"Strength Through Strife": A Reflection on the Psalm for September 16th, 2018: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Psalm 116 

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living

I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my supplications. Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live. 

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living

The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish. Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, save my life!” 

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. The Lord protects the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me. 

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living

For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 

R: I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living​

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“I love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplications.”

This indicates that He listens. He listens to me—to each one of us! How often do we think ourselves unworthy of the Lord’s attention? We ask for His help and grace in challenging times. When our backs are against the wall and we have nowhere else to turn, we pray to the Lord for help. How often though, do we feel confident enough to BELIEVE that He will listen to us?

Psalm 116 is a thanksgiving to the Lord for the help and deliverance that the psalmist experienced. It is a thanksgiving that is shared with all. Saint Paul says, “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honoured, all rejoice together with it”. (1Corinthians 12:26) We are encouraged to share our victories with those around us because as we do so, we praise Him in love and thanksgiving. Our victories give hope to the others.

“When I was brought low, he saved me.”

Many years ago, the word ‘cancer’ gave me so much fear. And then, a close friend was diagnosed. I prayed with her during her ordeal. She never once complained. After surgery and treatment she bounced back to life—joyful as usual, with great faith in God. I often marvelled at her courage and her peace. Most of all, I admired the way she observed cancer simply as something to defeat. Truly, the Lord gave her the strength to cope with her sickness. Fast forward to many years later, and I found myself in the same boat!

Did I feel down? Yes, I did. It felt like a death sentence. Suddenly I had to face my mortality, something I wanted to set aside for later. Some members of my connect group reached out to offer me someone to talk to, and someone sent me some pastries. My pastor prayed for me. My co-workers offered a daily prayer which lifted me at a time when I had no words to say in prayer except to ask for strength. Even our CEO sent me a note to cheer me up! My husband and my children were always there for me without giving me any special treatment. These were the doctor’s orders. (I still cooked and did the laundry as usual) I felt so blessed to have such support from those I care about!

It was during my treatment that a good friend from the parish invited me and a few others to go on 40 day retreat together. The Lord made me feel His presence then. He helped me realize that I could beat the disease with Him holding my hand. My focus was redirected to my purpose in life. I resolved that, like my friend, I will not be defeated by cancer. Cancer brought me closer to God!

“I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living.”

I now live in obedience to the Lord’s ways; witnessing to His everlasting mercy, love and care to encourage others in the community that He has given me. ​

​Liz Venezuela

"We are encouraged to share our victories with those around us because as we do so, we praise Him in love and thanksgiving." - Liz Venezuela (Ora Reflections)

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