Reflection for Friday, November 13, 1998: 32nd week in Ordinary Time.
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Authors
Lee, Mike, S.J.
Issue Date
1998-11-13
Type
Essay
Language
en_US
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
"I have sought you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands (Psalm 119:10)."||When it comes to scripture, many Christians throughout history have claimed to have a favorite psalm. Which one of the one hundred and fifty Psalms is your favorite?|The Psalms sing to God about delicate faith, raging doubt and the whole range of human experience before our God. Whether we grieve the death of a loved one, feel deprived of love itself, or feel joyful with hunger pangs for the Word of God, many Christians open the Bible to page through poetry of The Psalms. Popular daily meditation books often feature inspiring, wisdom-filled Psalms. At Catholic Mass, a Psalm is sung or recited after the first scripture reading. Something happens when Christians mediate on the Psalms.|"I have sought you with all my heart . . ."|If asked whether or not we wanted to follow God with all our heart, soul and strength, almost all of us presumably would want to answer, "Yes!" Seeking what God wants is central for believers.|Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the founder of the Jesuits, fanned the flames of holy desires for seeking and doing the will of God. He wanted passionate lovers of God who would give their all in response to God's gifts of creation, salvation, love, forgiveness, and healing. The saint makes much of holy desires that well up in our hearts. Perhaps that is why Ignatius recommended a daily conversation with God about on-going personal experience. Encouraging an evening review of the day, Ignatius encouraged Christians to search for God's love and tenderness. He sought the fragrance of God's presence recognized in feelings of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness and fidelity (Galatians 5:22) These human feelings where the evidence that God had passed by during the day. Something happens when Christians reflect on their human experience and meditate on the Word of God in the Psalms.|". . . . do not let me stray from your commands."|The prayer of the psalmist can become our own. God, gracious and loving, help us to cling to your Word. Help us to grow in love of you.|Staying close to God's Word can be a real challenge for us. We often lack the time to pray formally. But the psalmist's simple prayer might be a fine way to express our holy desires to God while driving to work or walking across campus. Like the psalmist, we can pray with just one feeling and express it to God. Gracious God, keep our hearts close to your word. Help us to recognize your love for us for we have sought you as best as we were able.|"I have sought you with all my heart, do not let me stray from your commands (Psalm 119:10)."
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Citation
Publisher
University Ministry, Creighton University.
License
These reflections may not be sold or used commercially without permission. Personal or parish use is permitted.