Psalm Reflection: The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) - Cycle A

“All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.” - Psalm 98

*awkward pause*

Are you sure about that Mr. Psalmist?

Have all the ends of the earth really seen the saving power of God?

I was struck by how untrue this Psalm can seem in today’s world. We live in an increasingly secular world where many families are raising their children without any belief in God at all. There are remote cultures and tribes on the planet that have still not been evangelized, and many more who have heard the Good News, but have rejected it.

So why would we profess something if it were not true? I can think of two possible reasons.

First, perhaps it is true, but in a different way. We have all seen the saving power of God simply by the fact that we are alive. Our God is the God of the living (Mark 12:27), and despite our sins deserving death (Romans 6:23), God continues to work for our good and offers us the gift of eternal life (Romans 8:28). So, whether we realize it or not, God is seeking to bless us, love us, and save us every day. We can see the evidence of His love and His existence simply by looking around at the world and looking inward at our desires for the transcendent.

However, the second reason we profess this is so that we will help realize our part in this mission and help it to become a reality. In this way, we are keeping the goal in mind and seeking to bring it about in our daily lives through small acts of love and evangelization.

One of my favorite movies growing up was the Waterboy, and when the coach is trying to get Bobby to focus his emotion and use it to play football, he tells him to “visualize and attack!”

That is what this Psalm is asking us to do, to visualize and attack. Visualize a world where every person knew the saving power of God. Recognize that sin is the thing standing in the way, and attack it in your own life so it is no longer an obstacle to God’s grace. Attack opportunities to share the Good News with others, and do so with zeal and joy. Visualize and attack until it becomes a reality.

This Psalm will only ring true when each of us responds to the Good News and seeks to proclaim it in our own unique way to those around us. It happens in one person, one conversation, and one relationship at a time. If we all did our part, the world would be radically transformed for the glory of God.

This week, take one small step toward helping every one in your world see the saving power of God. Start by sharing the story of how God has worked in your life, and then invite others to come and experience it for themselves.

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

Matt