Psalm Reflection: The Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Cycle B)

“I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.” - Psalm 32

Are you bad at asking for help? When it comes to prayer, I think most of us are. 

First of all, is Jesus our first choice or our last resort? Do I immediately lay things at this feet, or do I try to control and fix everything, only to throw my arms up in a prayer of failure when things do not work out in the way I hoped they would?

Secondly, when I do come to Him in prayer, am I asking for the right things? Am I asking for the big, bold things He desires to give me?

In last Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus is healing people in Capernaum and then He goes off by Himself to pray early the next morning. Simon Peter comes and finds him says, “Everyone is looking for you.” You would think Jesus would be ecstatic, ready to bring more healing and restoration to these people who are searching for Him. Instead, Jesus replies, “Let us go on to the nearby villages that I may preach there also. For this purpose have I come” (Mark 1:37-38). 

What the heck? It seems like Jesus totally ditches these people to go on to the next town! Why would he do that?

We find out later, in the Gospel of Matthew, that Jesus performed mighty deeds in Capernaum, but they still did not repent (Matthew 11:20). He condemns their lack of faith, saying, “And as for you, Capernaum: ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day” (Matthew 11:23).

The people of Capernaum were coming out in droves for Jesus to heal them and to drive out demons. They came for healing, but not for salvation. Jesus did not come to preach the miracles of God, but that the kingdom of God was at hand. The repentance He desired was no where to be found; everyone wanted to see the healer work His magic, but no one was willing to let Him transform their hearts.

When we turn to God in times of trouble, are we looking for a quick fix so we can go back to our normal lives? Do we want a miracle so things can go back to the way they were? Jesus wants to transform our hearts, to do something new, incredible, and life-changing. That is why the Psalmist proclaims, “you fill me with the joy of salvation,” because that is what we really need. A miracle of healing might extend your life, but Jesus wants to change your life forever. Are you asking for big and bold enough things in your prayer, or for the quick fix?

This week, invite Jesus to change your life. Do not think of the laundry list of problems you want fixed, but think instead of the promises Jesus desires to fulfill in your life. He does not simply want to fix your life, He wants to transform it. Let Him in, give Him permission, and let go of the things that keep you stuck where you are and prevent you from beginning the great adventure that awaits you. 

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

Matt