MEDITATION ON PSALMS
Psalm 85

1. The Baptism of Jesus
TRUTH shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall LOOK DOWN from heaven. (Ps 85:12)
When Jesus came to John to be baptized, John resisted, but Jesus replied to him saying, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” We also are called to fulfill all righteousness, by searching for God’s will. Then truth shall spring out of the earth and we will be happy even in our sufferings. After Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened and the Holy Spirit, like a dove, came upon Him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God the Father looked down from heaven and announced that His just One was sent to the world and we should listen to Him.
Blessed Alphonse Marie says: “I desire nothing, but to do the will of my heavenly Father.”

2. The Wedding at Cana
You have favored, O Lord, your land; you have RESTORED WELL-BEING of Jacob. (Ps 85:2)
The married couple did not even know that they were in trouble because of the shortness of wine. The Blessed Virgin Mary asked Jesus for a favor for them. Jesus granted her intercession and restored well-being for the married couple as well as for all present at the wedding feast at Cana. God restores the well-being of everyone who asks Him for a favor through the intercession of Mary, Mother of God.
Blessed Alphonse Marie says: “One can say that meekness is God´s favorite virtue.”

3. Proclaiming the Kingdom
I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord FOR HE PROCLAIMS PEACE. TO HIS PEOPLE, AND TO HIS FAITHFUL ONES, and to those who put in him their hope. (Ps 85:9)
During the Christmas season, we hear the reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah that the long awaited Messiah will be a PEACE. Jesus, during His public life, not only proclaimed peace, but also brought peace of heart and mind to people by forgiving their sins. Even after His resurrection, He said to His apostles: “Peace be with you!” and established the sacrament of reconciliation. So do not be troubled any more, bring to Jesus your concerns, worries and even sins and He will grant you peace.
Blessed Alphonse Marie says: “Where humility reigns, there is peace and the grace of God.”

4. The Transfiguration of Jesus
Justice shall WALK BEFORE HIM, and SALVATION, along the WAY OF HIS STEPS. (Ps 85:14)
At the Mount of Tabor, Moses and Elijah appeared and talked to Jesus about His suffering by which He would bring us salvation. Moses brought God’s law and justice written on two tablets to the Israelites in the desert. Elijah walked before God trying to bring unfaithful Israelites back to God. Justice and honor of God are two steps, which will lead us on the way to salvation. So let us walk before God, who brought us salvation.
Blessed Alphonse Marie says: “The only things that should concern us during prayer are the honor of God, the complete fulfilling of the will of God, and the salvation of souls.”

5. The Institution of the Holy Eucharist
The Lord himself will give his BENEFITS; OUR LAND SHALL YIELD ITS INCREASE. (Ps 85:13)
Wine and bread are benefits of our God, who allows it to be produced abundantly. Yet, He not only increases them, but transfigures them into His Body and Blood as a food for our journey to the everlasting life. What a benefit! We no longer strive. Here is His Body and Blood, which we are invited to take and be strong enough to walk everyday life.
Blessed Alphonse Marie says: “God does not look at the body and what pleases it; rather He only sees the soul and what is useful and beneficial for it.”