Body Abides in Confidence

In the shelter of Your wings, we find our peace, 

A refuge from the storm, where fears cease. 

You are the source of every good and perfect thing, 

Our rock, our fortress, the reason we sing.

Our inheritance, Lord, is in Your hand, 

A promised land where milk and honey stand. 

In You alone, our satisfaction lies, 

Apart from You, every good thing dies.

In the darkest valleys, when shadows loom, 

Your wisdom guides us through the gloom. 

Your counsel whispers in the silent night, 

A beacon of hope, a guiding light.

With You beside us, we shall not fall, 

For You are with us through it all. 

You will not leave us; this we know, 

For Your love is constant; it does not go.

Rejoice in hope of resurrection’s dawn, 

The grave could not hold; its power is gone. 

In life or death, we are Yours to keep, 

In Your promise eternal, we find our sleep.

Let us trust in You with all our heart, 

From Your path of love may we never depart. 

Seeking Your counsel in every decision, 

Finding in You our ultimate vision.

REFLECTION:

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. (Psalm 16:8-9)

God is the source of all good things in our lives. He is our safety and refuge, our inheritance and our satisfaction. Apart from God, we have no good thing. 

We should trust in God rely on Him in all circumstances. Even in the darkest times, we can find comfort and guidance in God’s wisdom. God is with us and He will not abandon us. 

Let us trust in God, seek His counsel, find our satisfaction in Him, and rejoice in the hope of the resurrection. 

Heavenly Father,

You are the source of all good things in our lives, Our safety and refuge in strife. You are our inheritance and our satisfaction, Apart from You, we have no good thing in action.

We trust in You and rely on You in all circumstances, In every joy and trial, in all life’s dances. Even in the darkest times, when we feel alone, We find comfort and guidance at Your throne.

You are with us, Lord; You will not abandon, Your presence is a constant companion. Help us to trust in You, seek Your counsel true, Find our satisfaction solely in You.

Let us rejoice in the hope of the resurrection, In Christ’s victory and Your protection. May our hearts be ever faithful and contrite, As we walk with You in Your holy light.

Amen.

Pericope:

First Book of Psalms 1-41

GOD THE SUPREME GOOD

Psalm 16:1-11

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10

R: You are my inheritance, O Lord.

1 Keep me, O God, for in you I take refuge; 2 I say to the Lord, “My Lord are you.” 5 O Lord, my allotted portion and my cup, you it is who hold fast my lot. (R) 7 I bless the Lord who counsels me; even in the night my heart exhorts me. 8 I set the Lord ever before me; with him at my right hand I shall not be disturbed. (R) 9 Therefore my heart is glad and my soul rejoices, my body, too, abides in confidence; 10 because you will not abandon my soul to the nether world, nor will you suffer your faithful one to undergo corruption. (R)

Background:

Psalm 16 is a beautiful expression of faith and trust in God. It is known as a Miktam of David. The term “Miktam” is commonly understood as golden, but its exact meaning is uncertain. Some believe it could mean “to cover”, suggesting that this Psalm was a secret or silent song given in a time of crisis.

The verses you mentioned are as follows2:

Verses 1-2: “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.””

Verse 5: “Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup; you make my lot secure.”

Verses 7-8: “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”

Verses 9-10: “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.”

These verses reflect David’s deep trust in God. He acknowledges God as his refuge, his portion, and his counselor1. He expresses joy and security in God’s presence, confident that God will not abandon him1. This Psalm is a testament to a life that finds its ultimate rest in God’s protective presence.

It’s important to note that while David wrote this Psalm, it also powerfully predicts Jesus and His work for us. The New Testament writers interpreted verse 10 as a prophecy of Jesus’ resurrection.

Learning Lessons:

Psalm 16:1-2, 5, 7-8, 9-10 offers several valuable lessons for our lives:

Trust in God: Verses 1-2 teach us to trust in God for our safety and refuge. It reminds us that apart from God, we have no good thing. This encourages us to rely on God in all circumstances and acknowledge Him as the source of all good things in our lives.

God as our Portion: Verse 5 refers to God as our portion and our cup, which means that God is our inheritance and our satisfaction. This teaches us to find our contentment and joy in God alone.

Seek God’s Counsel: Verses 7-8 highlight the importance of seeking God’s counsel and keeping our focus on Him. Even in the darkest times, we can find comfort and guidance in God’s wisdom.

