Psalm Reflection: The Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

“Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” - Psalms 66

I love water parks. 

It is sometimes shocking to people who know how clean, meticulous, and organized I am that I enjoy water parks, but for some reason I love these chaotic cesspools, but I do. I love them because they awaken in me a sense of adventure, a spirit of childlike wonder, and a carefree joy that comes from hurling down a plastic tube as fast as possible. 

Our relationship with the Lord should feel the same way: like a joyful adventure that gives us childlike wonder and freedom. 

“To fall in love with God is the greatest romance, to seek Him, the greatest adventure, to find Him, the greatest human achievement.” - Saint Augustine

The Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday elicits this same type of joy and adventure, and the verses recount how God was faithful and provided during difficult times like the Exodus from slavery in Egypt. It is a reminder that God can work in miraculous ways in the most unexpected situations.

It can be all too easy to get caught up in the circumstances of life and narrow our focus onto the present moment, failing to remember all the ways God has been faithful in the past. When we take the time to reflect with gratitude on all that God has done, we can begin to recognize how He has been at work in the past and how He even brought good out of the most difficult moments. As a result, we can go through life with a sense of freedom and childlike dependence on God, because we know that whatever happens He is going to provide and seek our good.

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” - Romans 8:28

We may not understand how this is possible or happening within God’s plan, but we can trust that it is happening because we worship God, a loving Father who has compassion for His children. Children do not always understand why their parents do the things that they do, but they rely on them and run to them in times of sadness and trouble nonetheless. In the same way, we do not understand how God works, but we can still turn to Him and trust that He is a good father who wants to give good gifts to His children.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways—oracle of the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” - Isaiah 55:8-9

“Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him.” - Matthew 7:9-11

When I am barreling down a water slide, it is exhilarating and I cannot help but cry out with joy. When we treat our relationship with God like a great adventure and we trust that He is good and will provide for us along the way, we can cry out with joy in any circumstance, because Jesus is still an unconquerable king who has won victory over sin and death. We have no reason to fear, and every reason to be filled with joy.

“Death is swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” - 1 Corinthians 15:54b-55

This week, go on an adventure with the Lord. Invite Him into your space in a new way and allow His joyful presence to free you to be His child and to experience the childlike wonder you were created for. Do something that brings you joy and let the Lord love you in that space to remind you of His goodness and His faithfulness. 

What are some ways you can cultivate a sense of childlike wonder and joy in your relationship with God this week?

When life feels chaotic or uncertain, how can you remind yourself of God’s past faithfulness and His promise to work all things for good?

Are there areas in your life where you struggle to trust God’s plan? How can you surrender those to Him and embrace the adventure of faith?

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, July 6th, 2025, the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C: Psalms 66:1-3, 4-5, 6-7, 16, 20.