
So we can pray this Psalm, not only in honor
of the heavenly Father, but also in honor of
Christ, whom God exalted. “The Lord shall
reign forever, through all generations.”
Amen
Christ, 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.
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.
Some call The Beatitudes "God's recipe for happiness." Others call them Jesus' revolutionary teaching -- as the ideals and rewards are flipped in reverse from what the world tells us and what the crowds of Christ's time were used to hearing. Whatever description you choose, there is no denying that the Beatitudes are God's guide to Christian living.
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense that if an appliance does not work well, or is completely broken, that one would look at the manual. Troubleshooting tips are often highlighted. Who wrote the manual? The people who created the device in question.
Who created us? God. Who knows what our hearts need? The Lord. Did he send his Son Jesus to tell us the way to live with true purpose? Yes.
He made each and every one of us in His image and with the same needs for love, peace, and gratitude. When we lose sight of these heavenly virtues, and instead focus on earthly goals, we become unhappy. Restless. Enslaved. Prideful. Every sin can be said to emanate from this arrogant and false sense of self-sufficiency.
I am given spiritual sight to see again when I study such passages on God's kingdom rules. I can take off the blinders that keep me focused on the "here and now"... and contemplate the eternal rewards that await. As the Psalmist says "The Lord sets the prisoners free; the Lord opens the eyes of the blind.."
ReplyDeleteIf I may, I just wanted to make a few comments:
I really enjoyed this Psalm....To me, Psalm 146 speaks volumes, I loved the way it focuses on God's mighty powers, His magnificent works and celebrating His endless kindness! It sings praises to His just and right ways. We often sincerely state "God is good", but it is somewhat of an understatement, given that God's
greatness is unsearchable - meaning that God's greatness is infinite, limitless and beyond complete human comprehension...
I loved how this Psalm highlights God's compassionate nature and active role as a protector of the vulnerable,
specifically the blind, oppressed, strangers, orphans, widows...The Beatitudes are a clear example of God's
amazing deeds and the 8 Beatitudes emphasize His love for the righteous. I didn't realize the word Beatitude is derived from the latin word "beatrus" meaning blessed or happy. Each Beatitude begins with "Blessed are". God brings justice, healing and restoration. And one of the main issues is that we must not place our trust in mortal, temporary leaders because God's reign is everlasting,making Him the only reliable source of justice and security...