Readings for the Day:
Reflection:
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The pagans of old believed that if they had the favor of their gods good things would follow. They gave sacrifices to these gods in an attempt for a quid pro quo with them. In other words, if they gave sacrifices, the gods would like them and then they would receive all they could desire.
There are many problems with this world view. The main is that it doesn’t matter how many sacrifices you make; bad things in life still happen.
Psalm 30 recognizes this reality. David speaks of all the wonderful things he has received from the Lord. He also remembers the hard times that he has faced as well, even though he continues to praise God.
What Psalm 30 mentions is what we see, in greater detail, throughout the Book of Job (a subject of an entire Christian Formation series featured on this website). Job, though he is a great servant of the Lord, still faces difficult times, regardless of his lack of sin.
Yet in the end, the word of the Lord to Job makes it clear that even during the difficult times, God has been present with him. This is the sign of God’s love not only for Job, but for all of us as well.
Jesus also speaks of this notion in John 9. When asked by His Disciples whether a blind man walking by them was punished for his own sins or that of his ancestors, Jesus tells them it is neither. Then Jesus goes to the blind man and heals him.
Just because God loves us doesn’t mean we won’t face hard times. Yet God is still with us and still loves us.
Another reminder our readings give us is not to be prideful about God’s favor towards us. In Luke, Jesus tells the 70 that they should not rejoice that the demons submitted to them in His Name. Instead, they should “rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” David says the same, for just after he declares “I shall not be disturbed. You, Lord, with Your favor, made me as strong as mountains”, David then faces troubles.
We should not be prideful that God loves us. Instead, we should remember that no matter what we face, God will be with us, facing the hardships together with us in our journey.