Great is the Lord!

In the quiet moments, beauty and joy arise,

For God’s presence fills our lives, a wondrous prize.

A refuge strong, a shelter in the storm,

In His embrace, we find our true form.

With faith, we seek His strength and might,

In every shadow, He brings forth light.

No fear can bind us, no challenge too great,

For God is our refuge, our steadfast fate.

His mighty presence, we honor and revere,

In His protection, we have no fear.

From every trial, He delivers with grace,

In His love, we find our place.

So let us live with confidence, hearts full of song,

For with God as our refuge, we are strong.

In His strength, we stand, unwavering and true,

God’s presence brings beauty and joy anew.

REFLECTION:

Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. (Psalm 48:2)

God’s presence brings beauty and joy to our lives. Knowing that God is our refuge encourages us to seek His protection and strength in our own lives. 

We should recognize and respect God’s mighty presence in our lives.  With God on our side, we need not fear any challenge. God protects us and deliver us from any situation. 

Let us live with confidence, knowing that God is our refuge and strength.

Prayer for God’s Presence and Strength

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging the beauty and joy Your presence brings into our lives. We are comforted knowing that You are our refuge, our protector, and our strength.

Lord, help us to seek Your protection and strength in every aspect of our lives. May we always recognize and respect Your mighty presence, understanding that with You by our side, we need not fear any challenge.

We trust in Your divine protection and deliverance from every situation we face. Fill us with confidence and courage, knowing that You are our refuge and strength.

Thank You, Lord, for Your unwavering love and guidance. May we live each day with the assurance that You are with us, now and forever.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

The Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE SPLENDOR OF THE INVINCIBLE CITY

Psalm 48:1-15

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 48:2-3, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8

R: God upholds his city forever. 

2 Great is the Lord and wholly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain, 3 fairest of heights, is the joy of all the earth. (R) Mount Zion, “the recesses of the North,” is the city of the great King. 4 God is with her castles; renowned is he as a stronghold. (R) 5 For lo! the kings assemble, they come on together; 6 they also see, and at once are stunned, terrified, routed. (R) 7 Quaking seizes them there; anguish like a woman’s in labor, 8 as though a wind from the east were shattering ships of Tarshish. 

Background:

Psalm 48 is a song of praise attributed to the sons of Korah, who were Levites involved in temple worship. This psalm celebrates the greatness of God and the beauty of Jerusalem, often referred to as Zion, the city of the Great King.

Verses 2-3 These verses describe the splendor of Mount Zion, highlighting its beauty and significance: Mount Zion is depicted as “beautiful in elevation” and “the joy of the whole earth.” It is called “the city of the great King,” emphasizing God’s presence and reign. God is known as a refuge within its palaces, symbolizing His protection and strength.

Verses 3-4 These verses continue to emphasize God’s protection over Jerusalem: The kings of the earth are depicted as assembling together, but they are struck with awe and fear upon seeing the city. This reaction underscores the divine protection and the formidable presence of God in Jerusalem.

Verses 5-6 These verses describe the reaction of the kings: They are astounded and panic, fleeing in terror. The imagery of trembling and anguish, like that of a woman in labor, conveys the overwhelming fear and helplessness of the enemies.

Verses 7-8 These verses highlight God’s power and the enduring nature of His city: The east wind shattering the ships of Tarshish symbolizes God’s ability to destroy powerful enemies. The psalm concludes with a declaration of faith, affirming that as they have heard of God’s deeds, they have also seen them in the city of the Lord, which God will establish forever.

This psalm serves as a reminder of God’s greatness, His protection over His people, and the enduring significance of Jerusalem as a symbol of His presence and power.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 48:2-8 offers several profound lessons that can resonate deeply with our faith and values:

Verses 2-3 Lesson: God’s Presence Brings Joy and Security. Mount Zion’s Beauty: The description of Mount Zion as “beautiful in elevation” and “the joy of the whole earth” reminds us that God’s presence brings beauty and joy to our lives. God as a Refuge: Knowing that God is a refuge within the palaces of Zion encourages us to seek His protection and strength in our own lives.

Verses 3-4 Lesson: God’s Power is Awe-Inspiring. Kings in Awe: The reaction of the kings who assemble and then tremble in fear upon seeing Jerusalem highlights the awe-inspiring power of God. It teaches us to recognize and respect God’s mighty presence in our lives.

Verses 5-6 Lesson: God’s Protection Overcomes Fear. Enemies’ Panic: The panic and trembling of the kings symbolize how God’s protection can cause our fears and adversaries to flee. It reassures us that with God on our side, we need not fear any challenge.

