As we continue the Bread of Life discourse this weekend, I am offering a reflection on the responsorial psalm, “Taste and See the goodness of the Lord”, Psalm 34. This week, we will be singing the version of “Gusten y Vean/Taste and See” by Mary Frances Reza. This psalm begins with a prayer of gratitude. Indeed, all we have and all we have to offer comes from the paschal mystery. It continues with a realization that Lord rescues us from all our fears. Do you have fears? During the early days of this pandemic, I was rather fearful of interacting with others and became rather anxious at social gatherings. Through many hours of isolation and social distancing, I took comfort in reflection on scripture reading and recognized that to be a Christian, means to have no fear, other than the Lord himself. “Look to him that you may be radiant with joy, and your faces may not blush with shame. When the afflicted man called out, the Lord heard, and from all his distress he saved him.” What comforting words of hope this psalm offers in times of affliction. It is a reminder to frequently send prayers of petition to our God, who will surely answer in due time. Finally, this psalm offers a recognition of the presence of God. It is a reminder that simply to bask in the presence of the Lord and one another is the greatest form of prayer. That presence guides against partaking of anything that is contrary to God’s will and is redemptive! Here is the music to be sung at the majority of Masses this weekend. https://bit.ly/3BB0Iuy August 7 and 8 Hymns