Psalm Reflection: The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord - Cycle A

“The Lord is king, the Most High over all the earth.” - Psalm 97

I was recently leading a Bible study and the topic of Jesus as King came up in discussion. I used some words similar to the Responsorial Psalm this week, saying that Jesus is king over all the earth.

A gentleman spoke up and asked, “But isn’t the Devil the ruler of this world?” 

On the surface that would make sense, right? This is the place where there is suffering and sin. This is where there is a battle raging between good and evil for our souls and, looking around, it can often seem like the Devil is pretty well established on earth. It could easily seem like this is his playground.

The gentleman elaborated citing an example from when Jesus is being tempted by the Devil in the desert:

Then the devil took him up to a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence, and he said to him, “All these I shall give to you, if you will prostrate yourself and worship me.” At this, Jesus said to him, “Get away, Satan! It is written: ‘The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.’” Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him. - Matthew 4:8-11

“How can the Devil offer Jesus the kingdoms of the world if he does not rule them?” he added. 

I simply answered, “because the Devil is a liar.”

Have you ever exaggerated to tell a better story?

Stretched the truth to impress someone?

Lied on your resumé or about a particular skill to get a job?

The Devil does not tell the truth. In scripture, he is called “the father of lies” (John 8:44). He is claiming the ability to offer Jesus something he does not own. The world, the universe, all of creation has only one king: Jesus Christ. 

This is an important realization for us for two reasons:

First, it reminds us to give all glory to God and recognize that Jesus has authority over all. We are not the main character in this story, He is. This Psalm reminds us of the ways we can mistakenly believe that we are in charge of our lives and we can do whatever we want. No, there is a divine purpose at work in each one of our lives and, if we want to experience true purpose and true joy, we must humble ourselves before the one true king. He knows how to rule, we do not.

Second, this Psalm shows us that the negative things that we might believe about ourselves are lies from the enemy trying to derail us from the truth. We are made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27) who is perfect, who is love, and who does not make mistakes. We are the ones who make mistakes, but that does not change who were created to be and the destiny we were created for. 

Like the saying goes: “The devil knows your name but calls you by your sin, God knows your sin but calls you by your name.” – Ricardo Sanchez

Whether you are struggling with pride or with low self-esteem, with ego or with shame, this Psalm is for you. God sees you and sees someone who has infinite dignity, worth and value, but those things can only be fully realized and experienced if we live our lives in relationship with Him.

I was born a son, but I will never really experience the gift of being a son in a family if I never am in relationship with my parents. The same is true of our Heavenly Father. We were are created for Heaven and for relationship with God, but we will never experience the blessing that is until we cultivate a relationship with Him.

The Devil tries to convince us that we are not good enough, or that we are the greatest.

He is a liar. 

Do not believe the lies of the Enemy. 

Let Jesus be the king of your life and you will share in the glory of His kingdom.

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

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, August 6th, 2023, which is The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord - Cycle A: Psalms 97:1-2, 5-6, 9