Verses 7-8 Lesson: God’s Enduring Power and Faithfulness. Shattering the Ships of Tarshish: This imagery shows God’s ability to overcome even the most formidable forces. It reminds us of His power to protect and deliver us from any situation. Faith in God’s Deeds: The affirmation that God’s deeds are seen and heard reinforces our faith in His enduring presence and faithfulness. It encourages us to trust in God’s eternal promises.

Personal Reflection

These verses collectively teach us about the beauty of God’s presence, the awe-inspiring nature of His power, the assurance of His protection, and the enduring faithfulness of His promises. They encourage us to live with confidence, knowing that God is our refuge and strength.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Glory Revealed

In the tapestry of life, each thread is divine, 

God’s purpose and mission, in each heart, align. 

Our lives are not random, nor paths undefined, 

For God has a plan, a calling, designed.

Before we were born, His vision was clear, 

Equipped and prepared, with gifts we hold dear. 

Just as the Servant, with tools from above, 

We’re called to fulfill, His purpose with love.

Trust in His preparation, His wisdom, His grace, 

Use your gifts for His glory, in every place. 

Though efforts seem vain, and results far from sight, 

God sees our faithfulness, in the darkest of night.

He’s in control, His timing is true, 

Our role is to trust, in all that we do. 

Broaden your perspective, be a beacon of light, 

Share God’s love and salvation, with all in your sight.

For in His perfect timing, His purposes unfold, 

A story of grace, in each life, told. 

So be faithful, be steadfast, in His plan, take part, 

For God’s purpose and mission, are written in your heart.

REFLECTION:

You are my servant, He said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. (Isaiah 49:3)

God has a purpose and a specific mission for each of us. Our lives are not random; God has a plan and a calling for each of us, even from before we were born. 

Just as the Servant was prepared and equipped by God, we too are given the tools and abilities we need to fulfill our purpose. This encourages us to trust in God’s preparation and to use our gifts for His glory. 

Our efforts may sometimes seem in vain, but God sees and rewards our faithfulness. God is in control, even when we don’t see immediate results. Our role is to be faithful and trust that God will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing. 

Let us broaden our perspective and be a light to those around us, sharing God’s love and salvation with everyone we encounter.

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that You have a purpose and a specific mission for each of us. Our lives are not random; You have a plan and a calling for us, even from before we were born. Just as You prepared and equipped Your Servant, we trust that You have given us the tools and abilities we need to fulfill our purpose.

Lord, help us to trust in Your preparation and to use our gifts for Your glory. When our efforts seem in vain, remind us that You see and reward our faithfulness. You are in control, even when we don’t see immediate results. Teach us to be faithful and to trust that You will bring about Your purposes in Your perfect timing.

Broaden our perspective, Lord, and help us to be a light to those around us. May we share Your love and salvation with everyone we encounter, reflecting Your grace and mercy in all that we do.

In Jesus’ name, we pray.

Amen.

Pericope:

II: Expiation of Sin, Spiritual liberation of Israel

THE SERVANT OF THE LORD

Isaiah 49:1-7

First Reading | Isaiah 49:1-6

1 Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The Lord called me from birth, from my mother’s womb he gave me my name. 2 He made of me a sharp-edged sword and concealed me in the shadow of his arm. He made me a polished arrow, in his quiver he hid me. 3 You are my servant, he said to me, Israel, through whom I show my glory. 4 Though I thought I had toiled in vain, and for nothing, uselessly, spent my strength, yet my reward is with the Lord, my recompense is with my God. 5 For now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb, that Jacob may be brought back to him and Israel gathered to him; and I am made glorious in the sight of the Lord, and my God is now my strength! 6 It is too little, he says, for you to be my servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and restore the survivors of Israel; I will make you a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth. 

Background:

Isaiah 49:1-6 is a powerful passage that speaks about the mission of the Messiah, who is later revealed as Jesus Christ. Here’s a brief background and summary:

The Servant’s Call and Mission: The passage begins with the Servant of the Lord, who is called from the womb and prepared by God for a special mission. This Servant is identified as the Messiah, who will bring salvation not only to Israel but also to the Gentiles.

The Servant’s Preparation: The Messiah is described as having a mouth like a sharp sword, indicating the power and authority of His words. He is also likened to a polished arrow, hidden and ready to be used by God at the right time.

The Servant’s Task: The primary task of the Servant is to bring Jacob (Israel) back to God and to be a light to the nations, extending God’s salvation to the ends of the earth.

The Servant’s Confidence in God: Despite feeling that His efforts might be in vain, the Servant expresses confidence that His reward is with God. This reflects the trust and obedience that the Messiah has in God’s plan.

This passage highlights the universal scope of the Messiah’s mission, emphasizing that God’s salvation is intended for all people, not just Israel. It also underscores the themes of trust, obedience, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

Learning Lessons:

Isaiah 49:1-6 offers several profound lessons that can be applied to our lives:

God’s Sovereignty and Purpose: The passage emphasizes that God has a purpose for each of us, just as He had a specific mission for the Messiah. This reminds us that our lives are not random; God has a plan and a calling for each of us, even from before we were born.

