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.

 

 

Collect Series: Collect for 30th Sunday Year B

 COLLECT SERIES

The Mass: Collect Series Icon.

COLLECT

The Collect for the Thirtieth Sunday Year B reads as follows:

Increase our Faith, Hope and Charity,

And make us love what You command,

So that we may merit what You Promise.

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 do I understand by faith, hope and charity.  Is my understanding aligned with the teaching of the Catholic Church?

2. What steps will I take this week to increase my faith, my Hope and Charity?

3. What does God command? 

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

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

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

. Mark 10:46-52 tells the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, as He passed through Jericho. Bartimaeus, despite the crowd's attempts to silence him, calls out persistently to Jesus for mercy. Jesus hears him, stops, and asks him what he wants. Bartimaeus requests to receive his sight, and Jesus responds, "Go; your faith has made you well." Bartimaeus immediately regains his sight and follows Jesus along the road.

The Gospel is from St Mark 10:46-52. This Gospel teaches us:

1. Faith and Persistence in Seeking Jesus

   Bartimaeus's persistence is a powerful example of faith. He refuses to be silenced or discouraged, even when the crowd tells him to stop. His determination shows his belief that Jesus can help him. This teaches us the importance of not giving up in our faith, even when obstacles or others seem to discourage us.

2. Jesus’ Compassion and Willingness to Listen

 Jesus stops to listen and engage with Bartimaeus, showing His compassion and willingness to help those who seek Him. Despite the crowd and His busy journey, Jesus takes time to understand and address Bartimaeus' needs. This reminds us of Jesus’ attentiveness and love, no matter how insignificant we may feel.

3. Faith as a Path to Healing and Transformation

Jesus tells Bartimaeus, “Your faith has made you well,” showing that faith plays a role in healing and transformation. It’s a reminder that while Jesus has the power to heal, our trust in Him also opens the door to His work in our lives. Bartimaeus’s faith not only leads to his physical healing but to a life-changing encounter with Christ.

4. A Response to Jesus’ Work

 After receiving his sight, Bartimaeus chooses to follow Jesus. This is a model for responding to Jesus’ work in our lives: gratitude and commitment. When we experience God’s love or healing, we, too, are invited to follow Him and live out that gratitude by walking with Him.

This story encourages us to be persistent in our faith, trust in Jesus' compassion, and respond with gratitude and commitment when we experience His transforming power in our lives.

 

About the Mass Series Vol 2: Concluding Rite: Dismissal.

 ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2

The Mass: About the Mass Series Vol 2 Icon.

CONCLUDING RITE: DISMISSAL.

ABOUT THE MASS SERIES VOL 2

 

CONCLUDING RITE PART 3

‘DISMISSAL’.

 

The word Blessing has many meanings. In Scripture it is used to mean: (a) praise, (b) divine favour, (c) a prayer that God shall be with a certain person or thing, (d) the dedication of person or thing to a sacred purpose.

The priest’s greeting and blessing is important. By raising his hand and making the sign of the Cross, he calls down God’s help upon the congregation. The priest then dismisses the congregation with one of the invocations: 

 

1. ‘God in the peace of Christ’;

 2. The Mass is ended, go in peace;

 3. Go in the peace to love and serve the Lord.

 

The congregation respond ‘Thanks be to God’.

These are the 1969 invocations but comments about the new translation are written under the subheading.

 

From the fourth century, the dismissal statement was ‘Ite missa est’, since the word ‘Missa’ comes from ‘mittere’ which means to send. 

 

‘Ite missa est’ means simply ‘Go, this is the dismissal’. However, the dismissal formulae which are used today are inspired by the formula of Eastern Syria, and in doing so the East and Rome are united by it.

The priest venerates the altar one last time by kissing it as a sign of reverence to Christ, since on the altar His sacrifice on Calvary is made present to us.    The kiss of farewell at the end of the Mass mirrors the kiss whereby the altar is greeted at the beginning of Mass. Both are gestures venerating the altar as the symbol of Christ.  

