Psalm Series: Psalm 3 Part 1 Key themes and Insights

 PSALM SERIES

The Bible: Psalm Series Icon.

PSALM 3 PART 1

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 2 posts for Psalm 2 and now this week we continue the series with Psalm 3.  Let us begin.

 

Psalm 3 is attributed to David, written during a time of distress when he was fleeing from his son Absalom. Here are some key themes and insights from this Psalm:

 

KEY THEMES

 

1. Trust in God

 The Psalm begins with David expressing his deep trust in God despite the overwhelming circumstances. He acknowledges God as his protector and source of strength.

2. Crisis and Distress.

  David's plight is vividly described. He feels surrounded by enemies, reflecting a sense of personal crisis and emotional turmoil. This theme highlights the reality of suffering and adversity in life.

3. Divine Protection.

  The imagery of God as a shield emphasizes His protective nature. David expresses confidence that God will sustain him, even in his darkest moments.

4. Prayer and Petition.

  David turns to prayer, seeking God's help. This underscores the importance of turning to God in times of trouble, demonstrating reliance on divine intervention.

5. Restoration and Hope

The Psalm concludes with a note of hope, emphasizing that God will answer David's prayers and restore his position. It reflects the belief in God's faithfulness and the promise of deliverance.

6. Victory and Praise.

 David expresses certainty that he will triumph over his enemies, which leads to praise. This theme reflects the outcome of faithfulness and the eventual victory that comes from trusting in God.

 

INSIGHTS

 As we ponder Psalm 3,  we may consider what insights it has.

Personal Relationship with God: David's heartfelt expression shows a personal relationship with God. He speaks openly about his fears and doubts, yet he firmly believes in God’s ability to save.

 

Acknowledgment of Foes: David does not deny the reality of his situation; instead, he acknowledges the presence of his enemies. This realistic approach is essential for authentic faith.

 

Emotional Honesty: The Psalm reflects a blend of fear, desperation, and unwavering faith. This emotional honesty resonates with readers facing their own struggles, showing that it’s okay to express vulnerability before God.

 

God’s Sovereignty The text emphasizes God's sovereignty over David's life, reinforcing the idea that God remains in control, even when circumstances seem dire.

 

Encouragement to Others: David’s declaration of faith can serve as an encouragement to others experiencing distress, reminding them to turn to God for strength and support.

 

Psalm 3 encapsulates the struggle of faith in times of trouble, illustrating how we can turn despair into hope through trust in God. It is a powerful reminder of God’s protective nature and the importance of seeking Him amidst life’s challenges.

PRACTICAL REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Here are some reflection questions based on Psalm 3 that may assist you to apply its themes to your life today, both practically and spiritually:

 

1. Facing Adversity

·  What challenges or adversities am I currently facing that make me feel overwhelmed or surrounded?

·        How do I typically respond to crises in my life?

·        Do I tend to rely on my own strength, or do I turn to others or to God? In which order do I do I do this- Myself, others and then God or God, others and myself?

2. Seeking Support

·        In moments of distress, who do I turn to for support?

·        How can I cultivate a community that encourages me to seek God’s guidance?

What practical steps can I take to invite prayer or spiritual support into my life during difficult times?

3. Trust and Control

·        Are there specific areas in my life where I struggle to trust God? What can I do to surrender those areas to Him?

·        How do I differentiate between taking action and trying to control every aspect of my situation?

4. Recognizing God’s Presence

Prayer Life

·        How often do I bring my fears and anxieties to God in prayer?

·        What might it look like to incorporate more honest expressions of my struggles in my prayers?

·        What specific prayers can I offer to God regarding my current challenges?

Faith in Action:

·        How can I actively demonstrate my faith in God’s protection and guidance in my daily life?

·        Are there scriptures or promises from God that I can meditate on to strengthen my faith during difficult times?

Hope and Restoration

·        How do I maintain hope when it feels like my situation is hopeless?

·        What practices can help me stay grounded in faith?

·   What does restoration look like for me, and how can I work towards it while trusting in God’s timing?

Impact on Others

·   How can my faith journey and experiences of God’s faithfulness encourage others who are struggling?

·     In what ways can I be a source of support or prayer for someone else facing their own "Psalm 3" moments?

 

By reflecting on these questions, I hope that it will also help you to deepen our understanding of Psalm 3 and apply its teachings to our lives today, fostering both practical and spiritual growth. This process can help us cultivate a resilient faith and a supportive community as we navigate our own challenges.

