Today’s readings contain a responsorial psalm worthy of reflection. The collected verses from Psalm 119 include key words and phrases that serve as guideposts for us and help to tell the story about our lives, and how we want to live our lives with and in Christ.

The Psalm starts by extolling the importance of “wisdom and knowledge,” and rightfully so, for without them, how are we to judge between right and wrong, good and bad, and how we are to make decisions that reflect who we truly are and who we truly want to be?

Next is the key word “trust.” Imagine just for a moment living a life devoid of any semblance of trust. Trust is the bedrock upon which all of our relationships are built, whether with friends, family, co-workers or our ever-so-important personal relationship with Christ. Without trust we would all be alone in this world.  

The Psalm continues by reminding us of the importance of “kindness” and the powerful effect small, selfless acts of others have, not only on those we serve, but equally important, on us. Sharing the “compassion” of Christ is a hallmark of being a Christian and is best demonstrated by our willingness to turn the other cheek and our willingness to forgive those who have offended, or worse yet, harmed us.

Near the end of the responsorial psalm, we are reminded about the importance of “precepts” or the law itself, which is there to mold and guide our interaction with family, friends and even complete strangers we encounter.

But the ending, “I am yours; save me,” may be the best phrase in the Psalm and could well have been the foundation for the Prayer of St. Ignatius where he said,

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding and my entire will, all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.”

Today, as we take time to do our daily exam of conscience, always grateful for all that the day has offered us and mindful of God’s constant presence with us, we take time to meditate on some of these key words in the Psalm and how they form the basis of some of the greatest gifts we have received from God.