Psalm Reflection: The Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” - Psalms 121

We have an old security door attached to the front door frame of our house. It was installed when we bought the place and until recently has been working fine. Then the hardware that keeps the door open stopped working and it has become an obstacle to getting in and out of the door. So, I ventured to replace it myself.

The first step was removing the existing door, and I realized very shortly into the endeavor that it would not be as easy as I had originally assumed. I did a little bit of research, watched some YouTube videos, but still could not wrap my head around how to get the door off. 

I do this a lot. I get in over my head on a particular project thinking that doing enough research online will make me prepared. Sometimes, for smaller projects, I can make do. However, the bigger the project or the issue, the less I can rely on my own abilities or what I can find out online, and the more I need to consult an expert.

The Psalmist reminds us this week that “our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” God is the Master Builder. He is the expert who we should be consulting, instead of grasping for control and trying to handle everything ourselves. When we experience symptoms that are unfamiliar, we hop on the internet instead of consulting a doctor. We try to learn on our own instead of consulting the Master.

This Psalm, Psalm 121, is one of the “Songs of Ascents,” a series of Psalms that pilgrims would make as they made pilgrimage up to Jerusalem, ascending up to roughly 2500 feet above sea level to the Holy City. It is prayed by those journeying to encounter the Lord and humbling themselves before Him.

When we face trials and difficulties in this life, we must remember that we cannot hope to escape them on our own, but it is the Lord who provides a way out.

“No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13

Whatever the struggles, problems, doubts, or difficulties you are facing in your life right now, take some time this week to bring them to the feet of the Master in prayer. Let go of your desire to control the outcome or to understand, and simply ask the Lord to take care of it. Seek counsel from Him and those wiser than yourself. Acknowledge your limitations and surrender the outcome to God. Trust that His plan is better than anything you could devise on your own.

What areas of your life are you trying to handle on your own? How can you invite God into those situations?

When was the last time you paused to pray before tackling a challenge? How did it change your perspective or approach?

Are there people in your life who could offer wisdom or guidance? How might God be using them to help you?

Remember that you do not have to figure things out on your own. The Creator of heaven and earth is ready to help—if only you will turn to Him. Let Him be the Master of your life.

I am praying for you. Please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, October 19th, 2025, the Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C: Psalms 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8.