Revived and Enlightened by God's Word

​A Reflection on the Psalm ​for the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time:
​January 26, 2025

---

Psalm 19 

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.

The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the Lord are sure, making wise the simple. 

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.

The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is clear, enlightening the eyes.

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.

The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever; the ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. 

Your words, Lord, are spirit and life.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

Psalm 19 beautifully describes the perfection of God’s word, highlighting its ability to revive the soul and bring wisdom and clarity. It reminds me of the life-giving nature of God’s teachings and their unmatched power compared to any earthly laws. Reflecting on this psalm allows me to appreciate how God’s word renews my spirit, provides joy during challenges, and guides me with clarity.

In 2017, I faced one of the most challenging periods of my life when my work permit was revoked. Immigration authorities, after conducting an investigation, determined that I lacked sufficient experience in the hospitality industry, which my permit covered, and instead had more expertise in administrative roles. The consequences were devastating. I had to forfeit my job, leave my home, and contend with a record of alleged wrongdoing. The accusations claimed that my employer and I had connived to deceive the immigration board, which was far from the truth.

The situation felt unfair, as the additional work I performed outside my permit terms was voluntary and done on my days off to help my employer. However, my mistake was including this experience to update my resume, inadvertently drawing attention to the situation. This error seemed unpardonable, and the sleepless nights that followed were filled with fear and anxiety. Despite fervent prayers, the weight of a man-made verdict felt overwhelming.

Yet, God’s word reminded me of His mercy and justice, far superior to human systems. Through prayer and faith, I found the strength to surrender to Him while home for four months awaiting feedback. Psalm 19 emphasizes how God’s word revives the soul, and I clung to that truth during this time. His grace touched the hearts of the immigration board to reconsider my case and approve a new work permit under an administrative role. The experience reaffirmed that while human laws can be rigid and unforgiving, God’s laws are eternal, merciful, and restorative.

This example reminds me of the stark contrast between human and divine laws. Earthly laws often leave a trail of consequences, like the record of my revoked work permit, which could have damaged my reputation permanently. In contrast, God’s mercy erases even our gravest mistake when we turn to Him with a repentant heart. His compassion restores hope, making His law far superior to any human system.

Participation in Mass and meditating on God’s word during those difficult moments brought clarity and peace. His teachings served as a guiding light showing me the path forward when circumstances seemed insurmountable. Psalm 19 also emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s word. Unlike earthly laws, which change and fail, His ordinances remain pure and reliable, a foundation I can trust completely.

Let us pray: Father, thank you for Your perfect and life-giving word. May my thoughts, words, and actions always reflect Your truth. Help me to live in alignment with Your will, bringing glory to Your name, Amen.




Michaelina Dawson-Otoo

---