Psalm Reflection: The Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

“Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.” - Psalm 85

“Prove it!”

To be convinced of anything, we always want proof: 100% assurance (if we can get it) before we make a decision. We want to see the whole picture because we choose a stance.

Christianity falls in a difficult place on this spectrum. On one hand, there is plenty of evidence to provide overwhelming support for a Creator in the fields of science (particularly astrophysics) and in philosophy. We also know that Jesus truly was God incarnate because of the historical witness of the Resurrection and the testimonies of the Apostles and Church Fathers. On the other hand, no matter how much evidence there is, it will never be more than 99.99% of what we would need to be totally convinced by the evidence alone, because we have free will and can accept or reject all the evidence simply because we choose to. God always leaves at least a sliver of mystery for our free will to operate within. 

God has given us so much, but He will never force us to acknowledge Him by giving us more than enough evidence. He gives us just enough to be convinced to a point that then requires the gift faith. The problem for us is that we want to see first and then believe, but Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29).

The words of this Sunday’s Psalm remind me that sometimes I want to see God working before I surrender to Him and let Him work in my life. Too often I want the sign first, instead of trusting that the signs will come because God has already proven Himself over and over again throughout history. I am the one who needs to give God a sign, a sign of my devotion and trust, in response to the countless ones He has already shown me.

This week, prayerfully consider this question: “what more does God need to do for me to know He is real and trust Him?” If we are really honest, this question may reveal doubts, fears or obstacles we have that prevent us from fully surrendering to God. This question might also be the wake up call we need to respond more faithfully to God, recognizing that there is nothing more He needs to do for us, we are simply lacking in our response. 

What more does God need to do for you to know that He is real and to trust in Him?

We are praying for you.

See you in the Eucharist!

Matt