Psalm 112: The Just
Saturday, March 30, 2019
I have never noticed this before and now that I have, I cannot stop thinking about it. Light shines in the darkness for the upright . . . God knows that those who follow him, those try to enact his commandment of love, those who are merciful and full of compassion will inevitably be subjected to the darkness. They will be hounded by the wicked. They will have to struggle to get out from under the bushel basket where they have been hidden. Earlier this week my daughter and I were discussing how sad it is that once people begin to shine with God’s goodness an army of naysayers attempts to douse the light they produce. And yesterday in a meeting the theme appeared again: What do we do when those who prefer power, fame and money begin to overtake the righteous? We might turn to the Gospel and then reflect with Psalm 112. As always, we will answers when we seek them.
We reflect on Matthew 10:34-42, Luke 14:26 and John 12:25.
Jesus warns us that following him is difficult; he also tells us that we are well rewarded. Jesus reminds us that his followers will suffer; he also tells us that we will experience great joy. Jesus asks us if we are ready to follow; he also asks if we are ready to drink from the cup of salvation.
Those who act in Christ are never bereft. They experience and share with others the great mercy God has bestowed upon them. Let us remember that when we choose to follow Christ we will find ourselves swallowed up by great darkness . . . yet we will not be alone . . . and we will be rescued.
And so we pray . . .
For all those times we speak although we are fearful . . . All goes well for those who conduct their affairs with justice.
For all those times we step forward to be counted among the few . . . The just shall not fear an ill report.
For all those times we act in the Gospel . . . They shall never be shaken.
For all those times we are shattered and broken yet struggle to stand . . . The just will be remembered forever.
For all those times we cry out for God’s help . . . The just shine through the darkness, a light for the upright.
For all those times when discipleship separates us from those we love . . . Their descendents shall be mighty in the land.
For all those times we are uncertain and full of doubt . . . The hearts of the just are tranquil, without fear.
Let us join the ranks of the just, receive God’s blessing, and shine through the darkness with God’s light. Amen.
A re-post from March 30, 2012.
Image from: http://explore1984-a.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-is-that-light-in-darkness.html
The Noontimes 