Collect Series: Collect for 26th Sunday Year B

 COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect Series Icon.

COLLECT 

The Collect for the Twenty Sixth Sunday Year B reads as follows:

O God, who manifests Your Almighty Power 

above all by pardoning and showing mercy,

bestow, we pray, Your grace abundantly upon us,

and make those hastening to attain Your promises

heirs to the treasures of heaven.

 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. How does God manifest His almighty power to me this last week?

2. What mercy and graces has God given me in my life?

3. What is my attitude to the sacrament of Reconciliation?

4. How can I grow in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to encounter God's loving mercy?

5.How do I show God my gratitude for the grace and mercy God provides me?

6. What are the treasures of heaven that I need to aspire to attain this week?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

 The Gospel is from St Mark 9:38-43,45,57-48.  There are three very practical lessons we must learn from today's Gospel: the grave obligation we have of not causing scandal to our fellow-Christians or indeed to any person and secondly, the willingness we should have to sacrifice any earthly possession which is a cause of sin to us.

Scandal, the sin of being a cause or an occasion of another's sin, is doubly sinful involving one's own sin and the sin of the person scandalized. Scandal can be caused by word—that is, by teaching or propagating wrong doctrine or by giving sinful advice, and it can be caused by one's own sinful deeds which may be imitated by others. Those in positions of authority such as parents whose duty it is to bring up their children in the Christian faith, are especially liable to give scandal if they fail to live truly Christian lives. Christian parents who fail to live according to their faith will be held accountable not only for their own sins, but for the sins of their children and perhaps their children's children for generations to come.

The second lesson for all of us in today's Gospel is that we should ever realize that eternal life is worth any sacrifice which we may be called on to make. The road we have to travel in life is not an easy one. As our Lord says in another place: "Enter by the narrow gate for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. But the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Mt. 7: 13). We wish to reach heaven, therefore we must be prepared to follow Christ; we must not allow others to lead us astray but be prepared and determined to conquer and resist our own evil inclinations also.

The third lesson relates to working together as fellow Christians. When we see or hear about another person in need – the cup of cold water, we need to assist them if we are able precisely because he/she is a fellow Christian- a fellow follower of Christ.  Being united with other Christians helps to build community. Letting go of competition and ego for the greater good of a parish, or parish group is vital.  How many times have great ideas or great leadership been squashed by other people who have put their ego and competitive streak override something worthwhile?

The fourth lesson is just as important as the other 3.  It is vital that we accept the way God is working in my live and in the lives of others. It should never be a source of jealousy, envy, competition or exclusion.  God chooses to work in each of our lives in the way He wishes. some will bring a harvest hundredfold and others sixty and others thirty.  God knows what we are capable of and we only need to do our best.  We also need to be happy for others when they are doing their best.  If their best is better than our best, we do not have to compare.  God does not after all.  

We as Catholics must endeavour to live by the standards that Christ set us not the standards of the world. When we fail, which  we will do as we are human, God has provided us with the sacrament of mercy and reconciliation to be restored and to move forward.  Let us take full advantage of this sacrament and use it regularly so that we will become more finely tuned to what God wants of us.

 

 

 

 

Psalm Series: Psalm 2 Part 2: Practical and Prayerful Spirituality

 PSALM SERIES

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PSALM 2 PART 2:  PRACTICAL AND PRAYERFUL SPIRITUALITY.

 

 Psalm 2 is a messianic psalm that portrays God's authority over earthly rulers and the ultimate victory of His anointed king. It emphasizes the need for submission to God's will, faithfulness to His Word, and the consequences of rebellion against His reign.

KEY SPIRITUAL APPLICATIONS:

 

  Surrender to God's Sovereignty: The psalm invites us to reflect on areas of life where we may resist God’s sovereignty. Verse 12, “Kiss the Son,” calls for humble submission to God's appointed King (Jesus). We can apply this by asking ourselves where we need to let go of control and allow God to lead.

  

  Trust in Divine Justice: Psalm 2 reassures us that despite apparent chaos or opposition to God’s ways in the world, His justice will prevail. We can derive spiritual strength from this, trusting that God's plan unfolds according to His timing, and we are called to persevere in faith.

  

  Fear of the Lord: The psalm reminds us of the importance of holy reverence for God. Verse 11 says, "Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling." This balanced sense of awe encourages us to approach God with deep respect and joy, fostering both devotion and humility in our daily spiritual practice.

