Psalm 7 Part 2 Practical and Prayerful Spirituality

THE PSALM SERIES

The Bible: The Psalm Series Icon.

PSALM 7 PART 2 Practical and Prayerful Spirituality. 

Psalm 7 is a poignant expression of trust in God amidst adversity and the anguish of being wronged. It is attributed to David and reflects themes of justice, divine protection, and the importance of maintaining integrity.

 Key Spiritual Insights of Psalm 7

 1. Trust in Divine Justice: The psalm emphasizes confidence in God as a righteous judge. David appeals to God for vindication, asserting his innocence and calling for justice against his enemies. This illustrates the belief that God sees and will address wrongs in His own time.

2. The Reality of Injustice: David speaks of being pursued unjustly, highlighting the human experience of suffering due to the actions of others. It reminds us that life can be fraught with trials that seem unfair, yet God is aware of our struggles.

3. Self-Examination: The psalm encourages introspection. David invites God to examine his heart and actions, indicating the importance of self-reflection and accountability in our relationship with God.

4. God's Sovereignty: The imagery of God as a "shield" and "defender" portrays His protective nature. It reassures believers that God is ultimately in control, even when circumstances appear dire.

5. The Call to Righteousness: The psalm emphasizes the need for moral integrity. David's plea for deliverance is rooted in his commitment to righteousness, highlighting that our actions matter in our relationship with God.

  Examination of Conscience/Self-Reflection using  Psalm 7

 1. Reflect on Justice and Injustice: 

• Have I ever felt unjustly treated? How did I respond?  
• Did I seek revenge or turn to God for support?

 2. Consider Personal Integrity: 

• Am I living in accordance with God’s commandments? 
• Are there areas in my life where I compromise my values?

3. Evaluate Relationships:

• Are there people I have wronged or who I hold resentment against?
• How can I seek reconciliation or healing in those relationships?

4. Acknowledge Vulnerability:
Do I bring my struggles and pain to God? Am I open to His examination of my heart?

5. Trust in God's Plan:

• In times of distress, do I lean on my understanding,
• do I trust that God has a purpose for my trials?

 

Practical Applications for Lectors

 Preparation for Proclamation: As a lector, meditate on the themes of the psalm. Pray for clarity and a spirit of humility as you prepare to read the text. Understand the emotions and struggles conveyed in the psalm to convey them effectively.

2.    Integrate with Liturgical Context: Connect the themes of the psalm to the readings or prayers of the day. Help the congregation see how the message of Psalm 7 fits into their lives and the larger message of Scripture

3.    Deliver with Conviction: When reading, embody the sense of urgency and sincerity in David's plea. Ensure your tone reflects both the pain of injustice and the hope in God’s righteousness.

4.    Encourage Reflection: After proclaiming the psalm, invite the congregation to reflect on their own experiences of injustice and their trust in God. This can foster a moment of personal connection to the text.

5.    Foster Community: Use the psalm as a springboard for discussing themes of justice and reconciliation within your community. Consider how the church can support those who feel wronged or marginalized.

By exploring these insights and applications, both lectors and congregants can deepen their understanding of Psalm 7 and its relevance in their spiritual lives.

Key Words and Phrases 

1. O Lord, my God: This phrase expresses a personal relationship with God. Emphasize the sincerity and intimacy of David's plea. A heartfelt tone can convey the depth of this relationship.

 

2. In you I take refuge: Highlight the trust and reliance David places in God. Use a tone that reflects safety and comfort, suggesting a deep sense of dependence on God’s protection.

 

3. Deliver me” and “save me: These phrases denote urgency and desperation. Deliver them with a sense of pleading or earnestness, capturing the intensity of David’s cry for help.

 

4. Righteous judge: This title for God underscores His role as a fair and just arbiter. Use a firm and confident tone to express assurance in God’s justice and righteousness.

 

5. If I have done this: This section invites self-reflection. Emphasize the introspective nature of David’s question. It can be beneficial to pause slightly before and after this phrase to allow the weight of self-examination to resonate.

 

6. Let the enemy pursue my soul”: This imagery conveys a sense of urgency and danger. It should be delivered with gravity, reflecting the seriousness of the threat David feels.

