"Then, Now and Forever": A Reflection on the Psalm for October 28th, 2018: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Psalms, 126   
​A Song of Ascents

 R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
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When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream.
Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

then they said among the nations, "The Lord has done great things for them." The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, O LORD, like the watercourses in the Negeb! May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy!

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.

R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

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​I heard it said and believe it to be true: joy is a part of a storyline that has a past, present and future. For it is through our life experiences that we gain wisdom of heart. For me, this psalm speaks to our dreams. We all have them, whether it’s to be successful in our careers, our talents, our personal lives—and yet somehow when we succeed, we think it’s too good to be true. Why is that? I think it might have something to do with the sense we have that we don’t truly deserve it, whatever ‘it’ is.

It’s hard sometimes to receive what God wants to give us, especially when we know we are so far from the person God has created us to be. But when I look back over the course of my life, I see clearly how God has never expected me to be more than I am in each moment. Rather He sees my efforts, my intentions, my heart, and He takes pity on me. He has taken me from my darkest hours and lifted me up; He lifted me far beyond what I could have ever dreamed possible.

Jesus constantly restores us to right relationship with Him. I have come to know more fully that success isn’t measured by what we accumulate in riches or status or by any material means, but rather our success, our wealth, is measured by the richness of our faith. Faith is strengthened by faith experiences. The more we step out in faith, and experience the power of God’s hand, the more we grow in trust. Trust in Jesus empowers us to step out again and again. Before we know it, we are prospering in all aspects of our lives.

"[S]uccess isn’t measured by what we accumulate in riches or status or by any material means, but rather our success, our wealth, is measured by the richness of our faith."

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Let us pray:
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I thank you Lord for making your presence known in my past struggles and for not abandoning me in my times of need. I am grateful for the grace to see You in this day, as I seek to recognize Your presence in every aspect of my life. When I look into my future, I have to admit, I do so with some fear and trepidation, as I see what my aging friends and family are going through. But I surrender all to you Lord, for I truly know You will be as present in my future as You are now and have always been. You have never abandoned me, and I know You never will. For this I am eternally grateful. I live in Your peace which brings me great Love, and Love gives me joy. I pray for all my sisters and brothers in Christ:  May our lives reflect Your gracious care Lord, and may You prosper the work of our hands, now and forever. Amen.

Patricia Cosgrove