  

   Invitation to Joyful Obedience: While there’s a warning against rebellion, the psalm also highlights the blessings that come with obedience. Verse 12 concludes, "Blessed are all who take refuge in him." This speaks of the deep joy and peace found in trusting God fully and living in harmony with His commandments.

 

2. Using Psalm 2 for an Examination of Conscience/ Self Reflection In Preparing for Sacrament of Reconciliation.

We may not think that the psalms have anything to offer us when preparing for Sacrament of Reconciliation but in fact they can be a very helpful tool.

   Psalm 2 can serve as a reflective guide for personal examination.  Here's how you can use it as a tool for self-reflection:

 

   - Verse 1: "Why do the nations conspire, and the peoples plot in vain?

·         Are there areas in my life where I conspire against God's will?

·         Do I resist God's plans or seek to impose my own desires and agenda?

  

   - Verses 2-3: "The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 'Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.'"

·         Have I ever perceived God's commandments or teachings as restrictions rather than guides to freedom?

·         Do I rebel against God's authority or seek independence from His Word?

  

   - Verse 4: "The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them." 

·         Do I take God's sovereignty for granted, thinking I can act without consequence?

·         How seriously do I take His power and rule over my life?

  

   - Verse 11: "Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling." 

·         Do I approach my relationship with God with the proper reverence and humility?

·         How do I balance joy in the Lord with an appropriate sense of awe and respect for His holiness?

  

   - Verse 12: "Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him."

Have I truly "kissed the Son," submitting my life to Christ in all areas?

Do I take refuge in Him, or do I rely on my own strength and understanding?

How do I respond when God's will challenges my own?

 

 3. Practical Ways Lectors Could Proclaim Psalm 2

 This sections highlights some aspects to consider when proclaiming Psalm 2.

Before you consider how you wish to proclaim it, it is essential that the Lector has studied the Psalm and understands the key themes as well as made it personal. Without doing this, the lector is only reading words and is not proclaiming it. It is vital that Lectors prepare the readings including the Responsorial Psalm.

 Proclaiming Psalm 2 as a lector requires attention to its themes of divine kingship, human rebellion, and ultimate submission to God's reign. Here are some practical tips for effective proclamation:

 

1.Convey the Tone: The psalm carries both a tone of warning and comfort. When proclaiming the rebellious nature of the nations (vv. 1-3), emphasize the futility and arrogance of their plotting. When speaking of God's response (vv. 4-6), use a tone of authority and confidence to reflect God's sovereignty.

  

 2. Highlight Key Shifts: There are major shifts in tone throughout Psalm 2, from rebellion to divine judgment, and then to an invitation to submit and trust in God’s protection. Lectors should be mindful of these transitions and adjust their delivery accordingly—for instance, softening the tone in the final verses to convey the invitation to blessedness.

  

  3. Emphasize Majesty: Psalm 2 exalts the kingship of God and His anointed. Use a confident, elevated voice, especially in verses like 7-9, to reflect the majesty of God's declaration over His Son.

  

 4. Pause for Impact: Use pauses to allow the weight of God's judgment and the call to obedience to sink in. A brief pause before verses like "He rebukes them in his anger" (v. 5) or "Blessed are all who take refuge in him" (v. 12) can amplify their significance.

  

  5. Engage the Congregation: As this psalm has both elements of judgment and an invitation to refuge, proclaiming it with both gravity and hope can help the congregation reflect on their own lives in light of God's kingship.

 

About the Mass Series Vol 2: Communion Rite Purification of the Vessels.

 ABOUT THE MASS SERIES.

About the Mass Series Icon.

‘PURIFICATION OF THE VESSELS’.

 After communion, the priest purifies the vessels. In the 4^th century, St John Chrysostom (345-407) advocated that his priests take a little water or eat a piece of bread so that nothing of the sacred species remain in the mouth after communion.  Ordinary wine was used for this purpose, and this custom remained until late Middle Ages. 

 

From the 7^th century onward, there gradually appeared the custom of washing the cup, originally done after the liturgy and the cleansing of the priest’s fingers. Originally, this was done in silence, however, by 1570, two obligatory prayers were included in this ritual.

