Psalm Reflection: The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity - Cycle C

“Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth.” - Psalm 68

When I was a younger man and dating, I would occasionally seek out or receive advice about how to have a good first date.

Advice would often center around chemistry and conversation, and I was often told, "just ask her about herself, people love talking about themselves." It never struck me as weird, because it is true. 

There have been a number of times where I have left some kind of social interaction feeling like I had a really good conversation with someone, and I would tell someone about it later and they would start to ask for details about the other person I had spoken to. Only then would I realize that I did not have any of the answers because the other person was a great conversationalist, asked a lot of questions, and let me just talk about myself the entire time. 

Maybe you have heard the phrase, "to sing one's praises”? What I find interesting is that we can talk about ourselves in conversation, and yet most people know that it is not desirable or appropriate to praise ourselves to others, and yet we unconsciously do it when we constantly dominate the conversation or chime in with, “I totally get what you mean…,” “I can relate…,” or “that happened to me, too…” 

Other times in conversations, instead of talking about myself, I have sung the praises of something that I was obsessed with or passionate about. When I went through a very long weight-loss journey and dropped 90 pounds, it naturally became the topic of conversation when I would see people again. I would go on about sugar and intermittent fasting and nutrition, despite having no real expertise to offer other than my own experience.

As I have been reflecting on all of this, I find myself wondering why it is so easy for me to sing my own praises or the praises of the latest passion, and yet it can be so difficult for me to sing God's praises in similar situations.

What would the world look like if every Christian brought the same zeal and passion we have when we talk about ourselves or the things we’re passionate about, and spoke about God in the same way? When I lost weight, I shared every step with others on social media and so many people messaged me to congratulate me and most to say they wanted to give it a try. But, have I shared the Good News with others in the same way? Have I inspired others to want to pursue a relationship with Jesus Christ? I certainly could do better.

Sometimes all we need to do to glorify God is to get out of the way. Simply removing the distraction of our own pride or attention-seeking behavior can provide enough space for meaningful conversation and even conversion to happen. I'm not saying that we should never talk about ourselves, but maybe when we do we should recognize that God is an inherent part of all that is good in our life and He deserves the most praise and attention.

This week, try to fast from “I.”  Talk about yourself less in conversations and ask questions about others; seek Christ within them. When the conversation turns toward you, divert the attention to the Lord and sing His praises first and foremost before singing them about yourself, the latest trend, fad, headline, show, or obsession. 

We have had so many conversations in our lives, imagine what would have happened if even 1% more of them had been about Jesus. It is not too late to start shifting those numbers. Try it out this week and see how God speaks, moves and works through you.

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

Matt