Joy and Security in God’s Presence: Verses 9-10 express joy and security in God’s presence. They teach us that true happiness and peace come from knowing that God is with us and that He will not abandon us.

Hope in the Resurrection: Verse 10 is a prophecy about Jesus’ resurrection. This gives us hope in the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

These lessons remind us to trust in God, seek His counsel, find our satisfaction in Him, and rejoice in the hope of the resurrection. They encourage us to live a life of faith, obedience, and trust in God.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Eyes On The Lord

In life's vast sea, waves high and low,

On God alone, our gaze we throw.

Not on the storm, nor on the self,

But on Divine, our truest wealth.

With faith and courage, we navigate,

God's wisdom guides us through every gate.

Greater than any circumstance we meet,

God's power makes the challenge sweet.

We view life through faith's clear lens,

Trust in His love, on Him depends.

Not self-sufficient, we confess,

In every aspect, we need His bless.

Patiently for His mercy, we wait,

Acknowledging our need, however great.

With humility, to Him we draw near,

In His presence, we find no fear.

REFLECTION:

To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven. Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. As the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the Lord, our God, till he has pity on us. (Psalm 123:1-2) 

We should focus our attention on God, not on our circumstances or ourselves. Focusing our attention on God helps us gain a divine perspective and enables us to navigate through life’s challenges with faith and courage. It reminds us that God is greater than any circumstance we might face, and that our strength comes from Him. 

This doesn’t mean we ignore our circumstances or ourselves, but rather we view them through the lens of faith, trusting in God’s wisdom, power, and love. 

We are not self-sufficient; we need God’s help in every aspect of our lives. Let us wait patiently for God’s mercy, acknowledging our need for His grace, and approach Him with humility.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You today, acknowledging that our attention should be focused on You, not on our circumstances or ourselves. Help us to gain a divine perspective that enables us to navigate through life’s challenges with faith and courage.

Remind us, Lord, that You are greater than any circumstance we might face, and that our strength comes from You. Help us to view our circumstances and ourselves through the lens of faith, trusting in Your wisdom, power, and love.

We confess that we are not self-sufficient; we need Your help in every aspect of our lives. Teach us to wait patiently for Your mercy, acknowledging our need for Your grace.

Help us to approach You with humility, recognizing our dependence on You. May we always trust in Your unfailing love and mercy.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

RELIANCE ON THE LORD

Psalm 123:1-4

Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 123:1-2, 2

R: To you, O Lord, I lift up my eyes. 

1 To you I lift up my eyes who are enthroned in heaven. 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants are on the hands of their masters. (R) As the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, so are our eyes on the Lord, our God, till he has pity on us. (R) 

Background:

Psalm 123 is a part of a series of Psalms (120-134) known as the “Songs of Ascents,” traditionally sung by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem. Here’s some background information:

Author and Date: The author of Psalm 123 is not explicitly mentioned in the Psalm itself. However, it is traditionally attributed to King David. The date of its composition is also not specified.

Context: These Psalms were sung during the three major Jewish festivals when the Israelites were required to ascend to Jerusalem.

Purpose: Psalm 123 is a heartfelt prayer, an appeal to the mercy and grace of the Lord3. It shows the psalmist’s profound humility and acknowledges his servitude and dependence on God.

The specific verses you mentioned (Psalm 123:1-2, 2) express the psalmist’s complete dependence on God. The psalmist declares his intention and action — to lift up his eyes to the LORD. This means that his eyes are not on his circumstances or himself, but on the LORD. By remembering where God is, the psalmist grows in trust and confidence. Earth may have no mercy or help, but heaven has plenty of mercy and help. The psalmist looks to God with the same intensity, devotion, and steadfastness as a servant looks to the hand of their master.

Learning Lessons:

The verses Psalm 123:1-2, 2 are rich with lessons for our spiritual journey. Here are some key takeaways:

Look to God: The psalmist declares his intention and action — to lift up his eyes to the LORD. This teaches us to focus our attention on God, not on our circumstances or ourselves.

Dependence on God: The psalmist expresses complete dependence on God. This reminds us that we are not self-sufficient; we need God’s help in every aspect of our lives.

Wait for God’s Mercy: As servants look to their masters, the psalmist looks to God for mercy. This encourages us to wait patiently for God’s mercy, acknowledging our need for His grace.

