Psalm Reflection: Twenty-Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

“I called on the name of the Lord, “O Lord, save my life.” - Psalm 116:4

“Are you saved?” Has anyone ever asked you that? It is a very common question in the evangelical world, with a more complex and deeper understanding in our Catholic faith. We don’t necessarily pinpoint one particular moment or day that we allowed Jesus to save us, but we recognize He did save us on the cross, He saves us daily in the Sacraments, and He will save us when He returns. There is a benefit to seeing it this way, because our life becomes about the daily choices that guide us on the journey of salvation. However, the drawback is that we tend to forget to live our lives as people who are saved by the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Instead of a big conversion moment that our entire life surrounds, our ongoing conversion leaves room for the big worldly achievements and goals to get in the way or take precedence over our faith. If we knew the reality of what Jesus has done for us we would be eternally on our knees in thanksgiving. I don’t know about you, but I can let daily drawbacks, bad moods, tempers, mistakes, worries and conflicts cloud the joy I should have every day in response to God’s abundant love for me. So if you’re reading this and you are sad, lonely, worried, hurt, searching, doubting, anxious, stressed, or spiritually barren, know that God loves you so much He died for YOU. Not just for the whole world but for YOU. If you were the only person on earth, He still would’ve come to die on a cross for you. I pray that you know in this moment what a joy it is to be loved and saved by Him. We are praying for you. See you in the Eucharist.