Recall His Wondrous Deeds

Readings:
Hosea 10:1-3,7-8,12
Psalm 105:2-7
Matthew 10:1-7

When you first heard the response for psalm, what did you think? Did you think about anything? Did you just repeat it and move on? I have to admit that often I have to do everything in my power just to remember what it is I’m supposed to be repeating, much less focus on what is being said in the middle of it. Reflecting on that, our response today can seem to be a bit of a challenge: Seek always the face of the Lord. When we come to Mass and when we enter into prayer, are we really seeking the face of the Lord or are we on a sort of spiritual auto-pilot, simply going through the motions, saying the proper words at the proper times?

After going to Mass nearly everyday, sometimes multiple times a day, for almost 7 years, I must confess that from time to time I have kicked myself into auto-pilot mode when it comes to attending the Mass, as well as in the praying of the Liturgy of the Hours and the rosary. And I suspect some of you who attend daily Mass regularly have had a similar experience. It’s rather easy to get so caught up in the things going on at home or work, and the many errands that need to be run, and to see prayer as one more thing on the 'to do' list. That’s why I think the words of the psalm are particularly relevant to us today. They said, “Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered.”

Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought. What better way is there to pull us from our complacency and coasting than to call to mind the miraculous works of God? Recall the greatness of God in the stories of Moses, Noah, and Abraham. Recall the way that He brought His people into the Promised Land and how He provided for them along the way. Recall the humility of the Son of God in humbling Himself and taking on our humanity. Recall the miracles that He worked and the great act of Love that He showed on the Cross. Recall the calling and election of those 12 ordinary men who changed the world. Recall the miracles He has done that have changed our world – our baptism, the forgiveness of our sins in confession, the healings and special graces we’ve received, and the gift of the Eucharist that we gather here to celebrate once again. In the face of such wondrous deeds, we cannot help but be shaken from our coasting and complacency. God grant that we never forget to recall these wondrous things.