COVID-19 and Psalm 118

Psalm 118: 2-4, 13-15, 22-24     Responsorial Psalm for the Second Sunday of Easter Year A

Lectio:

R:  Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting.

Let the house of Israel say,
   'His mercy endures forever.'
Let the house of Aaron say,
   'His mercy endures forever.'
Let those who fear the Lord say,   
   'His mercy endures forever.'

I was hard-pressed and was falling,
    but the Lord helped me.
My strength and my courage is the Lord,
    and he has been my savior.
The joyful shout of victory
    in the tents of the just.

The stone which the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone.
By the Lord has this been done;
    it is wonderful in our eyes.
This is the day the Lord has made;
    let us be glad and rejoice in it.

Studium:

This psalm is part of the Hallel, which is sung on Jewish feast days.  Psalms 113-118 are prayed for praise and worship.  On Passover, it accompanies the fourth cup of wine.  Although it is adaptable for many situations: thanksgiving, occupation of foreign troops, and even sickness.

Meditatio:

Today the world is going through the pandemic, COVID-19.  We are hard-pressed and falling.  Lord help us.  We need Your strength and courage.

Oratio:

All good things come from You, O Lord.  Heal us.
You alone are all good.  Heal us.
Your mercy is everlasting.  Heal us.
Your love is everlasting.  Heal us.
You alone abide for ever.

Contemplatio:

 This is the day the Lord has made.

Resolutio:

When this pandemic is gone, I will know You as Savior.