Today’s readings put things into perspective. As I stress about audience members’ responses to my academic presentation earlier today, I smile when I reflect on the Israelite’s patience. They waited 430 years for relief (Exodus 12:40), whereas I am feeling all proud-of-myself for getting over their critiques in 43 minutes! But,… am I over it?
I am obviously still reflecting on their misinterpretations of my perspectives. Would I wait, would my ancestors have waited,…430 years to be understood by my audience? The Lord certainly had a plan for the Israelites, just as He has one for each of us, for each soul on Earth, because…his faithful love endures forever (Ps. 136).
The Psalmist simply encourages us to be joyful and thankful… Alleluia! Give thanks to Yahweh for He is good, (Ps. 136:1) especially when we cannot understand complex circumstances of our lives. This is precisely the most important time to remember why we should be joyful and thankful, because… his faithful love endures forever.
The concept of the faithfulness of His love really resonates. Recently someone reached out (via text) for consolation. It is especially challenging to be inspirationally concise via text. In few words, I advised taking her quite intense woes to the Lord. The return text fell along the lines of “I don’t believe in God anymore”… to which I (relatively abruptly) replied, “Well, the good news is that He still believes in you!”
I suppose that was text-talk for his faithful love endures forever. Coupled with the Padre Pio prayer for healing, the message was well received, consolation achieved. Admittedly, I was rather surprised at the effectiveness of my spiritual quip, but now I recognize the depth of the Psalmists message regarding God’s faithful love.
God’s Got This
Sometimes it seems our global challenges grow greater with each passing day. Although, as they grow more intense, our own spiritual lives keep growing if we just stay joyful and thankful. This is terrible grammar, but remember, “God’s got this!”
I tend to forget that key point which invariably results in stressful pontificating. He kept us in mind when we were humbled… and rescued us from our enemies, for his faithful love endures forever (Ps. 136: 23-24). Key words… when we were humbled.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus knows the Pharisees are plotting against him so he humbly moves on, many follow him, and he appreciatively, lovingly cures them. How much more strength and power we can have when we respond to contention humbly rather than defensively!
Isaiah prophesied that God’s beloved would not brawl, nor would his voice be heard in the streets (Mt. 12:19). He would not have Tweeted to an unknown audience of followers, or posted his position on a topic, even knowing he was right. Instead, he went away, talked with, and cured those who followed him, on foot.
Let us follow his lead, on foot, with grateful joy in our hearts as we face our daily challenges. Let us love one another, one at a time, and all at the same time. Let us leave the judging to the Lord, and take care of the loving today. Relax, God’s got this!
[Readings: Ex 12:37-42; Ps 136:1 and 23-24, 10-12, 13-15; Mt 12:14-21]
Thank you. God is reminding me through your words that He’s got this!
Inspirational . Thank you
I really enjoyed your reflection today, Tina. Certainly we all ought to keep that line close in our hearts: “God’s faithful love endures forever.” I also appreciated that you pointed out the verse from Isaiah, “nor would his voice be heard in the streets.” This line struck me today in my own reading. Our Lord speaks to us personally and intimately as we follow Him, “not in the streets.” Thanks, and God bless.