 

Engraved in the marble altar are five crosses, which represent the five wounds of Christ.  In every altar, there are relics of saints placed in it. The farewell kiss looks back to the Eucharist, which has just concluded, and anticipates the next occasion when the congregation will assemble again.

We have heard God’s Word and have been nourished by eating Christ’s body.  Now it is the time for us to leave, to do good works, to praise and bless the Lord in our daily lives. We too then can throughout the week or until the next time we come to Mass say ‘thanks be to God’.

   

The dismissal in the concluding rite of the Mass underwent a notable change with the 2010 English translation of the Roman Missal compared to the 1969 version. The 1969 version, following the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, kept the dismissal simple and direct, typically using variations such as:

 

- "The Mass is ended, go in peace."

- "Go in peace to love and serve the Lord."

 

These phrases focused on concluding the liturgical celebration and sending the congregation forth to live out their Christian mission.

 

In the 2010 translation, more emphasis was placed on fidelity to the original Latin texts, resulting in some changes and additional options for dismissal. The current version offers four different formulas for the priest or deacon to use:

 

1. "Go forth, the Mass is ended."

2. "Go and announce the Gospel of the Lord."

3. "Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life."

4. "Go in peace."

 

These options highlight the missionary dimension of the Eucharist, urging the congregation not only to leave in peace but also to carry the message of the Gospel and to live out their faith actively. The second and third options, in particular, emphasize the call to evangelization and to live in a way that reflects the glory of God.

 

The 2010 translation aimed to align more closely with the meaning and intent of the original Latin, enriching the theological depth of the dismissal.

 

So after stopping and starting through the years from 2010 until now, I have now finished the About the Mass series vol 2.  I hope you have found it helpful in giving you a clearer understanding of the Mass and its significance along with the dramatic and subtle changes. 

I thought I would never get to the end.  However, like the dismissal, I can say Thanks be to God.

 UPCOMING NEW SERIES.

Next week, I intend to start another series.. probably around 20 posts called the Holy Spirit Series.  I wish to explore who is the Holy Spirit and why is the Holy Spirit so important for us as Catholics.  Along with this, we will delve into the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the fruit of the Holy Spirit and how these gifts and fruits are essential to our discipleship.  So stay tuned.  It will be once a week posting.

Psalm Series: Reflecting on Psalms 1-5: A Journey of Trust, Righteousness and Divine Protection.

PSALM SERIES

The Bible: Psalm Series Icon

REFLECTING ON PSALMS 1–5: 

A JOURNEY OF TRUST, RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND DIVINE PROTECTION

 As we pause on our journey through the Psalms, it's a fitting moment to reflect on the first five Psalms. These opening Psalms set the tone for the deep spiritual dialogue between humanity and God, touching on themes of righteousness, trust, protection, and supplication. This post will serve as both a reflection and a pause to gather what we’ve learned so far. There will be only this post in the Psalm Series this week to provide you with the opportunity to reflect on your own Psalm journey so far.  I will continue on with the next 5 Psalms in the weeks to follow with 2 posts per week.

 KEY THEMES IN PSALMS 1–5

 

1. Psalm 1: The Path of the Righteous

   Psalm 1 lays the foundation by contrasting the way of the righteous with that of the wicked. It calls us to delight in God’s law, meditate on it day and night, and live with integrity.

Key Theme: Righteousness leads to stability and fruitfulness, while wickedness results in destruction.

 2. Psalm 2: The Sovereignty of God

 In this Messianic Psalm, we encounter a God who reigns over all nations. Despite the opposition from earthly rulers, God’s anointed one will prevail.

  Key Theme: God's ultimate authority and the certainty of His plan for salvation through the Messiah.

3. Psalm 3: Trust in God’s Protection

   This Psalm of David teaches us about trust in the midst of danger. Surrounded by enemies, David places his complete faith in God’s deliverance.

  Key Theme: Trust in God brings peace and protection, even in the face of overwhelming fear.

4. Psalm 4: Seeking God’s Favour

 Psalm 4 is a plea for God’s grace and favour. It speaks to moments of distress when we seek peace, knowing that true fulfillment comes only from God.

  Key Theme: Turning to God in times of need leads to inner peace, as He alone can satisfy the desires of the heart.