Preparation and Equipping: Just as the Servant was prepared and equipped by God, we too are given the tools and abilities we need to fulfill our purpose. This encourages us to trust in God’s preparation and to use our gifts for His glory.

Faithfulness in Obedience: The Servant’s commitment to His mission, despite challenges and feelings of futility, teaches us the importance of remaining faithful and obedient to God’s calling. Our efforts may sometimes seem in vain, but God sees and rewards our faithfulness.

Universal Mission: The passage highlights that God’s salvation is for all people, not just a select few. This challenges us to broaden our perspective and to be a light to those around us, sharing God’s love and salvation with everyone we encounter.

Trust in God’s Timing: The Servant’s confidence in God’s timing and reward encourages us to trust that God is in control, even when we don’t see immediate results. Our role is to be faithful and trust that God will bring about His purposes in His perfect timing.

Reflecting on these lessons can deepen our faith and encourage us to live out our calling with trust and obedience.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

The Greatness of the Lord

"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; 

my spirit rejoices in God my savior."

LUKE 1:46-47

God is great in many ways, such as His power, His majesty, His glory, His wisdom, His love, His grace, and His holiness. Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; His greatness no one can fathom (Ps 145:3). May you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God (Eph 3:18-19).

The greatness of God should impact our lives in many ways. It should inspire us to worship Him, to trust Him, to obey Him, to love Him, and to serve Him. It should also humble us, to realize how small and dependent we are compared to Him, and how much we need His grace and mercy. It should also fill us with joy and hope, to know that He is with us, for us, and in us, and that He has a good plan for our lives.

Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed:  the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned to her home. (Luke 1:46-56)

Be dedicated to the Lord. Surrender your life to Him and seek His glory in everything you do. Devote yourself to Him and His will, love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and serve Him with all your abilities. In doing so, you will experience His presence, peace, and joy in your life. You will grow in your knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of Him and His ways. You will receive His guidance, protection, and provision for your needs. You will have a clear purpose, direction, and vision for your life.

In those days, Hannah brought Samuel with her, along with a three- year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and presented him at the temple of the Lord in Shiloh. After the boy’s father had sacrificed the young bull, Hannah, his mother, approached Eli and said: “Pardon, my lord! As you live my lord, I am the woman who stood near you here, praying to the Lord. I prayed for this child, and the Lord granted my request. Now I, in turn, give him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the Lord.” She left Samuel there. (1 Samuel 1:24-28)

Exult in the Lord. Express great joy and delight in Him and His works. Praise and worship the Lord for who He is and what He has done. Celebrate His goodness, faithfulness, and love in your life. God is our salvation. He has saved us from our sins and given us eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. He has also delivered us from our enemies and troubles, and given us victory over them. (Habakkuk 3:181, Isaiah 61:102) God is our strength. He gives us power, courage, and endurance to face any situation. He enables us to do all things through Him who strengthens us. He is our refuge and fortress, our help and hope. (Psalm 28:73, Philippians 4:134) God is our joy. He fills our hearts with gladness and peace. He makes us happy and satisfied in His presence. He turns our mourning into dancing and our sorrow into laughter. He is the source and object of our joy. (Psalm 16:115, Psalm 126:2) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight (Prv 3:5-6).

“My heart exults in the Lord, my horn is exalted in my God. I have swallowed up my enemies; I rejoice in my victory.” “The bows of the mighty are broken, while the tottering gird on strength. The well-fed hire themselves out for bread, while the hungry batten on spoil. The barren wife bears seven sons, while the mother of many languishes.” “The Lord puts to death and gives life; he casts down to the nether world; he raises up again. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; he humbles, he also exalts.” “He raises the needy from the dust; from the dung heap he lifts up the poor, to seat them with nobles and make a glorious throne their heritage.” (1 Samuel 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8)

Who can measure the greatness of God, the Maker of heaven and earth? Who can fathom His infinite power, the Source of all life and worth?

He spoke and the worlds came into being, He breathed and the stars shone bright. He stretched out the sky like a curtain, He separated the day from the night. He formed the mountains and the oceans, He filled the earth with His grace. He made the creatures of the land and sea, He fashioned the human race. He revealed His love and His mercy, He sent His Son to redeem. He gave us His Spirit and His Word, He invited us to His dream.

He is holy, righteous, and faithful, He is gracious, loving, and kind. He is sovereign, majestic, and glorious, He is beyond our reason and mind. He deserves our praise and our worship, He deserves our honor and our awe. He deserves our trust and our obedience, He deserves our love and our all. This is the greatness of God, the Maker of heaven and earth. This is the fathomless power of God, the Source of all life and worth.