 

7. Awake, O Lord!: This call to action signifies a desire for God to intervene. Emphasize the urgency and appeal inherent in this phrase, perhaps raising your voice slightly to indicate a plea for God’s attention.

 

8. I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His righteousness: Conclude with a tone of triumph and gratitude. This part reflects resolution and faith in God’s justice, encouraging a sense of hope and assurance.

 Additional Tips for Delivery

 Pacing: Consider varying your pace throughout the reading. Slower pacing can be effective during introspective or emotional lines, while a quicker pace may suit declarations of trust and confidence in God.

Pauses: Use strategic pauses to emphasize significant phrases. This allows the congregation time to absorb the weight of the words and enhances the overall impact of the proclamation.

 

Emotional Tone: The psalm traverses a range of emotions, from despair and urgency to hope and gratitude. Ensure your tone shifts appropriately to reflect these changes, keeping the congregation engaged.

 Engagement with the Text: Maintain eye contact with the congregation when appropriate, inviting them into the psalm's narrative. Your connection with the text will resonate with listeners.

 I hope that as lectors incorporating some of these features at least will enhance the proclamation of the psalm. By focusing on these specific words, phrases, and delivery techniques, lectors can enhance their proclamation of Psalm 7, allowing its rich spiritual insights to resonate deeply within the congregation.

 

The Psalm Series Psalm 7 Part 1 Key Themes and Insights.

 THE PSALM SERIES.

The Bible: The Psalm Series Icon.

 

Psalm 7 is a lament psalm attributed to David, expressing his trust in God amidst injustice and persecution. Here are the key themes and insights from this psalm, along with some reflection questions to deepen understanding and enrich your spiritual journey.

 

KEY THEMES AND INSIGHTS

 

1. Trust in God's Justice: David asserts his innocence and appeals to God as a righteous judge. He believes in divine justice and trusts that God will address the wrongs he faces.

   2. The Nature of God: The psalm emphasizes God's character as a righteous judge who hates wickedness and injustice. It highlights the importance of God's role in defending the innocent and punishing the wicked.

3. Personal Integrity: David's plea for deliverance is rooted in his integrity. He expresses confidence that if he has wronged anyone, he is open to facing the consequences. This theme underscores the importance of self-examination and accountability.

4. Divine Protection: David seeks refuge in God, indicating a deep reliance on divine protection during times of trouble. This reflects a strong faith in God's ability to save and protect.

5. The Reality of Evil: The psalm acknowledges the presence of evil and the suffering it causes. It recognizes that there are those who plot against the innocent, which can lead to feelings of despair.

 6. The Call for Justice: There is a call for God to rise up against the wicked and to execute justice. David's appeal is not just for personal vindication but for God to address the broader issues of justice and righteousness.

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

 

Trust in Justice:

·         How do you understand God's justice in your own life?

·         Are there situations where you feel wronged or treated unjustly?

·         How can you seek God's justice rather than taking matters into your own hands?

 

2. Personal Integrity:

·         In what areas of your life do you need to examine your integrity?

·         Are there unresolved issues or conflicts where you need to seek forgiveness or make amends?

 

3. Seeking Refuge:

·         What does it mean for you to take refuge in God?

·         How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God's protection during times of trouble?

 

4. Confronting Evil:

·         How do you respond to the presence of evil and injustice in the world?

·         What role do you believe you can play in addressing these issues, whether personally or within your community?

 

5. Prayer and Lament:

·         How can you incorporate lament into your prayer life?

·         Are there specific prayers or concerns you need to bring before God, acknowledging your feelings of hurt, anger, or disappointment?

 

6. Reflection on God's Character: How does understanding God as a righteous judge shape your relationship with Him? In what ways does it inspire you to pursue justice and righteousness in your own life?

 

By contemplating these themes and questions, we can engage more deeply with Psalm 7 and reflect on its implications for our faith and spiritual journey.

