Psalm Reflection: The Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle C

“In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord.” - Psalm 138

Does anyone really like criticism? 

Let's be honest, on the rare occasion that we ask for or receive feedback, we are hoping for glowing remarks; we only want to hear good things: 

“Great job!”

“That was amazing!” 

“Flawless!”

“You are a genius!”

“My mind is blown!”

However, when we receive criticism, however constructive, we can get angry, write it off, or try to justify why the person's perception was inaccurate. I have realized that I am most susceptible to this kind of attitude when I am the most insecure. My self-doubt robs me of opportunities to improve, because I would rather pretend the other person is wrong than admit I made a mistake.

When it comes to the spiritual life, this attitude can be a dangerous path to pride. If I am unwilling to admit my weaknesses and faults, then I am lying to myself and pretending that I am not a sinner. I am refusing to acknowledge my need for a savior, and I am standing in the way of Jesus being the Lord of my life. That is no bueno.

If we are serious about following Jesus, and if we want to spend eternal life with him in Heaven, then we have to admit that we are unworthy, broken, and in need of His healing. This is what Saint Paul meant when he wrote:

[God] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

This is why it is so important for us to surround ourselves with people who are seeking the Lord wholeheartedly and who keep us accountable on that journey as we walk alongside one another.

Who are you walking with as a disciple of Jesus?

Who are the voice of wisdom, grace, or blessing in your life?

This weeks Psalm is about singing the praises of God in the sight of angels. The word "angel" means "messenger." Although angels are real created beings of pure spirit, there are also people in our lives who function as messengers of God to us. They are mentors, teachers, family members, and friends who love us enough to tell us the truth. They will not sugarcoat what needs to be said if we are falling astray.

The challenge for us is that we need to be open to receive the truth they share in love, and not respond in anger. Rather, we can praise and thank the Lord for loving us enough to surround us with people who are willing to do the hard and brave work of being honest with us, no matter how we might respond.

This week, identify who those "angels" are in your life and thank them. Consider giving them even more permission to keep you accountable and to call you out when you get lazy or complacent in your faith. Invite new faithful friends and mentors to do the same, and practice the art of listening and receiving what they say, knowing that their motivations and intentions are rooted in love, and try to ardently commit to take what they say to heart.

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

Matt