  

Today, the Order of the Mass has simplified this action. If a deacon or Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist are present, he/they takes the vessels to the credence table (side table on the sanctuary) where they are purified. When there is no deacon, the priest returns to the altar from distributing communion and collects any remaining particles on the paten. He then purifies the paten or ciborium over the chalice, then purifies the chalice, and dries it with a purificator. Then they are covered with the pall cloth (which is in the same colour as the vestments). The priest then gives it to the altar servers who then carry it to the credence table.

 Watching a priest purifying the vessels can speak volumes about his relationship with Jesus and his faith in the real presence.  I remember being so touched by the way the priest purified the vessels with such love and reverence during an online mass during lockdown covid pandemic that it led me on a very deep spiritual journey. I truly owe my deep connection with Jesus now to that connection with that priest. I will never ever forget the effect the purification of the vessels had on me that day.  

While this is happening, the congregation are engaged in prayer either silently or a hymn of praise. It is a time that should be conducive to prayer and as a congregation; we can help each other by making it so.

 

When he is ready, the priest returns to the presidential chair and sits down. Originally, priests made their thanksgiving after Mass, but today this silent time especially when it is sufficient in length helps to nourish prayer. Then the prayer after communion serves to sum up the unspoken sentiments of the entire congregation.   

 

Psalm Series: Exploring Psalm 2 Key Themes and Insights.

 

PSALM SERIES

Psalm Series Icon: The Bible.

PSALM 2 PART 1.

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 2 posts for Psalm 1 and now this week we continue the series with Psalm 2.  Let us begin.

 

KEY THEMES AND INSIGHTS.

 

Psalm 2 is often regarded as a royal psalm that addresses themes of divine sovereignty, rebellion against authority, and the ultimate triumph of God’s anointed. Here are some key insights and themes:

 

1. Divine Sovereignty: The psalm emphasizes God's supreme authority over all nations and rulers. Despite human rebellion, God remains in control and laughs at their futile attempts to oppose Him.

 

2. Rebellion Against God: It highlights the futility of nations and kings conspiring against God and His anointed. The rebellion is seen as an act of defiance against divine order.

 

3. The Anointed One: The term "anointed" refers to the king, often interpreted as a messianic figure. The psalm foreshadows the idea of a Messiah who will establish God's kingdom.

 

4. God's Response God's laughter and anger towards the rebellious leaders indicate that their plans are ultimately insignificant in the face of His will. He speaks in wrath, showing His power to execute judgment.

 

5. Assurance of Victory: The psalm conveys assurance that God will establish His reign and that those who align with Him will be blessed, while those who oppose Him will face consequences.

 

SPIRITUAL APPLICATION.

 

Applying Psalm 2 spiritually can indeed invite a deeper surrender to God's will and a greater trust in His power. Here are some practical ways to incorporate its themes into your spiritual life:

 

1. Surrender to God’s Authority: Reflect on areas in your life where you may be resisting God’s will. Consider ways to submit those areas to Him, acknowledging His sovereignty and trusting that His plans are for your good.

 

2. Trust in God’s Power: When facing challenges or opposition, remember that God is ultimately in control. Pray for the strength to rely on His power rather than your own, trusting that He can work in situations beyond your understanding.

 

3. Pray for Leaders: Use the psalm as a prompt to pray for those in authority—both spiritual and political. Ask for God’s guidance in their decisions and that they would recognize His sovereignty.

 

4. Seek Refuge in God: Embrace the invitation to take refuge in the Lord. Cultivate a sense of peace by drawing closer to Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word, especially in times of uncertainty or fear.

 

5. Embrace Joy in God’s Reign: Find joy in the knowledge that God’s kingdom is established and that His purposes will prevail. Celebrate the victory of Christ and share that hope with others.

 

6. Cultivate Reverence: Develop a deeper reverence for God’s holiness and majesty. This could involve meditative practices, such as contemplation or silent prayer, where you reflect on His greatness.

 

7. Engage in Community: Discuss the themes of the psalm with others in your faith community. Share insights and experiences that highlight God’s sovereignty in your lives, fostering mutual encouragement.

 

By applying these themes, you can cultivate a deeper sense of faith and alignment with God’s will, enhancing your spiritual journey and trust in His overarching plan.

6. Call to Submission: It concludes with an invitation to the rulers and nations to serve the Lord with reverence and submit to His authority, emphasizing the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty.

 

7. Blessing for the Righteous: The psalm ends on a hopeful note, highlighting the blessings that come from taking refuge in God, reinforcing the theme of trust and faithfulness in the face of opposition.

 

Overall, Psalm 2 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s authority and the ultimate victory of His purposes despite human rebellion.

