Blessed the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commands.
His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth;
the upright generation shall be blessed.
(Psalm 112:1-2)
Fear of the Lord is not dread but profound reverence—a standing in awe of God. Such reverence leads us to wisdom and a life well-lived. We should not merely obey God’s commandments out of obligation; but delight greatly in them. God’s Word fascinates us, just as His works do. Our interest is practical, and we find joy in God’s will and call. Let us always be open-handed and generous, freely giving to the poor, and reflecting God’s heart. In doing so, our righteousness shall endure, and we will not be moved by fear or trouble. Our security lies in our unwavering trust in the Lord.
Fear of the Lord
Fear of the Lord, not dread, but awe profound,
A reverence that in our hearts is found.
Wisdom blooms, a life well-lived we trace,
Not mere obedience, but joy and grace.
God’s Word, a captivating, endless stream,
His works, a symphony, a sacred dream.
Practical interest, joy in His call,
Our hearts wide open, generous to all.
The poor receive our gifts, our love, our care,
Reflecting God’s own heart, His love to share.
In this, our righteousness shall firmly stand,
Unmoved by fear or trouble’s shifting sand.
Our security lies in unwavering trust,
In Him alone, our refuge, strong and just.
Prayer of Reverence and Trust
Gracious God, in awe we stand, Not in dread, but reverence grand. Your wisdom guides our steps each day, A life well-lived, Your holy way.
Commandments not as chains we bear, But treasures found, delights we share. Your Word, a fountain, ever flows, And in its depths, our spirit glows.
Practical hearts, we seek Your will, Joyful in the tasks You instill. Open-handed, generous, we give, Reflecting Your compassion, we live.
Fear and trouble may surround, Yet unwavering trust we’ve found. Our security rests in You alone, Our refuge, our Rock, on Your throne.
Amen.
Pericope:
Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150
THE BLESSING OF THE JUST
Psalm 112:1-10
Responsorial Psalm | Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9
R: Blessed the man who is gracious and lends to those in need.
1 Blessed the man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in his commands. 2 His posterity shall be mighty upon the earth; the upright generation shall be blessed. (R) 5 Well for the man who is gracious and lends, who conducts his affairs with justice; 6 He shall never be moved; the just man shall be in everlasting remembrance. (R) 7 An evil report he shall not fear; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. 8 His heart is steadfast; he shall not fear till he looks down upon his foes. (R) 9 Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory.
Background:
Psalm 112 is a beautiful acrostic psalm that celebrates the blessed life of those who fear the Lord.
Praise the LORD! Blessed is the person who fears the LORD and delights greatly in His commandments. This fear is not dread but profound reverence, standing in awe of God. Their descendants will be mighty in the land. The upright generation will be blessed, and their righteousness endures forever. They rise like a light in darkness. Gracious, merciful, and righteous, they reflect God’s brightness in their lives. They deal generously and lend. Their conduct is just, and they are not afraid of evil tidings. Their hearts are secure in the Lord. Their righteousness endures forever. They freely give to the poor, and their horn (symbolizing strength) is exalted in honor.
Learning Lessons:
Psalm 112 provides valuable lessons for those who seek to live a blessed life in alignment with God’s principles.
Fear of the LORD: The psalm begins with praise, emphasizing the blessedness of those who fear the Lord. This fear is not dread but profound reverence—a standing in awe of God. Such reverence leads to wisdom and a life well-lived.
Delighting in God’s Commandments: The blessed person doesn’t merely obey God’s commandments out of obligation; they delight greatly in them. God’s Word fascinates them, just as His works do. Their interest is practical, and they find joy in God’s will and call.
Generosity and Justice: The righteous person is open-handed and generous. They freely give to the poor, reflecting God’s heart. Their righteousness endures, and they are not moved by fear or trouble. Their security lies in their unwavering trust in the Lord.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
