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.

Terce

For some reason this morning, Psalm 118, was especially meaningful for me.  In fact, I dropped into meditation during some verses, as the singing/chanting went on.  The verse, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word..." set me to wonder if the affliction was physical or emotional. Personally, in either case (personal references) I don't think I was going astray.  I don't think one would necessarily know.  I don't think I was, but maybe.

Anyway, I was stopped by the affliction and drawn closer to God.  "It is good for me to have been afflicted, for I have deeply learned your statues."

"Comfort me then with your unfailing love, as you promised your servant.  Let your mercy come to give me life, for your law is my delight."

"My soul longs for your protection; your word is my hope of salvation.  I have kept watch for your promise.  'When will you comfort me?' I ask."

"Save me for I am yours, since I seek your statutes."

"Your precepts have given me knowledge, and I hate all that is false."

"I am ready to sacrifice my life for your Law that is always in my heart."

"May your promise uphold me that I may live; let me not hope in vain."

"I strain my eyes searching for your saving help, watching for the fulfillment of your just promise."

"Rescue me from humlan oppression, and help me keep your precepts."

"Favor me with your smile and teach me your statues."

That's my favorite verse--"Favor me with your smile..."  See what I mean?  This Psalm just groans humanity.  I think everyone will find something to relate to.    "...Lord; give me understanding according to your word."