From the Deacon's Desk

Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.

“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121)

OUR HELP IS FROM THE LORD: Today I am choosing to reflect on the Responsorial Psalm the Church offers for today.

Perhaps you are like me – I like to think of myself as independent, not needing help from anyone. At times I even revert back to my toddler stage, “I can do it by myself!”

The smarter, more mature me has come to realize I CANNOT do it on my own. Life is simply too challenging and throws too many curveballs my way.

I have learned to seek the help of the Lord and I do so in a number of different ways. Sometimes, I sit in the silence and ask for God to speak to me. Other times, I ask for the gift of the Holy Spirit to give me strength, courage, or a voice – whatever I may be lacking at the time.

There is one lesson I learned more recently, perhaps spurred by the outpouring of love and assistance that came when Carol was battling cancer. The lesson: Oftentimes when I ask for God’s help, that help comes in the form of a loving and compassionate family member or friend, or sometimes even a stranger.

I am more in tune with that now, and recognize in real time that the person offering help was sent to me by God.

Today’s Responsorial Psalm should provide us both insight and comfort – “Our help is from the Lord.”