Psalm Reflection: The Fifth Sunday of Lent (Cycle A)

“With the Lord there is mercy and fullness of redemption.” - Psalm 130

WITH the Lord.

Not on my own.

WITH Him.

We live in a world that encourages independence. Workplaces endorse a “whatever it takes to get ahead” mentality. Teenagers are told from a young age to start thinking about college, and when they graduate from high school, they feel the need to be on their own at a four-year university or they will be considered a “failure.” Even in the dating world, people can profess to be “self-partnered.”

We are told that we do not need anyone else, and only to look out for #1: yourself.

This is one of the hardest parts about being a Christian. This idea of radical independence and seeking personal achievement is completely opposed to what Jesus taught. 

Jesus taught that “whoever exalts himself shall be humbled,” (Mt 23:12, Lk 14:11) and “the first shall be last” (Mt 19:30, 20:16). He taught us to care for the needs of others and to be in community. 

This is hard for me.

I have had a job since I was 13, worked full-time and paid my way through college. I have always been organized, efficient, and never without a plan. I can often come off as someone who “has it figured out” and that I don’t need other people, that I don’t struggle, or that I’m “too busy.” It has been difficult for me to trust other people or open up because I am so used to only trusting myself and protecting everything I have, want, or strive to accomplish from ruin. But the default stature of a true Christian is one of surrender and collaboration with God, because apart from Him we can do nothing (Jn 15:5). 

We need Him and we need each other. We live in a self-focused world (as I type this on my “I”-phone!), but the disposition of a Christian heart is selflessness. There is a lot going on in our world right now and it can be easy to lose hope, to feel anxious, worried, alone and forgotten. We cannot let our fear allow us to live “every man for himself.”  As Christians, we are “every man for everyone.” How can you be a blessing to someone else this week in their need, loneliness, fear or anxiety?

We are praying for you.

See you in the Eucharist.