February 3, 2025 // Optional Memorial of Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr; Optional Memorial of Saint Ansgar, Bishop
Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 31:20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Reflect on the Word //
I’m often proud enough to think that I’m further down the spiritual path than to need to be reminded that my heart should take comfort in the love of God. Like somehow I’m beyond that, or maybe it’s just that I feel I should know, or like it’s step one in the walk of faith. Maybe it’s simple and my goals should be more lofty. How little I know myself and my own needs!
Through the Responsorial Psalm, I’m reminded of the words of Christ that I should become a child to enter into the kingdom of Heaven (see Matthew 18:2-5). Yet I’m quick to over complicate my own heart and the Heart of Christ, Who is gently calling us again today in the Psalm to be comforted and to cast our cares on Him.
Do I have cares? Or worries? Or concerns? Every minute of my life. But I often think they are things that should just be overcome. Instead Jesus is reminding us to “take refuge” (Psalm 31:20), to be comforted and to be cared for, and to know the depths of His love for us.
It’s easy to know how to love a child—they are honest when they are needy. If they are cold, you know! If they are hungry, you know! If they are in pain, you know! And on and on. It’s almost because of that honesty, not in spite of it, that we are so eager to give them what they need. Sincerity is precious, and even our flawed human hearts know it. So, why is it so hard to be simple and honest with the One Who is our Father? Pride (for me) or any other vice will always keep us far from Love. But let’s resolve to be small again, and to be closer than ever to Love and to the Father.
“Let your hearts take comfort, all who hope in the Lord” (Psalm 31:20-24).
Relate to the Lord // Be honest with the Lord today. How are you really? What do you need? Share your heart with Him without editing.
Blythe Fike is the wife of Kirby and mother of eleven smallish kids in small town SoCal. She firmly believes sanctity is found in the everyday and is trying hard to live that truth, despite her countless fumbles. She enjoys sunshine in heavy doses, good music, and babysitters. She is a contributing author to our children’s devotional prayer book, Rise Up. Find out more about her here.
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