Psalm Reflection: The Epiphany of the Lord (Cycle B)

“Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.” - Psalm 72

Take a moment to think of the last time you achieved a goal, reached a milestone, did something memorable, or had a life-changing experience.

What did you do after? Did you keep it to yourself? You probably took pictures, told your friends and family, celebrated, and posted on social media. That is what we do when we have good news: we share it and we want everyone to know about it!

The Good News of Jesus Christ saving us from sin and offering us eternal life with Him in Heaven is the best news in the history of the universe. Do you share that life-changing reality with the same ease, fervor and joy? It is easy to celebrate ourselves, because we tend to be selfish and we like the attention. Pride is the root of all sins and it is a constant struggle for every single person in some degree. When it comes to celebrating others and sharing good news that we had no part in achieving and that we can take no credit for, we either shy away from sharing it or it does not even occur to us to share in the first place. 

What would happen if we stopped celebrating ourselves and started only celebrating and thinking of others. How would the world change if we thought less about what we want or achieve, and more about others who do not yet know the hope we have in Jesus Christ. What would it look like if you adopted this Psalm as your mission: that every nation would adore the Lord? What would your social media page look like? What things would you celebrate? Who would you share that Good News with? Who needs to hear it the most?

This week, let this Psalm be your goal. Make a list of the people in your life who do not know Jesus and make an effort to share the Good News of salvation with at least one of them. Have a conversation about faith, invite them to something, pray with them, ask them about what they believe and why the believe it. Share the joy you experience from having a relationship with God— your story is the best story you can tell to share the Good News with someone else. However, to do that we have to experience it as Good News: not Good News that is drowned out by other celebrations and pursuits, but the best, most wonderful and life-changing news we have to offer.

Who needs to hear it? Who will you share it with? How can you bring the world one person closer to the mission: “Lord, every nation on earth will adore you.”

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

Matt