Looking Backward, Looking Forward

Readings: Ps 87, 90; Jud 9:22-25, 50-57; Acts 4:32-5:11; John 2:13-25

Psalm 90 – the only psalm attributed to Moses – is written from the perspective of someone who has lived a long life and is trying to make sense of it all. The psalmist doesn’t sugar coat life’s difficulties. He prays that the good days might at least outnumber the bad, and acknowledges that the lucky get 80 years of toil and trouble. Yet he prays for God’s work and its meaning to be manifest in the community.

We would be wise not to wait until the end of our lives to contemplate the meaning of our work and suffering, nor should we wait until suffering is upon us. Praying and meditating over hard truths prepares us for hard times. I have known more than one person who has been able to see the suffering of others as part of God’s plan, then lost faith when God did not exempt them from disease, infidelity, the loss of a loved one, or other tragedy. I can only pray that when suffering comes to me, I will have spent enough time contemplating “why them?” and “how would you have me respond?” that “why me?” becomes a moot question.

The psalmist doesn’t offer concrete answers to the questions he raises, but the context in which he raises them might give us some clues. The questions he asks are universal, and he asks them not about anyone in particular, but about the community. The work is not the work of any one person, but that of the community. The meaning of the work transcends any single life or generation. Remember that God did not permit Moses, despite all he did to lead the Israelites, to enter the promised land. Any satisfaction Moses gained from his efforts he gained from the knowledge he had played his role in the greater plan.

When it’s our turn to suffer – and we’ll all have our turn – the question “Why me?” overwhelms us if we can’t see ourselves as one part of the whole of creation. Like words chosen by a skillful poet, each of is complete, important and beloved by God, but part of a greater work.

Comfort: God is with us, even in suffering.

Challenge: Read The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams. Imagine how different it would be if any one of the words was missing.

Prayer: God of hope, thank you for my place in creation.

Evening readings: Ps 136