Psalm Reflection: The Third Sunday of Lent (Cycle B)

For the Scrutiny (Year A) Psalm, see: https://www.mannafoodforthought.com/blog/2020/3/10/psalm-reflection-the-third-sunday-of-lent-cycle-a

“Lord, you have the words of everlasting life.” - Psalm 19

One of my favorite sayings is: “Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do but it never gets you anywhere.”

It is so true.

What do you worry about?

We usually worry about things because we do not know what will happen or they are outside of our control. What is interesting though, is that all of that worry is always about this life, and usually not about the afterlife. Sure, we worry about death, but is it really because we are so concerned with thoughts of Heaven and Hell, or is it because we are afraid to let go of our earthly lives?

This week’s Psalm reminds us that our life here on earth is so infinitely small in comparison to eternity, and we need not worry because the Lord, Jesus Christ, has the words of everlasting life! He has already told us what we need to do! He has already given His life for us! What more do we need?!

I have been reflecting a lot this week on something I read recently: “You do not need to change to receive God’s love, but when you receive God’s love it will change you.” We worry so much about not being worthy of God’s love, or about the attention and approval of others, that we cling to our own misunderstandings instead of letting go and allowing God’s love to transform us.

That is what all the Sacraments do, they put us in a posture of receptivity to God’s love and His grace. That is why we say we “received” a Sacrament, not “achieved” a Sacrament. But in a world that is so focused on achievement and success, it is no wonder that our eyes become narrowly fixed on the immediate worries of this life, instead of zooming out and seeing everything from an eternal perspective.

Next time you are worrying about something, ask yourself:

—Is this something that I am going to be concerned about on my death bed?

—Do I have any control over this at all?

If your answer is “no” to either question, let go. If your answer to either is “yes,” then there is probably some immediate action you can take to stop worrying and start alleviating the problem.

Either way, you can let go of your worry. No worry is too great to drown out the words of everlasting life that your Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, desires to share with you.

So, stop worrying, listen, and receive.

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

Matt