Psalm Reflection: Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle C)

“The Lord hears the cry of the poor.” - Psalm 34

Roughly 8% of people in the world own a car. Even if you have a car that doesn’t work, you are richer than 92% of the world in that regard. In our world that is focused on consumerism and always competing with one another on social media (consciously or subconsciously), it can be very easy to gloss over how blessed we are and the abundance we live in out of a constant desire for more and better. 

God hears the cry of the poor, but do we? Or do we only hear our own longings for more? Is there a lack of gratitude for all that we have? Someone once asked Saint Mother Teresa why God allows so many people to suffer and go hungry, and her response was, “He doesn’t, WE do.” Who is your life is in need? Who can you help? 

How can you exercise the corporal works of mercy to those in physical need in your community and the world?:

Feed the hungry

Give drink to the thirsty

Clothe the naked

Shelter the homeless

Visit the sick 

Visit the imprisoned

Bury the dead

Who in your family or among your friends is in need of the spiritual works of mercy?:

Instruct the ignorant

Counsel the doubtful

Admonish sinners

Bear wrongs patiently 

Forgive offenses

Comfort the afflicted

Pray for the living and the dead

The fact that we are all sinners in need of a Savior means that we are ALWAYS in need in some way. How can you meet the needs of those who God places on your path this week?

Pick one corporal and one spiritual work of mercy to work on this week, either individually or as a family, to help our lens turn outward from “what can I get?” to “what can I give?” We are praying for you this week.

See you in the Eucharist.