Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”

Psalm 119 is the longest Psalm in Scripture. It is made usable for public prayer by dividing it into some 22 sections. Verse 67 (among others) suggests some fruitful reflection. “Before I was afflicted, I strayed, but now I keep your word.” (Ps 119:67) Another translation reads: “I used to wander off until you disciplined me; but now I closely follow your word.”

We hate to think of this, that the only way to a fuller life in Christ is through affliction or something else which “disciplines” us. It’s that same lack of relish with which we look forward to any cross. We resist seeing any good in a real and present affliction, for instance, an illness, chronic pain, an emotional torment, a severe loss. And so, of course, fear it.

Sometimes the pain is softened for us: it creeps up under some other guise and before we realize it, we are already being ‘improved’. At other times our trouble may accompany something else which we really desire and enjoy, pleasing work, good company, etc.

Events seen as so contrary at the time become the unexpected door to a happy and fruitful life we might never have imagined otherwise. One door closes, another opens, goes an old saying. Adversity and even misery are often good teachers. In baptism the pattern of our Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection becomes ours also.  “Before I was afflicted I strayed, but now I keep your word.” Loving God, may your strengthening grace be with us, in us, no matter what pleasant or unpleasant happenings may come!

Psalm 27: “I believe I shall see the Lord’s goodness / in the land of the living.

Wait for the Lord; be strong; / be stouthearted, and wait for the Lord!”

Reply to Fr. Don at: DTalafous@csbsju.edu

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