 5. Psalm 5: A Cry for Guidance and Justice

 Here, we see the Psalmist asking for divine guidance and justice against enemies. It calls for a life lived in God's righteousness and trust in His judgment.

  Key Theme: A life of prayerful dependence on God, who judges justly and leads the righteous.

 SPIRITUAL AND PRACTICAL INSIGHTS

 

A Path of Righteousness and Trust

The first five Psalms emphasize that walking in righteousness and trusting God leads to security and peace. Whether faced with opposition (Psalm 2), personal danger (Psalm 3), or moments of distress (Psalm 4), the call remains the same: turn to God and seek His wisdom, justice, and protection.

 Personal Reflection: Have I delighted in God’s law and trusted in His protection, even when the path was uncertain? Am I seeking His guidance in moments of fear and confusion?

 God’s Sovereignty and Justice

The Psalms reassure us that God’s justice will prevail, and His anointed one (the Messiah) is the cornerstone of His plan. This is a reminder that even when the world seems chaotic, God's authority remains supreme.

 Personal Reflection: Do I trust in God’s plan, especially when it seems like injustice and evil are prevailing? How can I find peace in His sovereignty over all things?

 

PRACTICAL APPLICATION FOR DAILY LIFE

Psalm 1: Make time each day to meditate on a short passage of Scripture or a verse that speaks to your heart.

Psalm 3: When feeling overwhelmed, offer a prayer of trust, like David, asking for God's protection.

Psalm 5: Begin your day with a short prayer for guidance and ask God to lead you in righteousness.

 EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE

In the second posts of each of these 5 Psalms, a possible examination of conscience/self-reflection questions were provided as preparation for Sacrament of Reconciliation. 

As we consider these Psalms we may take a moment to reflect on these reflections questions briefly as a check point for our lives based on these Psalms.

 

1. Psalm 1: Am I choosing the way of righteousness, or have I allowed myself to be influenced by negative or ungodly paths? 

2. Psalm 2: Do I submit to God's sovereignty and trust His plan, even when things seem difficult? 

3. Psalm 3: In moments of fear or uncertainty, do I place my trust in God, or do I allow worry to dominate? 

4. Psalm 4: Am I seeking peace in God alone, or am I turning to worldly comforts that leave me unsatisfied? 

5. Psalm 5: Do I start my day seeking God's guidance and asking for His justice and protection in my life?

 Proclaiming Psalms 1–5 as a Lector

 As Part of the second Post on each of the Psalms, some practical tips were provided for Lectors to help them proclaim the Psalms well. As a Lector it is important to reflect on the Psalm personally and have an understanding of it. However as a Lector,  we need to be able to convey their powerful message effectively.  Let’s highlight some of these practical tips.

Psalm 1 Use a tone of instruction, calmly inviting the listener to choose the path of righteousness.

Psalm 2: Let your voice convey awe and authority, emphasizing God’s sovereignty and the confidence we have in His plan.

Psalm 3: Speak with confidence in God’s protection, reflecting the deep trust that David places in the Lord.

Psalm 4: Use a tone of supplication and peace, allowing the listeners to feel the calm that comes from trusting God.

Psalm 5: Balance urgency and faith, as this Psalm calls out for guidance and justice from a righteous God.

 A PRAYER OF REFLECTION FOR PSALMS 1–5

 As we conclude this reflection on the first five Psalms, let us offer a prayer:

 Loving Father God, as we journey through Your holy Word, 
help us to choose the path of righteousness and find delight in Your law. 
Grant us the peace that comes from trusting in Your protection, 
and lead us in Your justice. 
May we seek Your guidance each day, 
knowing that You alone can satisfy the longings of our hearts.  
In moments of fear, remind us of Your constant presence, 
and may our lives be a proclamation of Your sovereignty and love.  

Through Christ our Lord, Amen.

 

Looking Ahead

As we move forward in our journey through the Psalms, we’ll explore new themes in the next five Psalms—especially how God responds to our cries for mercy and healing in times of distress. Stay with us as we continue this rich journey of prayer and reflection.

 

---