31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. I love you, Lord, my strength.
Written by Francis Cabildo
II love the beach. I love the salt water and the ocean breeze. It is one of our favorite places to go as a family. A couple of summers ago, my family and I invited some friends to go to the beach with us to beat the heat. We had a great time in each other’s company, and just as the sun was about to set, the kids and their friends decided to go for one last dip in the water. A moment passed and when I looked to see where they were, a distant pair of arms frantically waving caught my attention. I could even hear one of the kids yelling for help. Immediately, I dove into the ocean and swam as fast as I could. Two of the kids were caught in a riptide and in a full on panic by the time I reached them. Still, I got a hold of them and brought them back to safety on the shore. When the shock and the tears subsided, I received the biggest of hugs and embraces. Their moms were so grateful, they simply couldn’t say, “thank you” enough.
In our Psalm today, David is offering a royal thanksgiving for a military victory. He expresses his gratitude to God for this divine rescue saying, “I love you, Lord, my strength.” The word “love” used in Psalm 18 is a love that comes from the deepest recesses of the heart. It’s a love that comes from the depths of the soul of someone who has experienced God’s love and protection; one of tenderness and allegiance.
The kids that I rescued, no doubt, were full of gratitude that I came to their rescue in the thrashing waves and raging current. Has there been a time in your life where God’s protection and love rescued you from danger? Or even saved your life? Your soul? Recall those moments, and give thanks like David saying, “I love you, Lord, my strength.”
Francis Cabildo is the director of worship at Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center. Francis has served as a parish youth minister, music minister, and high school campus minister. You can find his music on iTunes, Spotify, the Hallow App, etc. He and his wife Nicole are raising five amazing boys! AMDG! Check out Francis on instagram!
Pray with today’s psalm.