Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 20, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text: Psalm 32:1b-2, 5, 11

R. (see 7) I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation. Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. Blessed the man to whom the LORD imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation. Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, "I confess my faults to the LORD," and you took away the guilt of my sin. R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation. Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. R. I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The psalm for today, Psalm 32, reminds us of the LORD’s loving mercy when we bring our faults and sins to the LORD. It also reminds us of the joy which is possible when we do so, when we receive the LORD’s loving mercy.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Am I honest with myself about my faults, about my sins? Do I bring these to the LORD and seek mercy and forgiveness? Do I allow the LORD to heal me and restore me?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, always and everywhere your mercy shines forth as does your desire that each an every one of us, every daughter, every son be saved. Your desire for our life and salvation led You to send your only Begotten Son to dwell among us as our true brother and offer His life as expiation for our sins. What greater sign could we have of your love and your mercy? Send your Spirit to stir within us sorrow for our wrongs and a desire for your mercy. May we approach You humbly, confess our faults, and seek your mercy. We ask this in the name of your Son, our Lord, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.