Surrounded by Love

A Reflection on the Psalm for November 14th, 2021:
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Psalm 16

R. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 

R. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 

R. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore. 

R. Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.
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 “Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure.” 

Allowing the Lord to fully protect and guide you is a truly impactful experience. With our permission, God wants to reach our hearts, bodies, and souls; each and every part of us. He wants to surround us in pure love and provide us with joy so that our hearts are happy and our souls and bodies desire to praise Him. 

There is no greater feeling in the world than having a full and happy heart. For me personally, my heart feels the most glad when I am focused on the Lord: when I take time to praise Him through music, when I participate in mass, or when I gather with others to focus on Him. The most beautiful thing about this is that in these times when my heart feels full, I am not necessarily at my happiest or most relaxed in life. It can be during a stressful time when I take time to focus on God and feel happiness in my heart. It can be during a period of grief, or anger, or sin. No matter the external or internal chaos, when I focus on my heavenly Father, my heart can’t help but be glad. I have never regretted a moment of prayer or time spent with Him. No matter what else is happening in life, He will always be a source of peace.   

Our hearts, bodies, and souls were made in the image of God. So, when we take refuge in Him there is sure to be safety and joy. I pray that I may have the faith and courage to allow the Lord to protect and guide me each day. Amen.




​Megan Noye
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