Sustained by God’s presence

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Benedictus Antiphon- 'Confessor Dei Pretiose Columba'

The Monks of Pluscarden Abbey

Today is Friday the 17th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time.

The monks of Pluscarden Abbey sing the Benedictus: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel! He has visited his people and redeemed them. He has raised up for us a mighty saviour in the house of David his servant, as he promised by the lips of holy men, those who were his prophets from of old. A saviour who would free us from our foes, from the hands of all who hate us.

So his love for our ancestors is fulfilled and his holy covenant remembered. He swore to Abraham our father to grant us, that free from fear, and saved from the hands of our foes, we might serve him in holiness and justice all the days of our life in his presence.”

3:33

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Isaiah.

Isaiah 38:10-12, 16

I said: In the noontide of my days

I must depart;

I am consigned to the gates of Sheol

for the rest of my years.

I said, I shall not see the Lord

in the land of the living;

I shall look upon mortals no more

among the inhabitants of the world.

My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me

like a shepherd’s tent;

like a weaver I have rolled up my life;

he cuts me off from the loom;

from day to night you bring me to an end;

O Lord, by these things people live,

and in all these is the life of my spirit.

O restore me to health and make me live!

5:07

The reading for today comes from the prayer of King Hezekiah. He feels that his life is being cut short, that his anticipated future is slipping away.

The imagery is stark and evocative - a shepherd's tent being pulled up, a weaver cutting cloth from the loom. Everything seems fragile and temporary.

Notice the king’s emotions, fears and grief – his helplessness. Perhaps there are losses, changes, or uncertainties in your own life that come to mind? Something unfinished?

“O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these is the life of my spirit.” Hezekiah realises that life is not in his control – not through his kingship, authority or strength. Life belongs to God. The fragile nature of life is where he encounters God's saving presence.

Times such as these, that reveal our vulnerability, are often the ones that bring us closer to the Lord.

As you listen to the passage again, reflect on times you have felt the need to be in control, or when you have been sustained by God’s presence.

8:43

Isaiah 38:10-12, 16

I said: In the noontide of my days

I must depart;

I am consigned to the gates of Sheol

for the rest of my years.

I said, I shall not see the Lord

in the land of the living;

I shall look upon mortals no more

among the inhabitants of the world.

My dwelling is plucked up and removed from me

like a shepherd’s tent;

like a weaver I have rolled up my life;

he cuts me off from the loom;

from day to night you bring me to an end;

O Lord, by these things people live,

and in all these is the life of my spirit.

O restore me to health and make me live!

10:05

“O restore me to health and make me live!”

In a time of prayer, rest in the Lord’s presence and be reminded that all your days are held in God’s hands.

12:18

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen