Psalm Reflection: The Sixth Sunday of Easter (Cycle B)

“The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.” - Psalm 98

What more do you need to completely trust in God?

A sign? More evidence? A direct telegram from Jesus Himself?

What more does God need to do for us to trust in Him? He created us, sustains us, speaks to us in prayer and Scripture, works miracles every single day, and yet we can struggle to let go of the simplest of things because we think we have them under control.

As Jesus reminded the disciples in last Sundays Gospel, “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me and I in him will bear much fruit, because without me you can do nothing.” - John 15:5

Without Him, we can do NOTHING. Every breathe we take, every gift we use, every word we speak, is a gifted ability we have from God. The fact that you are alive right now at this very moment and reading these words means that, whether you realize it or not, you are trusting that God is sustaining you and willing you into existence. You are doing nothing to make that happen, because God is in control. There is a God, and we are not Him. So, let God be in control of every part of your life.

As someone who has been struggling a lot with anxiety related to my own mortality lately, I will be the first to recognize this is so much easier said than done. However, a life lived refusing to let go and trying to retain control is so much harder than simply surrendering. I would rather live each day as a gift and treat it as if it were my last rather than wasting each day with worry as to whether or not it really was my last.

Trust is hard, and it takes time like it does in every other relationship. So this week, spend time every single day in prayer, and I would invite you to pray the Litany of Trust, paying special attention to the petitions that apply directly to you each day and sitting with them during your time with Jesus:

From the belief that I have to earn Your love, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that I am unlovable, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the false security that I have what it takes, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear that trusting You will leave me more destitute, Deliver me, Jesus.

From all suspicion of Your words and promises, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the rebellion against childlike dependency on You, Deliver me, Jesus.

From refusals and reluctances in accepting Your will, Deliver me, Jesus.

From anxiety about the future, Deliver me, Jesus.

From resentment or excessive preoccupation with the past, Deliver me, Jesus.

From restless self-seeking in the present moment, Deliver me, Jesus.

From disbelief in Your love and presence, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being asked to give more than I have, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the belief that my life has no meaning or worth, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of what love demands, Deliver me, Jesus.

From discouragement, Deliver me, Jesus.

That You are continually holding me, sustaining me, loving me, Jesus, I trust in You.

That Your love goes deeper than my sins and failings and transforms me, Jesus, I trust in You.

That not knowing what tomorrow brings is an invitation to lean on You, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You are with me in my suffering, Jesus, I trust in You.

That my suffering, united to Your own, will bear fruit in this life and the next, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You will not leave me orphan, that You are present in Your Church, Jesus, I trust in You.

That Your plan is better than anything else, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You always hear me and in Your goodness always respond to me, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You give me the grace to accept forgiveness and to forgive others, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You give me all the strength I need for what is asked, Jesus, I trust in You.

That my life is a gift, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You will teach me to trust You, Jesus, I trust in You.

That You are my Lord and my God, Jesus, I trust in You.

That I am Your beloved one, Jesus, I trust in You.

Amen.

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

Matt