Psalm Reflection: The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

“I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God.” - Psalm 145

In 2020, kings and queens are more common in fairy tales, movies and history books than they are a reality. We have a very romanticized view of them, with extravagant outfits, large castles and grandiose events. Although those things may be accurate, we miss the culture of kingship that also came with living in a monarchy in history.

Everything came from the king (or queen). The king owned the land (whether fairly or unfairly) and provided for all of the people on it (or at least he was supposed to). As a result, a good and just king who ruled fairly was loved by all, because all were cared and provided for; his people were utterly devoted to him, because in his successes they also saw their own. On the other hand, a corrupt king (which far too many were) oppressed his people and instead of providing from his abundance, squeezed even more for himself out of those who had far less. Corrupt kings were hated, cursed and many times overthrown or killed.

To call God our king is to recognize EVERYTHING we have comes from His benevolence and His abundance. When we live in service of the King of the universe, He offers the universe right back to us. 

The problem comes when we mistakenly treat God like a corrupt king. When we stubbornly hold onto our own plans or  ideas about what we deserve, we act as though God is withholding or taking away what is rightfully ours when we don’t get what we want. As a result, we can blame God for our burdens, or feel like we are experiencing a “dark night of the soul,” when in reality we are too proud to turn on the light in fear that we will see something unexpected or that we cannot control.

Do not forget that God is Lord over ALL. He has a power and majesty beyond any we could possibly fathom, and His goodness surpasses any we could imagine for ourselves. So, instead of wondering what God is doing or confusing our stubbornness for His punishment, let us live and die by our good and righteous King. There is no better way.

This week, take some time reflecting on everything you experience in a given day, and see even the smallest of moments as gifts given to you by God: breathe in your lungs, health, money in your pocket, a warm bed, a home with lockable doors, a meal, a smile, a conversation, a good book, a quiet commute, a job, a family, laughter and prayer and everything else. Everything is gift from the benevolent King and Father in Heaven who loves you.

Praise be the King, Jesus Christ, now and forever!

We are praying for you this week. 

See you in the Eucharist.

Matt