Sunday Reflections

V. J. E

When I call, answer me, O God of justice;

from anguish you released me, have mercy and hear me!

O men, how long will your hearts be closed,

will you love what is futile and seek what is false? 

It is the Lord who grants favors to those whom he loves;

the Lord hears me whenever I call him. 

Fear him; do not sin: ponder on your bed and be still.

Make justice your sacrifice, and trust in the Lord. 

"What can bring us happiness?" many say. 

Let the light of your face shine on us, O Lord. 

You have put into my heart a greater joy

than they have from abundance of corn and new wine. 

I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once 

for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4)

Why do we love what is futile and seek what is false? Why do we not rather, swoon over Him who grants favors to us because He loves us, the way we used to swoon over that one crush in grade school? Did such a childish infatuation bring about any fulfillment? Did it not rather leave a scar on our hearts, as most experiences of puppy love do? Even those who are blessed to be married to their grade school crush, know that their spouse cannot complete them. Why?  Because we are all made for an infinite love, and marriage vows are until death. Even the best things in this world are as nothing because they all will pass away. But we were made for One Who does not pass away and thus He is the fulfillment of all our desires.

So speaking of swooning, did you know that swoon means to lose consciousness because of lack of blood to the brain; it's synonym is to faint (which is a lack of oxygen to the brain). How interesting is that in light of this psalm?! Towards the end of the psalm, you came across the verse: I will lie down in peace and sleep comes at once. And earlier in the psalm you read: ponder on your bed and be still. The psalmist is swooning over the Lord, and invites us to do the same!

This is no mere invitation to sigh at the thought of the Lord, and make googly eyes at Him like a little school girl. It's an invitation for us to give our very life blood out of love for God... very much in the same way that Jesus gave His life for us! Have you not heard that the Cross is your marriage bed? Do not hesitate to pour yourself out into Him, just as He poured and continues to pour Himself out for you. He is faithful, He is just, and He always gives answer. He does wonders for those who trust in Him; and those who trust in Him, do not hesitate to call upon Him. 

Or are you like the disciples, in today's Gospel, whom Jesus had to ask why are you troubled and why do questions arise in your heart?  

Pray for an increase in faith. And pray with the image of Jesus in the arms of His mother, after He has been taken down from the Cross. If you feel as though you have been crucified with Christ, have faith that you will be resurrected with Him. But in the meanwhile, rest; be at peace; and be assured that you are in the arms of your Mother.