8/7/2012 – Tuesday of 18th week in ordinary time – Psalm 102

        The destruction of the Temple was a very traumatic event for the people of Israel - that is what we hear about in this morning's psalm.   They placed their hope in their belief that the Lord would rebuild their Temple and their nation.  I know that many people are frustrated with our own country right now, as it seems to be heading away from Christianity and toward a very secular agenda.  Yet, I was telling a friend last night that if we Catholics really searched our hearts and tried to find the way where God is leading us and to vote our consciousness in this upcoming election, we would certainly have a strong voice in our nation.  The psalmist pictures God from on high, listening to the groaning of the prisoners, releasing those who are sentenced to die.  There are times when it feels like that our cries are not heard, when it feels like God is not in control.  We are to walk in faith each day, placing our trust in the Lord, working for the establishment of his kingdom.  It is hard sometimes, especially in light of the injustices we see and the frustrations we have, but the Lord will give us the strength to endure.