Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 19, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Memorial o Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues

Scripture Text: Ps 130:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab

R. (7) With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD; LORD, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to my voice in supplication. R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. If you, O LORD, mark iniquities, Lord, who can stand? But with you is forgiveness, that you may be revered. R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. I trust in the LORD; my soul trusts in his word. My soul waits for the LORD more than sentinels wait for the dawn. R. With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The psalm for today speaks of the LORD’s mercy. As the psalmist reminds us, all of us have need for mercy which the LORD gives to us when we turn to Him and call upon Him. The psalmist also reminds us of the need for trust in the LORD who hears our voice. Truly, we ca trust in the LORD and in his word which calls us to right relationship with the LORD and one another.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I truly trust in the LORD with deep conviction? Do I trust in the LORD’s promises? Do I seek the LORD’s help in difficult times? Do I seek the LORD’s mercy when I fail to live as I was created to live and called to live through His love?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Trinity, we raise our voices to You in praise for all that You are, Creator, Savior, Sanctifier. And we give thanks this day for all that You provide for us through your constant power and presence in our world, manifestations of your great love for us and divine desires for us. Grant that we may live as the daughters and sons You created us to be, the disciples You call us to be, the instruments of your ongoing mission for the salvation of all. We lift our voices to You seeking mercy for those times when we have failed to live as You command, failed to let love of You and one another be our guides. We trust in your loving mercy and in the grace to make this journey through life from You, through You, and in You. 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.