Psalm Reflection: The Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle B

“You are my inheritance, O Lord!” - Psalm 16

When I think of an inheritance, I often think of death. I remember when my grandparents passed away, all seven of their children and many of us grandchildren were on hand to go through and clean up their entire house. I remember everyone dividing up the things they wanted and hearing talk about the sale of the house. Though I enjoyed picking out some unique items to remember my grandparents by, the overall process was clearly stressful, sad and overwhelming for all of our parents, and sorrowful for us too.

However, part of the inheritance my grandparents left us were the memories we shared with them. I remember my grandma’s daily devotion to the crossword in the newspaper, and her willingness to always open up her home and host our large extended family for every holiday. I remember my grandpa always putting me on his lap to read me a story despite almost always falling asleep before finishing. They were always willing to make time and space for us and the things they loved. That was their real legacy and what I inherited from them.

When I think about the inheritance I will eventually leave my family, I think of this Sunday’s Psalm: YOU, are my inheritance, O Lord. There might be money, property and other material things left behind, and there may not be. What matters to me most, is that I pass on the beauty of the Catholic faith and living as a disciple of Jesus Christ to my children and their children. As the Catechism says in paragraph 166: 

“Each believer is thus a link in the great chain of believers. I cannot believe without being carried by the faith of others, and by my faith I help support others in the faith.”

So, whether you have a family or not, whether you have arrived at your chosen career or have a clear sense of your vocational call or not, you can leave this inheritance too. You are a link in the great chain of believers. Who are you linked to? 

This week, think of those who you have the opportunity to instill the faith in: younger siblings, relatives, godchildren, coworkers, friends, mentees, students, classmates, employees, etc. How can you better live and share the beauty of the faith with them this week? People will inherit something from us, whether we like it or not. Let us make a concerted effort to ensure what they remember is not about us, but about Him.

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

Matt