Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: September 29, 2023

Date in the Ordine: Feast of the Archangels – St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael

Scripture Text: Ps 138:1-5

R. (1) In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me. R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. All the kings of the earth shall give thanks to you, O LORD when they hear the words of your mouth; And they shall sing of the ways of the LORD "Great is the glory of the LORD R. In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The responsorial psalm for this feast of the archangels calls us to give thanks and praise with all our hearts to the LORD. The psalmist reminds us of all we have to be thankful for: the wisdom of the LORD, the kindness of the LORD, the power and presence of the LORD. At the center is “the promise” – “When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I daily lift my mind and heart to the LORD in praise and thanksgiving? Do I turn to the LORD in my need with hope? Do I rely upon the LORD truly?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son, Most Holy Spirit, always and everywhere, your love flows through your power and presence in our world. You created us, You care for us, You call us into being and into becoming. Your love has the power to inform us, conform us, and transform us into your daughters and sons, your disciples, your sanctuary. We lift up our voices in thanksgiving for your presence to us, your care, your mercy. We seek to join our voices with the angels in praise of You this day and all days. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, who was in the beginning, is now, and ever will be, world without end. Amen.