The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?
Today`s responsorial Psalm presents to us an extraordinary way of trusting in the Lord. Biblical commentators unequivocally opine that David is the author of this Psalm. When we read this whole Psalm, we will understand that this prayer rises from the midst of the sea of sorrow. He does not despair or grow weary of the hardships he goes through, but seeks refuge in the Lord, the God in whom he trusts and hopes. He is convinced that God is able to lighten the darkness before him. His light, the courage he gives, helps me to move forward without tiring when my life goes through hardships and sufferings. Only when we develop the conviction that He will not forsake us can we look at our problems and say that I have a God who cares for me. David says the Lord is my stronghold. It is not our experience, our possessions, our knowledge, our work, our friends, but our God who gives us eternal salvation. David speaks in light of his experience. He knew that when the mighty Goliath came against Israel and when Saul and his men tried to kill David, he persevered and succeeded, with God standing by his side. That is why in Psalm 118:5-7 he sings, “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies.” May we strive to cultivate the belief that our light and salvation belongs to the Lord.
Isaiah 49: 6 presents the coming Messiah as the salvation and light of the world. John then presents Christ as the light that illuminates all men, the light that conquers darkness (John 1: 5,9). Jesus says as the fulfillment of all prophecies, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). His light is needed more than ever in today’s world. Let us pray for the grace to trust in the Savior these days as we prepare for His coming. May we have faith that he will not forsake me, even in the valley of the shadow of death. He is my light and my salvation.
✍ CB