Humility: The psalmist’s attitude reflects profound humility. He acknowledges his servitude and dependence on God. This teaches us the importance of humility in our relationship with God.

These lessons from Psalm 123 can guide us in our faith journey, encouraging us to focus on God, depend on Him, wait for His mercy, and approach Him with humility. (Conversation with Copilot)

One Body

As a body is one though it has many parts, 

and all the parts of the body, though many, 

are one body, so also Christ. 

For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, 

whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, 

and we were all given to drink of one Spirit. 

(1 Corinthians 12:12-13) 

The Holy Spirit is the source of the gifts. While there are diversities of gifts, they all come from the same Spirit. Despite our diversity, we are all members form one body in Christ. Just as a body has many parts, each of us has his own function, each with his own gifts. Each spiritual gift is given for the common good. If a gift cannot be shared, and shared for the good of others, it is not from the Spirit. We should acknowledge the spiritual gifts that God has blessed us with and put them to work. Whatever talents and abilities God has blessed us with, they should be used to glorify God and serve others.

In the realm of the divine, where gifts take flight,

The Holy Spirit is the source, the beacon of light.

Diverse are the gifts, yet from the Spirit they flow,

Uniting us in purpose, in love's gentle glow.

We are many, yet one, in Christ we unite,

Just as a body, in its strength and might.

Each part unique, each gift bestowed,

In harmony, we carry life's load.

Gifts are given, not for one, but all,

For the common good, they heed the call.

If a gift can't be shared, for others' gain,

It's not of the Spirit, but of worldly chain.

Acknowledge your gifts, let them unfurl,

In God's grand design, let them twirl.

Whatever talents you hold, whatever skills you've got,

Use them to glorify God, let love be your thought.

Dear Heavenly Father, 

We acknowledge that You are the source of all gifts, Your Holy Spirit, our spirits, it uplifts. Though diverse are the gifts, from the same Spirit they flow, uniting us as one body, in Your love we grow. Each of us, a part of Your body, each with a role, each with a gift, each with a soul. These gifts are given for the common good, to be shared, to be understood.

If a gift cannot be shared, if it's not for others' gain, we know it's not of Your Spirit, but of worldly chain. Help us acknowledge the gifts You've bestowed, and put them to work, in Your love, let them be sowed. The talents and abilities You've blessed us with, May they be used to glorify You, to create a myth. Help us serve others, in Your name, In the book of life, let us claim.

In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

Pericope:

C. Spiritual Gifts

UNITY AND VARIETY

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Second Reading | 1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 (or Galatians 5:16-25)

3 Brothers and sisters: No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; 5 there are different forms of service but the same Lord; 6 there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone. 7 To each individual the manifestation of the Spirit is given for some benefit. 12 As a body is one though it has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also Christ. 13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink of one Spirit.  

Background:

1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 is part of a larger discourse by the Apostle Paul on spiritual gifts in the Christian community. Here’s some background information:

Author and Audience: The letter was written by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth, a city in Greece. The church was established by Paul during his second missionary journey.

Context: The Corinthian church was experiencing divisions and disagreements over various issues, including the use and importance of spiritual gifts. Some members were priding themselves on their particular gifts and dismissing the gifts of others.

Spiritual Gifts: In this chapter, Paul discusses the diversity and unity of spiritual gifts. He emphasizes that all gifts come from the same Spirit, and each gift is given for the common good.

Body of Christ: Paul uses the metaphor of a body to describe the church. Just as a body has many parts, each with its own function, the church is made up of many members, each with their own gifts. Despite their diversity, all members form one body in Christ.

Role of the Holy Spirit: Paul highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in bestowing spiritual gifts and in uniting believers into one body. He asserts that no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

This passage underscores the importance of unity in diversity within the Christian community and the central role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.

Learning Lessons:

1 Corinthians 12:3-7, 12-13 offers several profound lessons:

Diversity and Unity of Gifts: The passage teaches us that while there are diversities of gifts, they all come from the same Spirit. This underscores the importance of unity in diversity within the Christian community.

Gifts for the Common Good: Each spiritual gift is given for the common good. This implies that if a gift cannot be shared, and shared for the good of others, it is not from the Spirit.

