Greetings on this the Monday of the Fourteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Hos 2:16, 17c-18, 21-22; PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mt 9:18-26
Trusting the Lord
Today’s sacred portions talk to the faithfulness of the Lord and the invitation to trust in his faithfulness.How are we helped on our path, especially children?
Our song today from the Monday, Week II of the LOTH, is “I Sing the Mighty Power of God“. This song is from a compendium book entitled Divine Songs for the Use of Children (1715) by Isaac Watts. Watts led the change in practice by including new poetry for “original songs of Christian experience” to be used in worship.
Watts wrote educational books on geography, astronomy, grammar, and philosophy, which were widely used throughout the 18th century. He is now best known, however, for his hymns. The famous hymns were written during Watts’s Mark Lane ministry. His first collection of hymns and sacred lyrics was Horae Lyricae (1706), quickly followed by Hymns and Spiritual Songs (1707), which included “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” “There Is a Land of Pure Delight,” and others that have become known throughout Protestant Christendom.
Reference: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Isaac-Watts
Reference: Write up on Isaac Watts https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_Watts
Summary
Text of the song.
1 We sing the mighty power of God
that made the mountains rise,
that spread the flowing seas abroad
and built the lofty skies.
We sing the wisdom that ordained
the sun to rule the day;
the moon shines full at his command,
and all the stars obey.
2 We sing the goodness of the Lord
that filled the earth with food;
he formed the creatures with his word
and then pronounced them good.
Lord, how your wonders are displayed,
where’er we turn our eyes,
if we survey the ground we tread
or gaze upon the skies.
3 There’s not a plant or flower below
but makes your glories known,
and clouds arise and tempests blow
by order from your throne;
while all that borrows life from you
is ever in your care,
and everywhere that we can be,
you, God, are present there.
Psalter Hymnal, 1987
Reference: https://hymnary.org/text/i_sing_the_mighty_power_of_god
Reflection
It is said, to sing hymns is to praise God twice. Thank you Lord for Isaac Watts who thought it best to encourage – to give courage – to the young by way of song.
Personal Reflection
We all need to discover the new poetry within us. How the Lord brings dynamic steadiness (ever changing, ever the same) love and self-giving. The saving power of God, our faith, saves us and others. Courage, daughter! Courage, children! Courage!
Sacred Readings
Full link: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070824.cfm
First Reading
I will espouse you to me forever: I will espouse you in right and in justice, in love and in mercy; I will espouse you in fidelity, and you shall know the LORD.
Responsorial
The Lord is gracious and merciful.
Gospel Acclamation
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life to light through the Gospel.
Gospel
“Courage, daughter! Your faith has saved you.” And from that hour the woman was cured.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry