Psalm Reflection: The Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

“My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” - Psalm 63

As I sat down to write this reflection, I found myself suddenly aware of how hot and uncomfortable I was. I had been working late at night (usually the only productive time when you have two young kids), and I was in “the zone,” but the short break between finishing one task and sitting down to write this reflection jostled me into an awareness of how sweaty and thirsty I was. In the most ironic fashion, I reached over to my water bottle and lifted it up to find it empty just as my eyes caught the words of this Sunday’s Psalm: “My soul is thirsting for you, O Lord my God.” Very funny Jesus.

So, what did I do? I stood up from our office desk on the second floor, walked downstairs to the kitchen and filled up my water bottle. It was practically effortless, sparing only the three-and-a-half calories worth of energy it took to make the round trip.

I wish it were that easy to refresh and replenish myself spiritually. Oh, how wonderful it would be to have an open tap of grace, ready and accessible to overflow into my heart at a moment’s notice!

We have the Sacraments. 

We have prayer. 

We have a God who is accessible. 

The problem is with the vessel. 

It is me.

Sometimes I obstruct the flow of grace into my life with my own sin, pride, selfishness, and stubbornness. 

Sometimes I waste another day trying to convince myself that my soul is not that thirsty, that it will just go away. 

Sometimes I forget to acknowledge my thirst, my need for Jesus.

This year has left many of us in dark, hopeless places at times. Even when we cannot see the way out, or when we convince ourselves that our despair is irreversible, there is power in simply acknowledging where we are. 

“I am thirsty.” 

“I need you, God.” 

The Crucifixion seemed at first glance to be the biggest moment of failure and hopelessness in Christian history. The Church was dead before it even began, its’ Savior hanging lifeless on a cross with no perceivable way out but suffering, darkness, and death. 

What did Jesus do? He acknowledged His need: ‘Jesus said, “I thirst.”’ - John 19:28

He knew the ending, but in His humanity, He gave us a model to follow. What must we do in times of desolation, darkness, and hopelessness? We must name it, admit it, and ask for help.

This week, do that. If you are struggling spiritually, mentally, emotionally or in any other way, do not be afraid to admit your own weakness, “for when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:10b

Do not be afraid to ask for help, to seek counseling or to be vulnerable. You are certainly not alone #2020.

I am praying for you this week, please pray for me and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt