Fr. Don's Daily Reflection - September 3, 2023
Psalm 62: “In you alone is my soul at rest. My help comes from you.”
Dusan from Bosnia, speaker at a luncheon honoring entrepreneurs, was asked about failures in his upward trajectory. He said: "Of course, there were some." But, he added: "Failure in the evening; an opportunity in the morning." In a broader context there is a line from Ps 30:6, "At night come tears, but dawn brings joy." This is verified in the experience of many.
The pains and worries of the day often do dissolve with sunrise. I emphasize experience and often because this is not a philosophical truth or a magic formula. It is related, of course, to trust in this moment’s effects of our Lord's death and resurrection.
Many of us have gone to bed at night in the course of work and responsibilities or more personal concerns, bothered by an issue which seems irresolvable. At times the problem may be too personal even to be discussed with friends or fellow workers. It could be some difficulty about a schedule. Someone has thrown a wrench into our life. Or concern about the stubbornness of another party. It could be a worrying accusation. Or what seems to be an impossible demand regarding a piece of work.
I think Psalm 30 echoes what so often happens when we pray about the concern, leave it up to God and then roll over to sleep. (Ha, I know; not that easy!) This isn't a formula; above all it isn't magic, but what seems to be so often the experience of many of us.
In the morning we may find the accusation was a misunderstanding; our worry had been cut down to size, the other party has relented. The problem has disappeared like the morning fog. This is "old hat" to the more seasoned, the tried and tested, but possibly a viable suggestion for beginners in what is called the "real world."
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!”