Acknowledging and Using Our Gifts: We are encouraged to acknowledge the spiritual gifts that God has blessed us with and put them to work. Whatever talents and abilities God has blessed us with, they should be used to glorify God and serve others.

The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the source of the gifts. No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit. This highlights the central role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church.

The Body of Christ: Just as a body has many parts, each with its own function, the church is made up of many members, each with their own gifts1. Despite their diversity, all members form one body in Christ.

These lessons remind us of the importance of recognizing and utilizing our spiritual gifts for the benefit of the community, and the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in bestowing these gifts and uniting us as one body in Christ. (Copilot)

One Body in Christ

We, though many, are one Body in Christ and individually parts of one another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us exercise them: 

If prophecy, in proportion to the faith; if ministry, in ministering; if one is a teacher, in teaching; if one exhorts, in exhortation; if one contributes, in generosity; if one is over others, with diligence; if one does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. 

Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. 

Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality. Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 

Have the same regard for one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly.

PERICOPE:

VI. The Duties of Christians

MANY PARTS IN ONE BODY / MUTUAL LOVE

Romans 12:5-16

Build Up the Body of Christ

And He gave some as Apostles, others as prophets, 

others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers, 

to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, 

for building up the Body of Christ.

EPHESIANS 4 :11-12

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims His handiwork. Day pours out the word to day; and night to night imparts knowledge. Not a word nor a discourse whose voice is not heard; through all the earth their voice resounds, and to the ends of the world, their message. (Ps 19:2-5)

Jesus said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the righteous but sinners.” (Mt. 9:12-13)

It is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats take away sins. For this reason, when Christ came into the world, he said: “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight in. Then I said, ‘As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.’ ” First he says, “Sacrifices and offerings, holocausts and sin offerings, you neither desired nor delighted in.” These are offered according to the law. Then he says, “Behold, I come to do your will.” He takes away the first to establish the second. By this “will,” we have been consecrated through the offering of the Body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Heb 10:4-10)

Live in a manner worthy of the call you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another through love, striving to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace: one Body and one Spirit, as you were also called to the one hope of your call; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (Eph. 4:1-6)

Have mercy upon us, O Lord, the God of all, and look upon us (Sir 36:1). Have mercy, O Lord, upon the people called by thy name, upon Israel, whom thou hast likened to a first-born son (Sir 36:12).

Have mercy on me, God, in Your goodness; in Your abundant compassion blot out my offense. Wash away all my guilt; from my sin cleanse me. (Ps 51:1-4) Let Your mercy come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to Your promise (Ps 119:41).

Household of God

You should know how to behave in the household of God, 

which is the Church of the living God, 

the pillar and foundation of truth.

1 TIMOTHY 3:15

All the ways of a man may be right in his own eyes, but it is the Lord who proves hearts (Prv 21:2). The simple are the wiser; when the wise man is instructed, he gains knowledge (Prv 21:11). Blessed are they whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord (Ps 119:1). 

Great are the works of the Lord, exquisite in all their delights. Majesty and glory are His work, and His justice endures forever. He has won renown for His wondrous deeds; gracious and merciful is the Lord. He has given food to those who fear Him; He will forever be mindful of His covenant. He has made known to His people the power of His works, giving them the inheritance of the nations. (Ps 111:2-6)

Jesus said, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it (Lk 8:21). For the seed that fell on rich soil, they are the ones who, when they have heard the word, embrace it with a generous and good heart, and bear fruit through perseverance.” (Lk 8:15)

Undeniably great is the mystery of devotion, Who was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up in glory (1 Tim 3:16). It is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living being,” the last Adam a life-giving spirit. But the spiritual was not first; rather the natural and then the spiritual. The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man, from heaven. As was the earthly one, so also are the earthly, and as is the heavenly one, so also are the heavenly. Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one.” (1 Cor 15:45-49)

Lord, the way of truth I have chosen; I have set Your ordinances before me (Ps 119:30). Make me understand the way of Your precepts, and I will meditate on Your wondrous deeds (Ps 119:27). Give me discernment that I may observe Your law and keep it with all my heart (Ps 119:34). Lead me in the path of your commands, for in it I delight. And I will keep your law continually, forever and ever. (Ps 119:35,44)

GLORIFIED BODY

He will change our lowly body to conform with His glorified Body by the power that enables Him also to bring all things into subjection to Himself. - Philippians 3:21