Celebrating in a Crisis?

How is it even possible to be grateful during these dark days of the Coronavirus?  I mean, people are really suffering.  Some people are getting critically ill and thousands of people are dying.

I was thinking about this today as I was reflecting on Psalm 149, which is the Responsorial Psalm for today’s Mass.

During a Catholic Mass, we hear a reading from the Book of Psalms.  On weekdays, the “responsorial Psalm” comes between the first reading and the Gospel (there is no second reading during the week.)  On Sundays, the responsorial Psalm comes between the first and second reading.

Psalm 149 is very thought-provoking and inspirational when you look at history.

This song reflects back to Exodus when God’s people were saved as they left Egypt and had to cross the Red Sea.  Moses and the Israelites sang out to God in gratitude for his triumph over the Egyptians who had been chasing them (the Egyptians drowned by divine intervention).  They were so happy that the prophetess Miriam played the tambourine and led those who were dancing, singing this beautiful refrain:

“Sing to the Lord, for he is gloriously triumphant; horse and chariot he has cast into the sea.” (Ex 15:21)

In Psalm 149 we hear about that rejoicing, too, as well as festive dancing, tambourines and lyre.

Kind of hard for us to rejoice today, but there is one thing that can help us get there.  Remember, the bible is filled with examples of people looking back on all that God has done, rejoicing in his good work—even in the midst of great fear and lots of chaos—because they know that God is with his people, blessing us. That is great news.

And so, in response, let’s not only pray quiet prayers of thanksgiving, but let’s give a heartfelt, all-out noisy Hallelujah!

If we can do what this Psalm reminds us to do—reflect on what God has done for us, what he does for us every day—we too can find space in our lives to celebrate.

How has God been sustaining you? 

What blessings have you had in the midst of grief and darkness?

Can you find peace knowing your loved one is at rest with God?

Can you find joy in knowing that, even if it is just for today, you are feeling less anxious?

Can you find comfort in knowing that you have a friend or two that is watching over you, lifting you up in prayer?

As it says in Psalm 149, “the Lord takes delight in his people, honors the poor with victory.”

That is truly something to celebrate!

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.blogspot.com
janetcassidy.blubrry.net (podcasts)