Recently a couple of Responsorial Psalm responses at Mass have captured my attention. One of these was “The Lord takes delight in his people.” Wow! The Lord takes delight in me. I was led to pray about what in me delights the Lord. I do believe that God created me and formed me, and gave me unique gifts. God delights in his creation. It is important that I pray about what delights the Lord because I need to make that present in my life. There is always a danger that I can put my time and effort into areas or projects that do not delight the Lord. I need to ensure that I am using those special gifts that God gifted me with and not striving for something else.
As a result of my prayer, I have begun to appreciate more how every person is special in the eyes of God. How God delights in each person I am with. I have had numerous occasions recently to share with others, “The Lord takes delight in you.” And now I am writing to remind you that “God takes delight in you.” I invite you to take time out, reflect, spend time talking with God about what delights the Lord in your life and then focusing on that.
Another Responsorial Psalm response that stuck with me was, “Your words Lord are spirit and life.” There are so many words that I hear and listen to every day. Not all of them are life-giving, nor do they bring joy or happiness. Focusing on Jesus’ words and message lead me to joy and happiness. There is more peace and hope in my life when I truly listen and reflect on Jesus’ words. There is such a great danger that the other words and messages that I hear daily will distract me from Jesus’ words and message. I need to pray often, “Your words Lord are spirit and life.” Again I invite you to take time out, reflect, and spend time talking with God about His words that are truly the source of joy and happiness, and are life-giving.
Fr. Bob Tillman, SJ
Creighton Prep