Collect Series Collect for 25th Sunday of Year B

 

COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect Series Icon.

COLLECT 

The Collect for the Twenty Fifth Sunday Year B reads as follows:

 O God who founded all the commands of Your Sacred Law

upon love of You and our neighbour,

grant that, by keeping Your precepts,

we may merit to attain eternal life.

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.How well do I know and keep the commands of God and His sacred law?

2. How will I improve my knowledge of faith this coming week?  What steps will I take to know my faith better?

3. What steps will I take to live my faith better this coming week of love of God and love of neighbour?

4. How strong is my desire to attain eternal life?  Am I living with my eternal home in mind or living day to day here on earth with no or little thought to my eternal home?

5. When I look back on this coming week in a week’s time, what will I see?  What improvements or growth will I notice or will it be exactly the same as I am now. In this present moment?

 

GOSPEL REFLECTION

 The Gospel is from St Mark 9:30-37. The Apostles were still very worldly-minded. They were full of the hope that Christ would establish an earthly messianic kingdom, that he would not only free their holy land from the hated pagan rulers but that he would set up a worldwide empire for the people of God. Many of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament spoke of a worldwide kingdom; all nations would submit to the descendant of David; Jerusalem would be the magnet which would attract all peoples. 

The prophets, however, were speaking of the true messianic kingdom, the spiritual kingdom that Christ would establish. The Apostles were as yet unable to see the true meaning of these prophecies. They took them as referring to a worldly kingdom. They had come to believe that Christ was the promised Messiah, therefore, he would overcome all enemies and all opposition and set up this kingdom. How, therefore, could his enemies overpower him much less put him to death before he had accomplished his task?  As a consequence of their thinking, they refused to believe his prophecies concerning his coming tortures and death.

Now, either in trying to understand what he had so plainly told them, or maybe in putting this disturbing thought far from their minds, they began disputing with one another as to which of them would have the highest post of honour in the earthly messianic kingdom which they had envisaged. How worldly but how human they were! We must not forget though, that they were not yet really Christians — they needed the death and resurrection of Christ to make them what they became — His true followers and loyal disciples.

There was in the unformed Apostles a desire to turn Christ's kingdom into an earthly welfare state, rather than into a preparation for heaven. All Christians know that Christ suffered and died for their salvation, and that he asked his followers to take up their cross and follow him if they wished to be his disciples. The first generations of Christians fully understood this and faithfully followed him even to martyrdom. However, as time went on and opposition to the Christian faith disappeared, so too did the zeal and fervour of many Christians. For centuries we have had nominal Christians in Christ's Church -- men and women who tried to make their paradise in this world, and forgot the everlasting heaven.

Our own age has seen an unprecedented increase in this falling away of Christians. Leaving aside the parts of Europe which are professedly atheist -- but where in spite of the leaders there are many sincere and devout Christians -- the number of lapsed and nominal Christians in the other Western countries is frightening. These non-practicing Christians, unwilling to carry their crosses, have decided to make this earth their paradise. They want prosperity, comfort and happiness in this world. The vast majority of them, of course, refuse to look to the future; it could be an unpleasant thought, yet they must see that in every town and village there is a mortician, an undertaker who makes a good living disposing of human "remains." Die they must; "and what then?" should be a question which overshadows their lives.

Today sadly many nations have turned their back on God, on Christianity. Many people have turned their back on God, on faithful practice of their faith. Even in the time of the Covid pandemic where with lockdowns and not being able to be physically present at Mass, we had to make the choice to attend online Mass- not just to watch but to attend Mass- to be truly present, to long to receive Jesus sacramentally and to want to be make a difference in our lives and the lives of others through the pandemic. We need to put our faith into action but there needs to be faith as well as action. Sometimes the action is given so much focus that the reason for the action is overlooked.  It always needs to be love of  God that we are called into action- belief in the God who loves us that we act lovingly, behave lovingly and walk humbly with our God.

Today's thought for each one of us is this: Christ became man, suffered and died as man, for our sakes. By his resurrection He conquered death and opened heaven for us. Heaven is our true destiny. Loving God and our neighbour and carrying our cross is the only way to reach heaven.  We need to examine  our motivations and forget this "heaven on earth" doctrine; it does not and never will exist! Accept Christ and you are accepting the Father who sent Him. He in turn will accept you.

Place God first place in our lives this coming week in all we think, do and say.