Psalm Reflection: The Third Sunday of Advent, “Gaudete Sunday” - Cycle A

“Lord, come and save us.” - Psalm 146

I was about 10 years old and clinging to the rocks, paralyzed in fear that I would fall. Despite having a harness, all of the necessary climbing equipment, a team of trained people and someone belaying me, I could not move. I was 30 feet off the ground, but it felt like I was hanging onto the edge of a skyscraper.

“Let go! We’ve got you!” 

They kept saying it over and over again, but for some reason I did not trust that the person on the other end of the rope would be able to hold me. I was stuck there for what felt like hours, but was probably only about ten minutes. Eventually, I had to let go. I had to let them save me because I could not save myself.

That is a central part of being a Christian. We must acknowledge that we cannot save ourselves. We cannot even do the things we want to do, and cannot prevent ourselves from doing what we do not want (Romans 7:19-21).

That is why one of my favorite prayers, taught to me by my spiritual director, is: 

I can’t, but you can and you promised.

It grounds me in my need for God and helps me surrender control. It helps me let go and let God do what only He can do.

One of the reasons why our liturgical year begins with the season of Advent is because it is a season to prepare us to welcome Jesus into our lives. Advent is a season of letting go and surrendering so God can come and save us. The name Jesus literally means “God saves.” His name is His mission. He makes it abundantly clear who He is and what He wants to do for us.

What do you need to let go of?

Where are your worry and anxiety focused? How can you surrender those relationships or situations to God and trust that He has you in the palm of His hands?

Are there areas of your life that you have not welcomed Jesus into?

Are there things you have not yet been willing to admit you need saving from?

Advent is an opportunity to be reminded how much we need God and that no one can profess to be a Christian without surrendering to Jesus. Otherwise, we do not really believe or trust in God, we believe in ourselves and think we can handle it all on our own. That is idolatry, turning to ourselves instead of turning to God, and it is no bueno.

So, this week, bring to the Lord in prayer all of those things situations, or relationships that are causing you the most fear, doubt, anxiety, and worry. Imagine them in your hands and clench your fists around them. Feel your hands shake and hurt from the pressure. Then, when you are ready, say, “I can’t, but you can and you promised.” Open your clenched hands and surrender those things to God. Keep repeating this prayer each day until they no longer bring you worry and anxiety. Let go, and let God take over, because only He can save us.

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

Matt