The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica : Wednesday 9th November 2022

What do we do when distressed (worrying greatly, suffering deeply)? The Psalmist (Psalm 45/46) reminds us that amid devastating emotional turmoil, to remember that “God is for us a refuge and strength, a helper close at hand” (v 1). Just taking time to ponder and meditate on these words will calm us down and strengthen us from within.

This Psalm was written at a time when nations were at odds with one another, and war weapons were used – not different from what we witness in various parts of the world today. And yet the Psalmist mentions a place that is called “God’s city, the holy place where the Most High dwells” (v 4), where God “is within it”, where “it cannot be shaken”, and where “God will help it at the dawning of the day” (v 5).

Why would God “help it”? God will help it because “God’s city” is where God’s people are. The “river” that flows through God’s city may symbolise God’s sustaining grace as we thirst for God’s joyful answers to many predicaments that challenge us in our everyday lives.

Let us not lose heart in the different and difficult puzzles that life presents. This is because the God we believe in is “the Lord of hosts” (the Supreme Commander of the heavenly armies) and is “our stronghold” (v 7). With God defending us and keeping us safe, let us take time to “consider the works of the Lord, the redoubtable (formidable) deeds He has done on the earth” (v 8).

Lord, thank You.