Day 7: Psalm 31

Psalm 31
Today’s psalm is the second of the psalms the Jesus prayed from the Cross. It too is one that is framed with moments of trust and moments of terror as in psalm 22. Likewise, it also ends with a strong sense of trust and hope as did Psalm 22. In His commentary of the Psalm 31, Abbot Gregory Polan, OSB had these interesting insights that hold true for our times today. “Amid trials and tribulations, fears and anxieties, poor health and inner turmoil, the Psalmist acclaims God as the source of all hope, trust, and confidence. It is a powerful acclamation of faith arising from the firm conviction that whatever our circumstances, wherever we are, we are not alone; the God who created and fashioned us stands with us. At the same time, the Lord of the covenant calls for a response in fidelity to the fidelity God has shown to us.” Considering this, it helps to see that as Jesus prayed this psalm verse from psalm 31 “into your hands, I commend my spirit,” He would have had the same hope, trust, and confidence in the Father. These words would likewise have been a comfort to Mary as she reflected on all that had happened to her Son.
 
Pray Psalm 31 in your Bible by using the steps in the praying with the scriptures on the St. Joseph Retreat Center website blog or the Facebook post. Also, you might try to imagine that you are there at the cross and hear Jesus speak the first words of the psalm. How is this psalm helping Jesus and even those at the foot of the Cross? Imagine Mary pondering on these words on this Holy Saturday. She heard them from Jesus; she knew the psalms; how do the words of this psalm help to strength her in her vigil of waiting in hope? Use this question and the questions below to help you in your meditation and prayer.
 
What words or phrases stood out to you as you prayed this psalm?
 
How could they have strengthened Jesus during His Passion?
 
How can they strengthen us during this time of worry and fear in our lives?
 
Write down or even memorize that special word or phrase that gives you peace and strength.
 
In the tradition of the Church, Saturday is a Marian day. In Ordinary Time, Saturdays that have no Solemnity, Feast, or Obligatory Memorial assigned to them have the option of a votive Mass of the Blessed Virgin Mary to be prayed. Holy Saturday is that Marian Day in which she keeps vigil – it is a day for us to keep vigil with her. During my 30 day retreat, we were invited to spend a day with Mary after the meditation on the crucifixion and resurrection; very appropriate. I prayed the Seven Sorrows Chaplet to spend time reflecting with Mary. This devotion along with the words of strength from psalm 31 can be a wonderful source of reflection as we prepare for Easter.