Psalm Reflection: The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - Cycle C

“Do not forget the works of the Lord!” - Psalms 78

The Lion King was the first movie I ever saw in a movie theater when I was around 7 years old. It was such a new and exciting adventure to go to the theater, and as a result, the Lion King was my favorite movie for a long time. I related a lot to the baboon Rafiki, which probably tells you all that you need to know about my personality as a kid.

As I was reflecting on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, I was drawn back to a line from the Lion King. It happens when Simba, who has fled from his family and homeland thinking that he was responsible for the death of his father, sees his father, Mufasa, appearing and speaking to him in the clouds.

Mufasa: “Simba, you have forgotten me.”

Simba: “No! How could I?”

Mufasa: “You have forgotten who you are, and so forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the circle of life.”

Simba: “How can I go back? I’m not who I used to be.”

Mufasa: “Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king. Remember who you are. Remember. Remember. Remember.”

That is not unlike what the Psalmist is communicating to us this week. The Responsorial Psalm  comes from Psalm 78 which is a didactic Psalm, meaning that it is designed to teach. Specifically, to teach future generations about God’s mighty works and the failures of His people to remain faithful. It recounts the history of Israel, from the Exodus to the wilderness wanderings, emphasizing God’s mercy despite their rebellion. 

Despite all of this, the response “Do not forget the works of the Lord,” serves as a call to remember God’s faithfulness and to encourage us to remain steadfast in His covenant. Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness—flattering God with their mouths but failing in their hearts—God’s mercy prevails. He forgives their sins and restrains His wrath, showcasing His patience and love.

So, when we hear this Psalm and pray it as Mass this weekend, we are being invited to remember. First, to remember the stories of the past, teaching us how others fell into sin and suffered the consequences, so that we might not make the same mistakes. Secondly, to remember God’s faithfulness even when we turn away, and that He will always be there to forgive us when we approach Him with repentance. Lastly, to remember who we are and who we were created to be. 

Remember who you are. You are a child of the one true king. Remember who you are.

Remember. Remember. Remember.

What might we take from this realization?

To read Scripture and hear the lessons and stories of the past so we might learn how to be more faithful.

To trust in the Lord and not in our own understanding, for He has proven His faithfulness.

To see ourselves with the dignity that God created us with and to be more compassionate, loving, and gentle to ourselves and others.

Most of all, remember who you are in Christ, and do not let anything or anyone compromise that truth.

When you reflect on your life, what are some of the “works of the Lord” that you might have forgotten or overlooked? How can you bring them to mind more often?

Have there been moments when you’ve forgotten who you are in Christ? What helped you rediscover your identity as a child of God?

Are there areas in your life where you’ve struggled to stay steadfast in your faith? How can you learn from these moments and grow closer to God?

How have you experienced God’s mercy in your own life? How does that inspire you to extend mercy to others?

How can you trust more deeply in God’s faithfulness rather than relying solely on your own understanding or strength?

When you hear the phrase “Remember who you are,” what does it mean to you personally? How does it challenge or encourage you in your faith journey?

How can you remind others—family, friends, or your community—of their identity in Christ and God’s unchanging love for them?

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, September 14th, 2025, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross - Cycle C: Psalms 78:1bc-2, 34-35, 36-37, 38.