Psalm Reflection: The Second Sunday of Lent - Cycle A

“Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” - Psalm 33

I will never forget the first time I ever rode a real roller coaster. It was the Desperado roller coaster at the Buffalo Bill’s Resort & Casino in Stateline, Nevada. I remember it for two reasons. First, I was incredibly nervous to go on it. Second, my mom rode it with us and it was the first time I ever heard her cuss, which she did almost the entire time we were on the ride.

When we go on a roller coaster we might get scared or nervous, even though we can see the whole ride. We can stand back and look at the track. We can even watch others go on it and know what to expect. Even though we know exactly what the roller coaster will do, we can still be scared. 

Our faith life is different. Often, we do not even know we are on a moving roller coaster in the first place. Instead, we can mistakenly believe that when we follow Jesus everything will be wonderful, like sitting down in a comfortable chair and simply enjoying all the Lord gives us. 

But suddenly, the chair starts to move. We frantically look for a safety belt and try to figure out why things are not going how we expected them to. 

Whether we realize it or not, following Jesus is a roller coaster, except on this rode we cannot see the entire track and we do not know the twists and turns that our journey will take. We can watch how others have navigated faith, but there is no guarantee that our experience will be the same. That is why the words of the Psalmist ring so true in my heart as I read them: 

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.

When we place our trust in the Lord, things do not always go as planned. Suddenly, we are on a roller coaster we did not expect or plan for, and trusting God becomes more difficult. That is why we need God’s mercy, because our spiritual life tends to have many ups and downs, and we often take several steps back before we are able to take a single step forward.

Mercy is God giving us what we do not deserve. We are sinners who turn away from God and constantly separate ourselves from His love. We do not have any right to His love or to second chances, yet He is always willing to give them when we turn back to Him and ask.

The season of Lent is also a journey with many twist and turns, all of which are meant to orient us more toward God and His mercy. It is like being lost: the longer we feel lost, the more receptive we become to help or directions. Being lost whittles away our pride until all that is left is our openness and receptivity to help. 

Where in your life is pride getting in the way of what God wants to give you?

Where do you struggle to trust God?

In what ways do you need God’s mercy and forgiveness?

Sometimes it helps to identify where you are on the roller coaster ride of faith. Try to check in with the Lord every day and bring your heart to Him, acknowledging where you are on the journey:

Do you feel afraid or excited about the path you are on?

Do you feel lost or do you have a sense of direction in your life?

Do you need directions or help?

Do you feel like you are spiritually “up” or “down” today?

What “safety belts” are in place to keep you on the roller coaster ride today?

Who is on the roller coaster with you today?

Be honest with where you are and name your struggles, because when we acknowledge them they become less scary and we can claim ownership, power and influence over them. Allow this Lenten journey to be one of trust, but do not be afraid to run to God for mercy when you take two steps back or when the ride whips you in a direction you did not expect. Stay buckled in and keep going.

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

Matt