The Gift of God’s Presence: Joy in Union
“For the Souls in Purgatory – Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord”
Psalm 16:1-11
Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord, my only good.” As for the holy ones in the land, magnificent are they in whom is all my delight. They multiply their sorrows who court other gods. I will not pour out libations to such gods, nor will I take their names upon my lips.
Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. For me the measuring lines have fallen on pleasant sites; fair indeed is my inheritance. I bless the Lord who gives me counsel; even in the night my heart exhorts me. I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand, I shall not be disturbed.
Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; because you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor will you let your faithful one see the pit. You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.
Grace Prayed For
The Grace of Conscious Presence: To cultivate a continuous awareness of His indwelling presence, finding delight and peace in His nearness.
Reflection
Imagine the psalmist, pouring out their heart in utter devotion: “You are my Lord, my only good.” This isn’t a mere theological statement; it’s a lover’s whisper, a recognition that in God alone is true fulfillment found. For us, this resonates deeply with the astonishing reality that God, in His infinite love, gives Himself to us. Think of it – the Creator of the universe, the Alpha and Omega, desires not just our service, but our very being, seeking to indwell us, to make His home in our hearts. This is the profound mystery of our union with the Trinitarian God: the Father’s loving embrace, the Son’s redemptive sacrifice making us worthy, and the Holy Spirit’s constant presence, weaving us into the divine tapestry of love.
The psalmist declares, “Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot.” This paints a picture of complete reliance, a joyful surrender to God’s providence. When Jesus entered my life, He didn’t just offer guidance; He became my inheritance, my very life. His love, a torrent of grace, swept away the debris of my past and illuminated a path I never knew existed. He has impacted my life by revealing the depth of unconditional love, a love that doesn’t just forgive my failings but celebrates my existence, seeing me through eyes of boundless compassion. This personal experience of being loved by Jesus is the wellspring of our own ability to love. It’s not about mustering up affection, but allowing His love, freely given, to flow through us.
“You will show me the path to life, fullness of joys in your presence, the delights at your right hand forever.” This isn’t a promise for some distant future; it’s a present reality. When we truly believe that God gives Himself to us, every moment becomes an opportunity for joy, every challenge a chance to lean more fully into His presence. This intimacy with our Trinitarian God – with the Father’s unwavering care, the Son’s perfect example of self-giving love, and the Spirit’s empowering guidance – transforms us. It’s a journey of being continuously drawn deeper into the heart of God, experiencing His delight in us, and allowing that delight to radiate from our very being. This is the mission: to be so saturated with His presence that His love overflows from us into every encounter, making us living testaments to His boundless generosity.
Announcing Jesus in Our Lives
Active Listening with Compassion: When someone shares their struggles, listen not just to their words, but to the unspoken cry of their heart. Recognize that their deepest longing might be for the very intimacy with God that you’ve experienced. Respond with empathy and, when appropriate, a gentle offering of hope rooted in God’s love, perhaps sharing how Jesus has been a source of strength in your own difficult times.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post