Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: January 28, 2024

Date:   4th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Psalm 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;

let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;

let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;

let us kneel before the LORD who made us.

For he is our God,

and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:

"Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,

as in the day of Massah in the desert,

Where your fathers tempted me;

they tested me though they had seen my works."

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The responsorial psalm for this Sunday stands out for its call to us to “harden not your hearts.” The psalm presents right actions for the faithful in the presence of the LORD, appropriate actions to consider on our day of gathering together as a community of God. The psalm also reminds us of the LORD’s action throughout our lives as “the rock of our salvation” and the “shepherd” who guides. Our response raises the desire “that today you would hear his voice” which is so appropriate for us as we gather together because we know the LORD speaks to us not only through the scriptures and the liturgies and the sacraments, but also within the stillness of our hearts. And our response ends with our recognition that we must strive to remain open and receptive to the LORD and “harden not your hearts.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I listen for the LORD? Do I “harden” my heart and deny the LORD or doubt the LORD?

Praying:

LORD, You are all-present and all-loving, You are “the rock of our salvation” and our “shepherd.” All that we are and all the goodness in our world and lives flow from You. Open us wholly to your wonder, allow us to bow before You in awe and wonder. Keep us from doubt and from disregard for You and your desire for us. Help us to live every day as your daughters and son, as your disciples, as your temples in this world. Grant that we may allow your love to inform our minds, conform our wills and transform our souls. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.