Day 6: Psalm 22

Psalm 22
We will depart from the Hallel psalms and focus today and tomorrow on the two psalms that Jesus spoke from the cross. Psalm 22 is one of the “seven last words” of Jesus from the cross. It is a wonderful psalm to ponder on Good Friday. When we hear the words that start the psalm, “My God, My God, why have you abandoned me,” it seems Jesus’ despairs. Yet, it behooves us to look at the rest of the psalm to see a deeper meaning. For in this psalm is an eerie parallel to what is happening to Jesus. However, in the ups and downs of the psalm, there is a definitive trust in the Lord’s love and care. There is a sense of victory. This is so important to notice. Those who were there at the crucifixion and heard those first words of the psalm also knew the rest of the psalm 22. Remember, that the psalms were the prayer book of the people. Most of the faithful had them memorized! By praying this psalm on this Good Friday, we to will see why this psalm is one that brings good news and hope!
 
Pray Psalm 22 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? Then use 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.
 
You might want to pray with the St. Mark’s 15 ^th chapter in which Psalm 22 is quoted. Praying it in context with the words that strengthened you can give a new perspective on this Good Friday in which the Lord defeats sin and will overcome death.