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

“Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.” - Psalms 138

“Help” has become a four-letter word.

We do not say it or ask for it nearly as much as we should. Asking for help is hard because we worry if it will make us appear weak. We are afraid of what others will think of us if we cannot handle everything on our own. So, instead of asking, we buckle down and try to do it all ourselves. Even though we know no person is perfect, we try anyway.

As a result, we often feel afraid, overwhelmed, stressed, anxious and depressed that we cannot hold it all together. We wonder what will happen if other people see through the facade and notice our failure and brokenness.

Will I get fired because they think I am incompetent?

Will my family be disappointed when I tell them I am struggling?

Will anyone understand or want to stick around when they realize I have been faking it?

One of my favorite passages in Scripture is the story of Peter walking on water (Matthew 14:22-33). Peter steps out of the boat and does the impossible, he walks on the surface of the tumultuous waves. However, as he walks he begins to doubt and sink: 

“But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” - Matthew 14:30

The very next word in Scripture after Peter cries out for help is immediately. That is how ready God is to come to our assistance and every moment. He is ready to intervene and to help you immediately.

“Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:31

Jesus assures Peter that, no matter what, Jesus was right there and would not have let anything happen to Him. The same is true for you and me. No matter the storms we face in life, God has shown time and time again in our own lives, in the Bible, and throughout salvation history, that:

He is faithful and is always with us (Matthew 28:20).

He will always provide a way (1 Corinthians 10:13).

He is always working for our good (Romans 8:28).

This week, bring your problems to God. But do not tell God how big your problems are; tell your problems how big your God is. Recognize that no matter what you are facing, you are never alone, nor are you ever meant to face this life alone (CCC 166).

Beyond that, where in your life do you need to ask for help from others? 

It is time to admit that you need to go to therapy or to the doctor.

It is time to ask your boss or coworkers for clarity.

It is time to lean on your family and be honest with them.

It is time to tell your friends how much you need and appreciate them.

It is time to bring everything to prayer and let go of it so God can help through the people around you.

Do what you need to do this week to ask for help. Stop hiding in fear that you are not perfect. None of us are. The judgment and perceptions of weakness you fear are tactics the Enemy uses to keep you isolated. Do not let Him succeed. Reach out and know that you are loved and you are not alone.

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 27th, 2025, the Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C: Psalms 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8.