This weekend we sing together Psalm 91: “Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble. Be with me Lord, I pray.” In the Old Testament reading from the Book of Deuteronomy for this First Sunday of Lent, Moses reminds us that although life can be difficult and sometimes filled with terrible burdens, God will hear us when we cry. “Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble. Be with me Lord, I pray.” The Psalm verse reiterates this: “You who dwell in the shadow of the most high, no evil shall befall you.” If you call upon the Lord, He will answer; He will be with you in times of distress. Cling to Him and He will deliver you. (Remember last weekend? Those who put their trust in the Lord will be blessed.)
The temptation of Jesus by Satan in the Gospel of St. Luke is the example of living this psalm. He chose God, and endured temptation. The Season of Lent is a celebration of this victory over temptation, sin and death. We are reminded of this struggle: in our liturgical symbols, the changes in the Liturgy, in our acts of reconciliation, self-denial and charity to others. When things become difficult, just remember Psalm 91: “Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble. Be with me Lord, I pray.”
Temptations are useful in reminding us of our false notions, fear, anxiety, impetuousness, reluctance and impulse. We are tempted by basic human needs like hunger (Jesus’ first temptation in the dessert). We may also be tempted by more sophisticated things: power, privilege, prestige (Jesus’ second temptation). In our own purifying trial of temptations we may come to terms with our vocation, our call and our various commitments. We all deal with temptation. We do not have to go off in the desert to pray, as did Jesus. Our opportunities for letting God love us are right here. Psalm 91 may help, “Be with me, Lord.” God will uphold you.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
The temptation of Jesus by Satan in the Gospel of St. Luke is the example of living this psalm. He chose God, and endured temptation. The Season of Lent is a celebration of this victory over temptation, sin and death. We are reminded of this struggle: in our liturgical symbols, the changes in the Liturgy, in our acts of reconciliation, self-denial and charity to others. When things become difficult, just remember Psalm 91: “Be with me Lord, when I am in trouble. Be with me Lord, I pray.”
Temptations are useful in reminding us of our false notions, fear, anxiety, impetuousness, reluctance and impulse. We are tempted by basic human needs like hunger (Jesus’ first temptation in the dessert). We may also be tempted by more sophisticated things: power, privilege, prestige (Jesus’ second temptation). In our own purifying trial of temptations we may come to terms with our vocation, our call and our various commitments. We all deal with temptation. We do not have to go off in the desert to pray, as did Jesus. Our opportunities for letting God love us are right here. Psalm 91 may help, “Be with me, Lord.” God will uphold you.
Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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