Friday 27th March – Friday of the 5th week of Lent

Reflection: Psalm 18: 2-7

WHO IS YOUR REFUGE?

What image comes readily to your mind when you think of David? Perhaps you picture a shepherd boy killing a giant, or the eight son of Jesse who is totally forgotten in the fields when his father is asked to present his sons for one of them to be anointed or maybe you think of a powerful king who destroyed all his enemies in battle…these images and much more come to mind as you think of the man after God’s heart.

Yet, one image that may not readily come to mind is that of a young man, scared to death and on the run for his life because King Saul seeks to kill him. It is precisely this image of David that inspired today’s psalm – one of appreciation to God who was his refuge and fortress, his only help in distress. We would all love to be comfortable and have no troubles whatsoever but this is not the reality. Life is filled with moments of peace and serenity alternating with difficult and trying moments.

Where do you turn to in those trying moments? Do you depend on yourself or on fellow men? Do you find yourself heaping complaints on God or do you turn to him in a prayer of trust and confidence? King David sought refuge in God and was not disappointed. Like our Lord did in the garden of Gethsemane, cry to God with faith in your moment of agony and you will not be disappointed. He will strengthen you in difficult times and give you a heart of joy and thanksgiving at the end. Indeed each trial will strengthen your faith just as it did for David.

PRAYER: Lord, You are my refuge and strength. Please help me to find peace in you in trying times. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 476 – How did Jesus pray as he was facing his death?

When face to face with death, Jesus experienced the utmost depths of human fear. Yet he found the strength even in that hour to trust his heavenly Father: “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you; remove this chalice from me; yet not what I will, but what you will [be done]” (Mk 14:36).

HIDE A TREASURE: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” Psalm 46: 1 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Jeremiah 20: 10 -13; Psalm 18: 2-7; John 10: 31-42