Compiled by: Georgeanne Falstrom, Intern
PARISH LAY MINISTRY ACADEMY
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Monday March 20, 2006
(Daily Reading: Ps 77,79,80; Gen 44:18-34; 1 Cor 7:25-31; Mark 5:21-43)


Psalm 77
By Rhonda Fields

Scripture: I cried out to God for help; I cried out to God to hear me. 2 When I was in distress, I sought the Lord; at night I stretched out untiring hands and my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered you, O God, and I groaned; I mused, and my spirit grew faint. Selah 4 You kept my eyes from closing; I was too troubled to speak. 5 I thought about the former days, the years of long ago; 6 I remembered my songs in the night. My heart mused and my spirit inquired: 7 "Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again? 8 Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time? 9 Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?" Selah 10 Then I thought, "To this I will appeal: the years of the right hand of the Most High." 11 I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. 12 I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds. 13 Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? 14 You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. 15 With your mighty arm you redeemed your people, the descendants of Jacob and Joseph.

In Monty Python's movie "The Life of Brian," the Jews are organizing a revolt against the Romans. A member of the party says "What have the Roman's ever done for us?!" To which someone else in the group begins to name all the incredible advancements Rome brought to civilization.

In the Psalm today we share the thoughts of a person in the throngs of despair. He has sought the Lord in every way he knows how. He questions God's love, mercy and compassion. In his inmost being he is in excruciating pain. I can relate. I would be embarrassed to count all the times I myself have accused God of being unfair and uncaring. But, like the Psalmist (and the annoying person in the movie), I too am reminded of the times God has been faithful to me. God gently reminds me of all the times he didn't strike me dead when he probably should have just to save himself the frustration.

There-in lays the beauty of it. Not only does he let us live, but he lets us whine about it. He hears our groaning and experiences our pain. He knows the pain of loss, rejection, loneliness and death. If today you find yourself unable to believe in the God of love, tell Him. He will hear you, and he will heal you.

Prayer: I cry out to you for help, O God. Hear me and heal me. I will meditate on all your works and remember your redemption through Christ. Amen.