Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Monica
Readings: 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Psalm 139:7-8, 9-10, 11-12ab; Matthew 23:27-32
Summary
We conclude the Woes of Matthew today. Today is also the Memorial of Saint Monica. Last year’s post on Saint Monica and the Woes: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2024/08/27/starting-point/
Today another perspective: Whoever keeps the word of Christ, the love of God is truly perfected in him (1 Jn 2:5).
Our Psalmist today presents the wonderful loving care of the Lord in reverse psychology. Here one could read this psalm-poem as a person trying to hide from the Lord for whatever reason he has. But when read in faith and trusting in love the meaning is reassuring and beautiful.
No matter where I go and what I face the Lord is there to aid me in finding him and finding peace in this life and the life to come.
- To the sky – you are here.
- To the caves – you are here.
- On the seas – you are there.
- In the dark of night – you are there.
In all this you guide me and strengthen me to do right and absorb the blows of the discontented.
R. (1) You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Where can I go from your spirit?
From your presence where can I flee?
If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I sink to the nether world, you are present there.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
If I take the wings of the dawn,
if I settle at the farthest limits of the sea,
Even there your hand shall guide me,
and your right hand hold me fast.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall hide me,
and night shall be my light”–
For you darkness itself is not dark,
and night shines as the day.
R. You have searched me and you know me, Lord.
Reflection
The Woes – taken at heart – are troubling reminders of how far afield we can get from the Lord even as we enter Temple and do Prayers and give Alms. Because we can be devious and hurtful even instinctively. But the Psalmist reassures us al is not lost!
He is there, however and wherever we wandered away. And recalls us to himself even in the place we are.
Personal Reflection
Lord, strengthen my resolve to be holy. Help me to keep the word of Christ, [and may] the love of God be truly perfected in me (1 Jn 2:5).
Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/082725.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry