But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
Thou art my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not tarry!
God is our deliverer. But though he sometimes delivers us from pain, he usually delivers us through it. This is the mystery of the cross and of Christ’s triumph over death that triumphs, not by never encountering death, but by facing it head on, letting it do its worst, and emerging victorious in the resurrection. May God deliver us all through the resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Mark P. Shea is a popular Catholic writer and speaker. The author of numerous books, his most recent work is The Work of Mercy (Servant) and The Heart of Catholic Prayer (Our Sunday Visitor). Mark contributes numerous articles to many magazines, including his popular column “Connecting the Dots” for the National Catholic Register. Mark is known nationally for his one minute “Words of Encouragement” on Catholic radio. He also maintains the Catholic and Enjoying It blog and regularly blogs for National Catholic Register. He lives in Washington state with his wife, Janet, and their four sons.