Psalm 146:5-10
Advent 3 - Year A
This section might be considered an extended beatitude that could lead to living as an extension of or partner with G*D. As we hear about what G*D is to be praised for it may become clear that the very hope found in G*D is also found in us. Believe it or not, your Neighb*r has hope in you. G*D has hope in you. Claim this series of blessings:
- Blessed are you when prisoners are freed.
- Blessed are you when the blind see.
- Blessed are you when the bowed down are lifted.
- Blessed are you when right-doing is honored.
- Blessed are you when strangers are welcomed.
- Blessed are you when orphans and widows are upheld.
- Blessed are you when wickedness is put in its place.
Though phrased in terms of results, it is understood that results are not formed in a vacuum. Together you and I can make a difference. It may be that our action is the third or thirteenth or thirtieth or three millionth act along the way to freedom and health for someone or all of us. It may be that ours is a final one and most visible in a chain of decision-making stretching back to Creation.
At stake through the generations is not only a resolution to life’s so-far unresolved issues so thanks can be given but preparation for future resolutions that even more thanks can be given. Knowing the reciprocal nature of life it is important not to forget that thanks given is related to thanks received.
As found in Wrestling Year A: Connecting Sunday Readings with Lived Experience
So often we only respond to outcomes. In the eternal political campaign we are in the middle of that parallels the unending war we have preemptively entered, we keep looking for measurable outcomes. Votes are taken, surges are entered into, and we look around for results and are unable to settle on any agreement as to whether we need to keep going or its time to turn around.
A tension in this psalm is that between praise, just because praise is the right thing to do at all times and in all places, and figuring out outcomes from our present mortal princes. This pull between the two cannot be overcome if we stay on the same plane.
Finally the psalmist settles for a longer-view. Even if justice for the oppressed takes longer than my desire, praise is a better way to wait than anxious casting about for evidence that things are getting worse or marginally better.
There is no conclusive evidence that praising is better than demanding outcome-based analyses and results of particular situations. Praise is certainly not to be used to avoid doing the difficult job of discerning or evaluating. Such, though, needs to be done in the context of a larger vision.
John wonders about trusting Jesus and his methodology that takes John's message but implements it in a different manner. The psalmist wonders about trusting princes and G*D, one so immediate and one so some-day.
Whether going on evidence of folks healed or a remembrance of steadfast love, we wrestle with plans and decision-makers in our own ways. Hopefully we will do so with both hard evidence of making-a-difference and an approach to life that anticipates continued care. An example of this is how the downfall of the wicked is intimately tied to the care of the orphan and widow.
Want to be part of a praise team that is more than ecstatic music? Uphold someone today and watch their oppressors or ignorers fall another day. There is a direct relationship between the two and, when you can see it, you'll opt to do your upholding with praise at being partners with G*D in eventual justice.
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html
Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55
There are standard operating principles for everything. Even thieves have an M.O. (modus operandi). G*D's M.O. seems to be oriented toward seeing that justice is done — that the rich and poor are balanced so the rich don't have too much (discouraging them from changing themselves and the system) and the poor don't have too little (discouraging them from changing themselves and the system).
Whether you listen to the Psalmist or Mary, extraordinary singers, both, you will find the same sort of emphasis — laments, prophecy, praise — all oriented toward living wholly as an individual and as a community and as a world. In this way they are reflecting G*D's M.O. back to G*D and allowing it to transparently shine through them to others. Pretty tricky these singers to be both reflective and transparent. That is an art form in and of itself.
So what is your M.O. when dealing with someone richer than yourself? With someone poorer? Are they close to the same or considerably apart? (You may want to check out where you are with your wealth in relationship to others and that can be done at the <a href="http://www.globalrichlist.com/">Global Rich List</a>.)
What is your M.O. when dealing with someone on the same theological wavelength? With someone who is not? What ratio of time do you spend with one category or the other?
What is your M.O. when dealing with your own spiritual growth? Has that changed over time or it is it still the same as it was when you had your first theological growth spurt?
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2004/december2004.html
Psalm 146:5-10
Isaiah 7:10-16
or
Luke 1:47-55
James 5:7-10
Matthew 11:2-11
Be patient, therefore, "bewombed".... This is variously translated as brothers, beloved, friends, etc., but the awkward neologism is more accurate and evocative.
Patience is possible when we look at our common connections that puts the present in larger perspective. Patience is difficult in the face of a temptation to grumble, not a lot, just a little mumble that will, inexorably, eventually grow to judgment and division. To see a common source life, rather than simply my individual life, brings a gift of humility needed for patience.
When having waited for seemingly too long, it is difficult not to question a soft little question, "Are you the one...?" It is likewise difficult not to spin a response, even one based on experience of sight and sound. For the moment, though, suppose you were called on to respond to a question (presume it is lovingly asked) "Is the church the one...?" Where would you point to ground your response? If you can point at all, would it be toward a common start of creation, particular instances of resurrection, or a tentative sign of hoped for things to come?
Put another way, what are we willing to go to any length or locale to find? Might it be connected with the meaning found in a prophetic tradition of suffering (repentance and renewal) and patience (forgiveness and hope)?
With the prophets we find the terror of G*D - salvation. This terror has to do with the consequences of life lived out of blindness coming home to roost as well as a necessity to admit to the need to change direction. Who in their right mind would look forward to honest consequences or one more change?
In craving a joyful moment in a time of waiting, we can be satisfied by recognizing an antidote to the terror of suffering is a gift of patience.
- - -
your patience while I am harried
adds to my suffering
I see desert all about
you find cool, clear water
thirsty for any relief in a wilderness
I bemoan your pilgrim's way
are you simply you or mirage?
a messenger go-between would be nice
to test everlasting joy
joy within and beyond
suffering patience
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html
Without a context, this is just praise in the air. Verse 3: "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals, in whom there is no help", gives us some traction.
With verse 3 we can begin to make comparisons and make sense of a better way of living than that where princes are known to adjust everything to their own benefit. Now we can begin to line up qualities under princes and under G*D's Image.
promised happiness present happiness resigned hopeful monarch creator favoritism justice for the oppressed more for me food to the hungry security prisoners fed poverty health care for all oppressed lifted up entitled caring outcast hospitality for strangers classism vulnerable honored temporary sustainable
During Advent we light candles to catch a glimpse of a new light, a new way of doing business with one another and creation.
Suggested Activity: Sit comfortably before a lit candle - gaze open-eyed at the flame. Note the colors, the flicker. Feel and smell the warmth. When you have it well seen (at least 2 minutes), gently close your eyes and see it anew. Look beyond what you see with your eyes closed. The not yet is yearning to draw close to you - listen to its whisper, anticipate its being revealed. When you sense what the not yet has to say to you, simply say, "Thank you" and return to your time and space to begin making one change that will help the not yet become more firmly established.
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2010/12/psalm-1465-10.html
Imagine standing behind G*D and watching how justice is done for the oppressed and how the hungry are fed.
How long before G*D beckons you closer and invites you to try your hand? After all there are all too many strangers, orphans, and widows.
Apprenticeship has a long and valued history. We are mentored and we mentor. In this way care goes on forever.
Instead of John asking Jesus if he is “the one”, G*D is asking you—“Are you a next one?”
Your response will probably be greatly influenced by what you are waiting for. Are you waiting for your opportunity to open other eyes wider than you own? Well, it arrived while you blinked. Reach out your hand as you will learn by doing.
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2013/12/psalm-1465-10.html