Collect Series: 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time Year B

COLLECT SERIES

 

The Mass: Collect Series Icon

COLLECT 

The Collect for the Thirty First Year B reads as follows:

Almighty and merciful God,

by whose gift Your faithful offer You right and praiseworthy service,
grant, we pray, that we may hasten without stumbling

to receive the things You have promised.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,

who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

 

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

In making this prayer tangible, the following reflection questions emerged:

1. What does right and faithful service to God mean to me?

2. How will I give God right and faithful service this coming week?

3. What are the things God has promised that I would receive?

4. What are the stumbling blocks which hinder me from fully receiving all the promises that God wants to provide to me?

5. Which of these stumbling blocks in my life will I commit to changing this coming week?

6. Devise a plan/programme for a week/month to work on this area of change.

7. How will I be a better person by next Sunday?

.

 GOSPEL REFLECTION

 The Gospel is from St Mark 12:28-34. This Gospel teaches us:

1. The importance of love of God

2. The importance of love of neighbour.

Mark 12:28-34 is a beautiful summary of Jesus’ teachings on love and relationship, where He reveals the heart of God’s commandments. In this passage, a scribe asks Jesus which commandment is the greatest, and Jesus responds by quoting two commands from the Old Testament that form the essence of the Gospel: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength," and "Love your neighbour as yourself."

Jesus emphasizes that the entirety of the law is fulfilled in love—first, a deep, personal love for God, and second, a compassionate love for others. This teaching isn't just a guideline but a call to transform how we live and relate to the world. Loving God with all that we are requires more than religious rituals; it demands surrender, devotion, and daily alignment of our lives with God’s will. Similarly, loving our neighbour means we are to respect, support, and seek justice for others with the same care we would want for ourselves.

 

Practical Application.

From a Catholic perspective, the call to love is rooted in both our relationship with God and how we treat one another. Here are some practical ways to live out this teaching today:

 

1.    Daily Prayer and Sacramental Life: Making time each day to connect with God in prayer, attend Mass, or spend time in Eucharistic adoration is a practical way to nurture our love for God. This spiritual grounding helps us to listen for God’s guidance in all our actions. If we cannot attend Mass in person  every day, why not attend Mass online and/or spend some time in Eucharistic adoration.  Yes it is different attending Mass online, as we do not get the opportunity to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.  However we can make this an opportunity to make a spiritual communion.  It can make us long for Jesus more and help us reflect on the Eucharist.  Again, Eucharistic adoration is different online, but setting aside the time and trying your best to focus as best you can is worthwhile. Jesus sees our efforts and will help you in the way we need.  It is better to try and do this in order to develop our sacramental life than just say I can’t go to Mass or adoration.  There are many places where you can find online Masses. Find one that suits you.  Here is a link for my parish at St Benedicts Parish Burwood.

https://www.youtube.com/stbenedictsburwood

You can  also find the 24/7 Eucharistic adoration.

2. Acts of Service: Showing love for our neighbours means moving beyond words to actions. Volunteer at a local shelter, visit the sick or elderly, participate in parish initiatives, or advocate for social justice issues. Serving others directly demonstrates the love Jesus speaks of. Also, we need to consider that Jesus is often in front of us in those we meet or in close contact such as family or close neighbours. The gift of time to be with a person compassionately is worth so much.  For example, my circumstances have changed dramatically and my situation is overwhelming.  I was actually feeling quite blue, when a friend of mine rang and asked whether I would like to have a coffee.  I cant tell you how beautiful that moment was. She had no idea how I was feeling and yet, God in his goodness, prompted her to ring me. It lifted my spirits significantly and I was able to cope for the rest of that day.

3. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Jesus calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Practicing forgiveness, especially within our families and communities, is a powerful testament to God's love. Regularly seeking reconciliation through the sacrament of Confession is another way to maintain a heart open to God and others.

4. Care for Creation: Pope Francis, in ‘Laudato Si', reminds us that love for God includes stewardship of His creation. We can embody this love by making small choices that protect the environment—reducing waste, conserving energy, and supporting eco-friendly practices.

5. Practicing Compassion and Respect in Everyday Interactions: Whether it’s in our workplaces, online interactions, or personal relationships, we’re called to treat each person with respect and empathy. Listening to others with an open heart and seeking to understand their struggles without judgment can reflect Christ’s love.

