Readings: Colossians 1:1-8; Psalm 52; Luke 4:38-44
The Responsorial Psalm says, “I trust in the kindness of God for ever.”
At times I can be a pessimist, tending not to trust God’s mercy but to worry and try to figure out on my own how things should be done. I know God wants good for us, that He works all things for our good, but I still struggle. So how do I get to a point of trusting regularly? The psalmist offers one idea that may be useful: “I will thank you forever (Lord) because of what you have done and I will proclaim your name, for it is good.” This attitude of gratitude is more pleasant than a complaining, worrisome one.
We have all known difficult times, times when we felt overwhelmed. But, am I wrong? God provided what we needed: a gift received unexpectantly, a favour returned food dropped off; an unexpectedly visit; an encouraging phone call or email during lonely times; and the list goes on and on.
I don’t want to dwell on the difficulties we face, but to share how present God is in trying times. I simply want to heed the psalmist’s direction to thank God for all that was done, and to proclaim God’s goodness to the faithful. God provides all we need, often before we know we need it. I know that I can trust in God’s mercy always. I leave you with two action items. First, continue to pray for others: prayer works and it is uplifting to know that others care for us in that way. Second, be open to the Spirit who may be inviting you to call or write someone, to drop off some food or to run an errand, to be an agent of God’s mercy.