19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Written by Chenele Shaw
As I meditate on this Sunday Psalm, the words "Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation" resonate deeply within me. I recall a personal experience that reflects the beauty of God's kindness in my life.
A few years ago, during a challenging time, I felt lost and burdened by the weight of my struggles. I sought comfort and guidance through prayer and community and asked God for a sign of His presence and mercy.
One day, as I was driving to work feeling overwhelmed by my circumstances, I noticed a homeless person sitting alone on the side of the highway exit.
As I rolled down my window, I decided to share some food and engage in brief conversation. As we talked, he shared his name and his hope that God is present as shown through people that stop. Despite his difficult circumstances, he spoke of how he found solace in faith and how God's kindness had manifested through the kindness of strangers.
In that moment, I realized that God's salvation and kindness were not distant concepts but lived experiences woven into the fabric of everyday life. It was as if God was speaking to me through this encounter, reminding me that mercy and truth intersect in the most unexpected places.
As the Sunday Psalm expresses, "Mercy and truth have met each other: justice and peace have kissed." This encounter with a person facing hardships made me see the connection between compassion and salvation. God's kindness and salvation were not just grand gestures but small, everyday acts of love and compassion.
The Psalm's words "For the Lord will give goodness: and our earth shall yield her fruit" took on a deeper meaning for me that day. The goodness of the Lord becomes evident when we open our hearts to those in need, and in return, our lives bear the fruits of compassion, empathy, and love.
Reflecting on this Psalm and my personal experience, I now strive to be more aware of God's kindness in the ordinary moments of life. I seek to walk with justice and live in peace, knowing that God's salvation is near to those who share His kindness.
May we all be open to seeing God's kindness and embracing His salvation in the little acts of love and compassion we encounter each day.
How are we showing compassion to those around us?
Let us walk hand in hand with justice and peace, and may our lives be a reflection of God's grace for all to see.
Amen.
Chenele Shaw is a former youth minister and theology teacher and a current young adult trying to live her life for Christ, frequent her therapist, and eat all the cheese! She is the co-founder of the Before Gethsemane Initiative and host of the Ave Spotlight podcast and the Anti-Depressing podcast. She desires to be her authentic self and help others as well. You can find her watching reality tv, going to confession, and updating her Spotify playlists. Follow her on Instagram and say hey!
Pray with today’s psalm.