Psalm Reflection: The Fourth Sunday of Lent, "Laetare Sunday" (Cycle B)

For the Scrutiny (Year A) Psalm, see: https://www.mannafoodforthought.com/blog/2020/3/17/psalm-reflection-the-fourth-sunday-of-lent-cycle-a

“Let my tongue be silenced, if I ever forget you!” - Psalm 137

What is the thing you talk most about? Work? School, A passion? A crush? A hobby? Your plans for the future?

Whatever it is, we speak about it because it consumes our thoughts and we want others to know about it. Whether it is to help us process it, or to share the joy it brings us, when our minds are honed in on something we cannot help but speak about it.

Saint Peter had this experience. He travelled around with Jesus for three years — all he knew, thought about, and did was focused on Jesus and His ministry. He could not help but talk about it with others, he even admits to those seeking to persecute him: “It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:20).

If we want to be faithful to our calling to share the Good News, then it first needs to consume our thoughts on a daily basis. How often are you immersed in the Word? In spiritual reading? In thinking about Jesus?!?

When my childhood friends and I get together, we get nostalgic. We think about all the memories we share and we start sharing stories that we all know, lived, or have heard before, simply because we are together and in a position to better remember. When we are together, it is as if we are transported back to the “good old days,” and we share in them again together.

How often do you contemplate or remember the action of God in your life, especially in your past? Think about the worst day or experience of your life: whether you knew it at the time or not, how did God deliver you from it and bring you to where you are today? Maybe you feel like you are living your absolute worst day or experiences right now — remember the times in the past when God has brought you through smaller struggles and have faith that He is with you in this. He is always working to carry you through the burdens, sufferings and struggles you are facing. 

Spend some time this week remembering God’s faithfulness and the “good old days” when you could clearly see Him at work in your life. Spend time in prayer and doing things that allow God to consume your thoughts. Suddenly, sharing the Good News will become automatic, because we speak about what we love and what consumes our thoughts. Let God fill your heart and your mind this week, so your tongue will not be silenced, but instead it will be wild and aflame with praise.

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

Matt