6. Living Simply and Giving Generously: We can live out love for God by letting go of excess and sharing our resources with those in need. This might mean donating to charitable organizations, offering financial support to struggling families, or simply making time for those who need our attention and care. Sometimes letting go of things is difficult because it has emotional attachment.  Learning to let go is difficult. For some people it is easier because of their personality and also life experience whilst for others it is incredibly difficult for the same reasons- personality and life experience. I find it incredibly difficult. So if you are wanting to make this change to living simply and giving generously, then maybe start with one item that has no or little emotional attachment and something that has not been used for 10 years/5 years.. put a time line on the object.  Ask yourself when deciding:

1. Do I love it?  Give it a mark out of 10 for how much love you have for that object.
2. Do I need it?

3. Do I use it? Not will I use it.. but do I use it.  If you are unsure test it by putting it on your bench and give yourself a fortnight/month.  If you have not used it in a month then the chances of you really using it are significantly less.

4. If I let go of it, then will it be useful be to someone else? How do I feel about someone else benefiting from me letting go of it.   

Once you decide to let it go, then put it in a bag and put it in the boot of the car so that it is already out of the home and ready for its new owner.  Say a prayer for the new owner of the object and maybe like myself, I give the object a little hug to thank it for the use I had of that object. Giving it a warm farewell might sound silly but it works in the letting go process especially as I am one of those people who find letting go of things difficult.

Start on something that is easier in the process of letting go and warm up to more emotional things unless you are able to go cold turkey.  I have not been able to manage that myself but I wish you all the best in this process of letting go.

A Modern Witness of Faith

Living out this Gospel calls us to be counter-cultural, especially in a world where individualism and materialism are prevalent. Jesus’ message invites us to embrace simplicity, generosity, and compassion, becoming witnesses to His love in our daily lives. When we live with this love at the forefront, we not only fulfill the greatest commandment, but also draw others to the beauty of a life lived with purpose and connection to God.

The Psalm Series Psalm 6 Part 2 Practical and Prayerful Spirituality

THE PSALM SERIES.

The Bible: The Psalm Series Icon.

PSALM 6 PART 2

 

Psalm 6 is a penitential psalm where King David cries out in distress, pleading for God’s mercy. It speaks to themes of repentance, humility, trust in God's mercy, and a profound desire for healing and restoration. Here’s a closer look at its spiritual insights, an examination of conscience, and practical applications for lectors.

 

Key Spiritual Insights of Psalm 6
 

1. Acknowledge Human Frailty and Dependence on God (vv. 1-2):

 David opens by asking God not to rebuke him in anger, recognizing his frailty. This invites readers to accept their own limitations and need for divine assistance.

  2. Repentance and Plea for Mercy (vv. 3-4):

David admits his weakness and seeks God’s mercy, modelling humility. His cry, “Have mercy on me, Lord, for I am faint,” reminds us to approach God with a heart aware of sin and weakness.

  

3. Trust in God’s Healing and Redemption (vv. 5-7):

David expresses his grief and sorrow, laying bare his soul before God. This vulnerability teaches that God values our honesty, encouraging us to share our deepest fears and regrets.

  

4. Confidence in God’s Answer (vv. 8-10):

David finds assurance that God has heard his prayer. This is a reminder to trust that God listens to and responds to our cries for forgiveness and mercy.

 

Examination of Conscience/Self-Reflection Based on Psalm 6

•  1. Have I sought to rely on my own strength rather than God’s?
• Reflect on times of struggle or suffering.
• Did I try to handle it alone, or did I turn to God for guidance and strength?

 

• 2. Do I approach God with a humble and contrite heart?
•   Reflect on whether I am truly repentant for my sins or if I approach confession out of mere habit.

 

• 3. Have I sincerely sought God’s mercy and trusted in His forgiveness?
•  Consider my trust in God’s mercy. Do I believe He forgives me, or do I carry unnecessary guilt?

 

• 4. Am I honest with God about my struggles, fears, and regrets?
•  Reflect on my relationship with God. Am I transparent, or do I try to hide my faults and weaknesses?