Lord, You are truly great and awesome. Let all who take refuge in You be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love Your name may rejoice in You (Ps 5:11). May the righteous be glad and rejoice before You O God; may they be happy and joyful (Ps 68:3). For You make me glad by Your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what Your hands have done (Ps 92:4). Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Infancy Narrative

THE CANTICLE OF MARY

Luke 1:46-56

I: History of the Last Judges, Eli and Samuel

SAMUEL IS OFFERED TO GOD

1 Samuel 1:24-28

I: History of the Last Judges, Eli and Samuel

SAMUEL IS OFFERED TO GOD

1 Samuel 2:1-11

Reflection Source:

Copilot with Bing Chat

Glorify God!

Offer to God praise as your sacrifice 

and fulfill your vows to the Most High;

then call upon Me in time of distress; 

I will rescue you, and you shall glorify Me.

PSALM 50:14-15

The word of the Lord resonate with devotion and reverence. They call upon us to express gratitude and honor through our actions. In offering praise, we acknowledge the divine and fulfill our promises to the One who transcends all.

Indeed, in the reverence of our hearts and the devotion of our souls, we find the path to glorification. Let our words be hymns, our deeds be offerings, and our lives be a testament to the divine.

God the Lord has spoken and summoned the earth, from the rising of the sun to its setting. From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. “Gather my faithful ones before me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” And for the heavens proclaim his justice; for God himself is the judge. “Offer to God praise as your sacrifice and fulfill your vows to the Most High; Then call upon me in time of distress; I will rescue you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:1-2, 5-6, 14-15)

May our existence echo with praise, and may our every breath be a melody that reaches the heavens. May our hearts be open, our voices lifted, and our deeds aligned with this sacred call. For in our offerings, we find connection—a bridge between the earthly and the divine.

Pericope:

Second Book of Psalms 42-72

THE ACCEPTABLE SACRIFICE

Psalm 50:1-23

Reflection Source:

Microsoft Bing

God is Great!

For I know that the Lord is great; 

our Lord is greater than all gods.

PSALM 135 : 5

Father in heaven, no one is great except You alone who made me to be who I am and what I am today. Thank you so much for the great outpouring of Your tremendous blessings. 

Like a child, I am fully dependent upon Your grace. Grace that sustains me and makes me grow each day. Without You, I am nothing. Truly, there is nothing that I can boast of that does not belong to You. What You give, You can easily take anytime or at any given moment.

Please forgive me for having sinned out of pride and selfishness. Keep Your servant's heart burning in me so that I may find joy and gladness in being Your instrument to uplift the lives of the poor. May I continue to enjoy the peace and love that You bring to me and my family each moment of our lives.

With much praise, thanksgiving, and humility of heart I pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.

Glorify the Lord at All Times

Let my soul glory in the Lord; 

the lowly will hear me and be glad. 

Glorify the Lord with me, 

let us together extol His name.

PSALM 34 : 3-4

Father in heaven, You are close to the brokenhearted; and You save those who are crushed in spirit. I will bless You O Lord at all times; and Your praise shall be ever in my mouth. 

In my battle to resist temptation that leads me to sin, You have never given up on me. Please accept my constant cry and begging for Your mercy and forgiveness as I claim healing and strength from this weakness. May the power of Your mighty hands be upon me each day that truly brings glory for me to enjoy a meaningful and productive life. 

Thank You so much for making me experience the profound joy and gladness of being in Your presence, keeping me well loved, comforted, and secured. My heart truly belongs to you. 

With much hope, love and thanksgiving I humbly offer You all the glory and praise in Jesus Name. Amen.

Published:

June 12, 2023, 7:18 AM

ENTER GOD'S GLORY

 "Was it not necessary 
that the Christ should suffer these things 

and enter into His glory?”

(Luke 24:26)

Jesus said, "The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one" (Jn 17:22). 

Realize that Jesus is Lord and that He does nothing on His own, but say only what the Father taught Him (Jn 8:28). We were indeed buried with Him through baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live in newness of life (Rom 6:4). God chose to make known the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; it is Christ in you, the hope for glory (Col 1:27).

That which we have seen we declare to you, that you may also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full (1 Jn 1:3-4). The Lord will turn your mourning into joy; He will console and gladden you after your sorrows (Jer 31:13). Let this be written for the generation to come, and let his future creatures praise the Lord (Ps 102: 19).

You will see the Lord as He told you (Mk 16:7). Welcome Him for you have seen all that He had done (Jn 4:45). Taste and see how good the Lord is; blessed the man who takes refuge in Him (Ps 34:9). His steadfast love endures for ever (Ps 118:3).