Lessons for the Church from Psalm 106
August 9, 2023 - Wednesday, 18th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalm 106:6-7ab, 13-14, 21-23
Psalm 106 delves into Israel's history, highlighting their unfaithfulness and sins. One transgression was the worship of the golden calf at Mount Horeb, which provoked God's anger. Moses intervened through intercessory prayer, offering hope and demonstrating the power of seeking divine mercy. These themes can be applied to the history of the Church, recognizing our collective sinfulness and the importance of intercessory prayer.
The Church, like Israel, is marked by human fallibility. Vatican II affirms that the Church embraces sinners, acknowledging the constant need for purification. In this case, it dispels the notion of an ideal community of flawless individuals. Thus, our shared sinfulness should discourage division and instead foster repentance and trust in God's mercy. Like the psalmist, we must acknowledge our own sins and seek God's salvation. Repentance and trust in His mercy are essential for individual and communal renewal within the Church.
Moses interceded for the Israelites and his prayer averted the destruction that their sins warranted, demonstrating the power of intercession and God's desire for mercy. The intercessory prayer of Moses is a prelude to Jesus’ intercessory prayer for all of us. The New Testament reveals to us that our Lord constantly intercedes for us with the Father (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). And so we direct our prayers for mercy to him who is our Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1) saying during the Mass: “Look not on our sins but on the faith of your Church”.
The psalmist prays: “Remember us, O Lord, as you favour your people” (Ps 106:4). Through intercessory prayer, we implore God to pour out His grace upon the Church and renew our commitment to Christ's teachings. Intercession helps restore the Church's integrity, mission, and unity, aligning us with God's will. As the Church embraces its collective sinfulness and strives for renewal, it can become a powerful witness to the world. By embodying love, truth, and unity, the Church can inspire others and contribute to the healing and redemption of a broken world.
The lessons from Psalm 106 resonate deeply within the history and challenges faced by the Church. Moses' intercessory prayer offers a blueprint for us to imitate, emphasizing the power of repentance, trust, and unity. By embracing intercession and seeking renewal, the Church can become a beacon of love, truth, and unity in a world yearning for God's healing and redemption. Through collective prayer and unwavering faith, we can fulfil our mission and draw others closer to His divine love.