 

• 5. Do I forgive myself after confessing my sins and trust in God’s healing?
•   After receiving absolution, do I move forward in faith, or do I continue to dwell on past mistakes?

 

• 6. Am I willing to extend mercy to others as I seek mercy from God?
•  Reflect on any grudges or lack of forgiveness I might be holding.
• Do I forgive others as freely as I wish to be forgiven?

Practical Applications for Lectors on Psalm 6

 

For lectors proclaiming Psalm 6, consider the following tips to convey its emotional depth and spiritual significance:

 

1. Understand the Tone of Penitence and Sorrow:

 Psalm 6 is a cry for mercy. As a lector, practice reading it with a tone that reflects both sorrow and humility, inviting the congregation into a space of reflection and repentance.

 

2. Emphasize Key Words and Phrases:

 Phrases like "Have mercy," "I am faint," and "The Lord has heard my cry" carry weight. These should be emphasized to highlight the psalm’s deep emotional tone and trust in God’s responsiveness.

 

3. Use Silence and Pace to Reflect Contemplation:

  Slow down slightly on certain phrases to allow them to resonate. For example, after reading “How long, Lord, how long?” pause briefly, letting the congregation feel the psalmist's yearning and frustration.

 

4. Express the Shift in Tone from Desperation to Confidence:

  The psalm moves from anguish to confidence. This shift should be clear in your reading. Start with a pleading tone, and as you reach the end, let your voice reflect the psalmist’s relief in knowing God has heard him.

 

5. Engage with the Emotion of the Text:

Spend time in prayer or reflection with the psalm before reading it aloud. Try to connect with its emotional depth—letting your understanding inform your voice, so that the proclamation feels authentic.

 

In summary, Psalm 6 serves as both a model for heartfelt repentance and a source of comfort in God’s merciful response. Through these spiritual insights, personal reflections, and practical reading techniques, lectors can convey the depth of this psalm, leading the congregation into a space of penitence, humility, and trust in God’s mercy.

 

 

Feast Day Series: Solemnity of St Simon and St Jude

 

 FEAST DAYS.

   

ST SIMON AND ST JUDE

 

The Feast of Saints Simon and Jude is celebrated on October 28, honouring two of Jesus' Twelve Apostles. Though little is known about their lives compared to some other Apostles, each has a distinct identity and story in Christian tradition.

 

Saint Simon the Zealot

Simon is often called "the Zealot" to distinguish him from Simon Peter. The term "Zealot" could imply he was part of a Jewish revolutionary group opposing Roman occupation, showing his initial zeal for Jewish nationalism before committing to Christ’s mission. Tradition holds that he travelled as a missionary after Pentecost, possibly reaching Persia (modern-day Iran), where he preached and ultimately met martyrdom.

 

Saint Jude Thaddeus

Saint Jude, also known as Thaddeus, is best known as the Apostle of "lost causes." In the Gospels, he is sometimes called "Jude of James" or "Judas, not Iscariot," to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Christ. Tradition holds that he evangelized in regions like Mesopotamia and Armenia. Saint Jude is believed to be the author of the Epistle of Jude in the New Testament, a short but powerful letter emphasizing perseverance and faith.

 

Why They Are Celebrated Together

The Church celebrates Saints Simon and Jude together partly because of their shared missionary journey, which tradition says ended in martyrdom around the same time and place, possibly Persia. They represent a commitment to spreading the Gospel despite risks, and both are revered for their role in building up the early Christian Church under challenging conditions. In Catholic tradition, Saint Jude is known as the patron saint of desperate or hopeless cases, giving him a particularly cherished place in the hearts of many. Both saints remind the faithful of the sacrifices made to spread the message of Christ and the power of perseverance in the face of trials.

 

NOVENA TO ST JUDE.

This novena can be prayed with deep trust, especially during times of personal difficulty or when asking for a grace that feels beyond reach. Many find comfort in knowing that St. Jude, as the patron saint of difficult cases, is praying with and for them. It can also be prayed for other people when we intercede for them.

