Friday, March 13, 2015

Reading: Psalm 107:1-3,17-22
Antiphon:
“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,
and he saved them from their distress."   (Psalm 107:19)

Read all of Psalm 107: one of the longer psalms, it has 43 verses. In this psalm are four vignettes (4-9, 10-16, 17-22, and 23-32), the third of which is chanted on this coming Sunday in Lent. The overall psalm is about the lovingkindness of God, also translated as "steadfast love", and the four vignettes are of God helping God's people. After an introduction in 1-3, telling of the redeemed coming from four directions, the first story begins: "Some wandered in desert wastes…" answered by "God led them by the straight way". In the second, "Some sat in darkness and gloom" with, "God brought them out of darkness". In the third, "Some were sick through their sinful ways," and "God sent out God's word and healed them…". The fourth will be sung later this year, on the Sunday with Jesus' stilling of the storm: "Some went down to the sea in ships…" and, "God made the storm be still." At the center of each story is today's antiphon: "They cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress." We are not dropped on this planet without comfort or aid. God is at hand. "Let those who are wise give heed to these things, and consider the steadfast love of the LORD" (v. 43).

O God, you desire abundant life for every living thing. Hear us when we call to you.   Amen

 PLACE ON YOUR ALTAR A PICTURE OF SOMEONE EXPERIENCING HARDSHIP. PRAY FOR THEM.