TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 19 FEBRUARY
February 19, 2026
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT PETER DAMIAN BACKGROUND AND REFORMING ZEAL FEAST DAY
February 20, 2026
Psalm 28
Of David.
1 To you, Lord, I call;
you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.
3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
with those who do evil,
who speak cordially with their neighbors
but harbor malice in their hearts.
4 Repay them for their deeds
and for their evil work;
repay them for what their hands have done
and bring back on them what they deserve.
5 Because they have no regard for the deeds of the Lord
and what his hands have done,
he will tear them down
and never build them up again.
6 Praise be to the Lord,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The Lord is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.
8 The Lord is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.
1. A Cry to the Lord, Our Rock
David begins Psalm 28 with a heartfelt plea: “To you, Lord, I call; you are my Rock, do not turn a deaf ear to me.” This reminds us that God is our firm foundation in times of distress. When we feel unheard or overwhelmed, we can confidently cry out to Him, knowing He listens. Turning to God first in every struggle strengthens our faith and keeps us anchored in His unfailing presence.
2. Trusting God’s Justice
Verses 3–5 reflect David’s awareness of the wicked and his trust in God’s righteous judgment. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, he entrusts justice to the Lord. This teaches us to rely on God’s fairness and wisdom, even when we face unfair treatment. Trusting God as the righteous judge frees our hearts from bitterness and helps us walk in peace and integrity.
3. The Lord Is Our Strength and Shield
In verse 7, David shifts from pleading to praising: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” This powerful declaration reminds us that God not only protects us but also strengthens us from within. When we trust Him fully, He fills our hearts with courage, joy, and renewed confidence to face life’s challenges.
4. Praise for Answered Prayer
David praises God because He hears and answers prayers. This reminds us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God’s faithfulness in both big and small ways. Praise strengthens our relationship with God and deepens our awareness of His constant work in our lives.
5. God Our Shepherd and Sustainer
The psalm closes with a beautiful prayer for God’s people: “Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” God is not distant; He lovingly guides, protects, and carries His people. When we trust Him as our Shepherd, we can rest in His care, knowing He will lead us, sustain us, and remain with us always.