 

Here is a traditional novena to St. Jude, usually prayed for nine consecutive days, especially when facing difficult situations or seeking hope in seemingly impossible cases.

 

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

Daily Opening Prayer

Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally as the patron of difficult and desperate cases. Pray for me; I am so helpless and alone. I implore you to bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of Heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly… State your intention here

and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favour, to always honour you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen.

 

Daily Prayer to St. Jude

Saint Jude, Apostle of Christ and glorious martyr, great intercessor in all difficult problems, today I turn to you with confidence. Help me in my present and urgent petition. In return, I promise to make your name known and cause you to be invoked.

 

Now, state your intention again

 

St. Jude, pray for us and all who honour you and invoke your aid. Amen.

 

Concluding Prayer

May the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus be adored, glorified, loved, and preserved throughout the world, now and forever. 

Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. 

St. Jude, worker of miracles, pray for us. 

St. Jude, help of the hopeless, pray for us.

 

Recite three Our Fathers, three Hail Marys, and three Glory Be prayers

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

 

 

 

The Psalms Series; Psalm 6 part 1: Key themes and Insights.

 THE PSALM SERIES

The Bible: The Psalm Series Icon

As Catholics we hear the Psalms each day at Mass and if we say Morning and Evening Prayer- the Divine Office then we will also be using the Psalms.

Do we understand the Psalms when we read them or respond to it at Mass?

In this series, my aim is to explore the meaning of the 150 Psalms and to consider the moods contained therein.  I also hope that this series may be a valuable source for lectors so that they have a greater understanding of the Psalms and proclaim them well.

Last week I wrote a recap post on Psalms 1-5, giving us time on our journey to reflect and revisit these psalms. This week we continue the series with 2 posts on Psalm 6.  Let us begin.

Psalm 6 is a heartfelt lament expressing deep sorrow, distress, and a plea for mercy. Here are the key themes, insights, and some reflection questions:

 

Key Themes and Insights

 

1. Suffering and Distress:

 The psalmist begins by expressing a sense of anguish and turmoil. This illustrates that suffering is a part of the human experience, and it's human and healthy to acknowledge pain and grief.

2. Plea for Mercy

 The repeated cry for mercy emphasizes the need for divine intervention. It reveals the belief that only God can alleviate suffering and provide comfort. We need to trust Him in the midst of our darkness, despair and pain.

 3. Recognition of Sin.

 The psalmist acknowledges personal sin and its consequences. This recognition is vital for repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness. We, as Catholics  are able to go to God in prayer seeking forgiveness and regular attendance for the Sacrament of Reconciliation where Jesus waits for us, longing to give us His mercy and forgiveness.

 4. Confidence in God’s Response

Despite the distress, there is an underlying faith that God hears prayers and will respond. This theme highlights the relationship between us, as the believer and God.

 5. The Temporary Nature of Suffering:

 The psalmist contrasts the current pain with a hopeful future, indicating that suffering is not permanent and that relief will come.

 6. Community and Isolation:

 The feelings of abandonment and isolation are prominent, suggesting that suffering can lead to a sense of being cut off from others and we can also feel a sense of being cut off from God.

 

Reflection Questions

1. Personal Experience of Distress

•       Have you ever felt overwhelmed by sorrow or distress?
•          How did you respond to that situation?

2. Seeking God’s Mercy

•          In moments of suffering, how do you seek God’s mercy?
•          What does that look like for you in prayer or action?

3. Acknowledgment of Sin.

·         Do you find it easy or difficult to acknowledge your own shortcomings and sins?

·         How does this affect your relationship with God?

 4. Faith in God’s Response*:

•          When you pray during difficult times, how confident are you that God hears and will
       respond?
•          What helps or hinders your faith in those moments?

 5. Understanding Temporary Suffering

•          How can remembering that suffering is temporary help you cope with current
       struggles?
•          What hope can you cling to during tough times?

 6. Community Support:

•          In times of distress, how important is the support of a community or friends?
•          How can you foster deeper connections with those around you when facing
      challenges?

 

Let us reflect on these themes and questions  to help us this week to deepen our understanding of Psalm 6 and its relevance in our spiritual journey.