From Depths to Heights

A Reflection on the Psalm for September 18th, 2022:
Twenty-Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Psalm 113 
1-2, 4-6, 7-8

R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the needy.

Praise, O servants of the Lord; 
praise the name of the Lord. 
Blessed be the name of the Lord 
from this time on and forevermore. 

R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the needy.

The Lord is high above all nations, 
and his glory above the heavens. 
Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, 
who looks far down on the heavens and the earth?

R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the needy.

The Lord raises the poor from the dust, 
and lifts the needy from the ash heap, 
to make them sit with princes, 
with the princes of his people. 

R. Praise the Lord who lifts up the needy.

This week, the psalmist highlights how God comes down to our level – to the lowest places – and lifts us high to be with Him. An image comes to mind of myself as a journeying little sheep who gets stuck in a dark and frightening valley where I wander off alone (probably foolishly determined to be self-sufficient). Christ, the Good Shepherd, travels down the surrounding mountains to retrieve me, then lifts me on his shoulders and carries me up the mountain towards the sanctuary and green pastures that I don’t even realize that God has prepared for me. 

It is a common occurrence for me to forget my own neediness and poverty. My pride impedes my vision, so I fail to see how immensely necessary it is for me to stay close to Christ and to utterly rely on the Holy Spirit. I become lax in prayer, I abandon habits and healthy routines, and I gradually slip-slide back down the mountain frequently. Right now, I find myself in a “low place”, but I’ve been finding it hard to remember how to ask for help. This psalm is a beautiful, and humbling, reminder that it is God’s initiative and His power that will bring me from depths to heights – not my own efforts. 

Father, please increase my awareness of, and confidence in, my identity as your little child. Jesus, please help me surrender to the Father and accept his grace with gratitude. Holy Spirit, please renew my heart and heal me so that I can delight in my littleness – my neediness and poverty – and give thanks for how these qualities draw God closer to me in His mercy and love. Thank you for pursuing us, and for drawing us close to your heart. Amen.




Kendra L.

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