A Sunday Thought About a Simple Psalm to Start the Week Off Right

Sometimes a simple Psalm can set us straight. Psalm 112 fits the bill. It can serve as a reminder to those of us struggling to live authentically Catholic lives in the midst of a secular society. Psalm 112 reminds us:

• We can't let those who don't believe in God (atheists) force us to keep our religion in a closet, separate and apart from our daily public life.

• Those for whom the existence of God makes no difference (agnostics) must not make us feel like we're somehow intellectually inferior or emotionally needy because we trust in God's providence and rely on His grace as we go about our lives. 

• As for those who indulge themselves day and night seeking gratification of their sensual appetites however, whenever, and wherever they can, well, being sinners, we know the lure of sin. But rather than make excuses, even justifying such sins, we turn to Our Lord, in the person of His ordained priesthood, and make our sincere confession to both forgive us and fortify us to face such temptations with renewed resolve.

To bolster us in our resolve, we suggest the short, sweet, yet powerful Psalm 112 as a bracing slap in the face with a splash of cold water from. Now's a good time perk up and shout to all who can hear.

Praise the Lord, ye children: praise ye the name of the Lord, from henceforth now and for ever. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is worthy of praise. The Lord is high above all nations; and his glory above the heavens...

Yes, Lord, we're Catholic now and forever, and proud of it. We praise you in our churches, and carry our heads high as we go about our daily lives - unafraid to declare our praise and our faith to any and all who might need the Good News of Jesus Christ. We look to You in all our endeavors, and seek to do Your will, and only Your Will. As for those who don't believe in You, or who don't care about You, we realize that many if not most of them simply don't know You. And so we'll do our best to let them know what they're missing in their lives: by the example we set in what we say and what we do; by taking the time to to study our faith first to help us live good, holy lives, but also so that we're equipped to explain and defend it when appropriate.

Having raised our minds and hearts to praise God, Psalm 112 reminds us that He is the God of all Who takes care of our every need. We need to remember this, especially those of us concerned with the inequities that make life more difficult for some than others.

Who is as the Lord our God, who dwelleth on high and looketh down on the low things in heaven and in earth? Raising up the needy from the earth, and lifting up the poor out of the dunghill: That he may place him with princes, with the princes of his people. Who maketh a barren woman to dwell in a house, the joyful mother of children.

Yes, Lord, we will do all we can to help others in their difficulties. But we turn to You even as we do, knowing that You are merciful, that You are a tender Father Who loves each one of us. And so we pray every day with confidence for all we need, as well as the needs of others.

By His Grace, may we put God first in our lives, both in our hearts and in our every thought, word, and deed. Those who don't know Him, who reject Him, who turn from Him to the false pleasures of this world don't know the depth of His love and mercy. Be grateful that you do.