Wielding Love

A Reflection on the Psalm for April 10th, 2022:
Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion

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Psalm 22

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their heads; “Commit your cause to the Lord; let him deliver; let him rescue the one in whom he delights!” 

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

For dogs are all around me; a company of evildoers encircles me. My hands and feet have shrivelled; I can count all my bones. 

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

They divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lots. But you, O Lord, do not be far away! O my help, come quickly to my aid! 

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you: You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

R. My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

In the Psalm for Palm Sunday, we hear a desire for the Lord to deliver the Psalmist from the torment of an oppressor. In a reflection given by Bishop Robert Barron (one of my favs), he notes how wonderful it is that this is the very same Psalm we hear Jesus proclaim on the cross before He dies. Despite being tormented and violently afflicted, God’s love still conquers. 

We as Christians know that the deliverance of our sins did not come through violence or exercises of power, but through the forgiving love of God. This is a refreshing and uplifting reminder. It’s a reminder that we seldom think we need until something happens that shakes us to our core and the fear of violence penetrates our lives. Violence and force never create change that restores beauty – only love can do that. 

In the same reflection, Bishop Robert Barron included a marvellous quote that captures the essence of Psalm 22: “At the end of the day, it is not the possession of power that matters, but rather the love with which that power is wielded.” 

God is the ultimate wielder of love and mercy. A life with God has the power to restore and deliver our hearts despite our external circumstances. 


God, please be with us and draw near during these times when violence and unjust exercises of power are oppressing the vulnerable. We pray to You now for our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.


God bless you all as we head into Holy Week!




Theresa James
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