Showing posts with label Psalm 112. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Psalm 112. Show all posts
Monday, July 22, 2024
Psalm Meditation 1258
¶Proper 12
¶July 28, 2024
¶Psalm 112
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+112&version=NRSVUE
(NRSVUE)
¶Living a life of faith in God is hard work. It means standing firm in ebb and flow of the world’s tides. It means being gracious and merciful to everyone, without determining ahead of time whether or not they deserve it. It means being generous with others from the personal to the international levels. It means risking abuse at the hands of those whose faith is determined by politicians whose goal is power and control. It means recognizing and confronting evil and injustice rather than ignoring it, in hopes that God will deal with it.
¶It is so much easier to buy into the projections of the fear mongers, who love to let us know that anyone who is not one of us is out to do us harm in some way. By pounding us with the propaganda that ‘those people’ are pagans who worship gods with no power but great influence, or they are godless heathens who want to destroy people of faith in order to run roughshod over the rest of the world, they convince us that the only way to stay safe is to stand behind them as they protect us from all the evil people and activity in the world.
¶The psalmist tells us that the way of God is the hard way, the one that challenges us to be just, gentle, merciful and generous because it is the right way to live. It may or may not give us fame and fortune, however we will find ourselves on the firm footing of the path to God. We may live, we may die, we may prosper, we may falter, in the end we will stand in the presence of God. We may think, with the psalmist, that we will ‘look in triumph on [our] foes,’ though I imagine we will, in the end, see them as our brothers and sisters in the family of God.
¶July 22, 2024
¶LCM
Monday, July 27, 2020
Psalm Meditation 1050
Proper 13
August 2, 2020
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
We are used to being the star of our own story, so when we step into God’s story we naturally assume the role of protagonist. Of course we delight in the commandments of the Lord. Of course we are mighty in the land, upright, wealthy and righteous. We stand firm in the ways of God and we expect to come out on top in all disagreements, arguments, and disputes. We have every intention of being the very best at following in the footsteps God has mapped out for good folks like us.
What if this is not about us? Not that we are bad people, just that we leave out some of what God lays out for righteous folk. We not only leave it out, we flat out ignore it. We are okay with bringing up our children the way we were brought up, properly. It is the parts about helping others that we could do without. The part about distributing freely and giving to the poor rankles a bit. We worked hard to get what we have and none of those lazy poor people deserve any of what we worked so hard to get. Except for that pesky part about sharing with others is part of what it means to be righteous.
It is easy to deflect this critique, to make excuses for what we have and have not done for the sake of others. And God calls us to the hard work of taking off our rose colored glasses to look at ourselves in the clear light of day. Chances are pretty good that we are not as righteous and upright as we want to be. And we are just as guilty as the people we gossip and trash talk about. If we read the Psalms as if they are teaching us, disciplining us, moving us off of our normal track we will see that God loves to lead us toward what it means to be a conscious, aware, and active child of God.
July 27, 2020
LCM
Proper 13
August 2, 2020
Psalm 112
1 Praise the Lord! Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the Lord.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
We are used to being the star of our own story, so when we step into God’s story we naturally assume the role of protagonist. Of course we delight in the commandments of the Lord. Of course we are mighty in the land, upright, wealthy and righteous. We stand firm in the ways of God and we expect to come out on top in all disagreements, arguments, and disputes. We have every intention of being the very best at following in the footsteps God has mapped out for good folks like us.
What if this is not about us? Not that we are bad people, just that we leave out some of what God lays out for righteous folk. We not only leave it out, we flat out ignore it. We are okay with bringing up our children the way we were brought up, properly. It is the parts about helping others that we could do without. The part about distributing freely and giving to the poor rankles a bit. We worked hard to get what we have and none of those lazy poor people deserve any of what we worked so hard to get. Except for that pesky part about sharing with others is part of what it means to be righteous.
It is easy to deflect this critique, to make excuses for what we have and have not done for the sake of others. And God calls us to the hard work of taking off our rose colored glasses to look at ourselves in the clear light of day. Chances are pretty good that we are not as righteous and upright as we want to be. And we are just as guilty as the people we gossip and trash talk about. If we read the Psalms as if they are teaching us, disciplining us, moving us off of our normal track we will see that God loves to lead us toward what it means to be a conscious, aware, and active child of God.
July 27, 2020
LCM
Monday, January 16, 2017
Psalm Meditation 866
Third Sunday After Epiphany
January 22, 2017
Psalm 112
1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
In US culture it has gotten to the point that everyone with whom we disagree is an enemy to be squelched, beaten, and destroyed. Politics, religion, and sports are no longer about different loyalties and schools of thought in a back and forth contest over strengths and weaknesses. Each of these is a war for victory for us and total defeat for you. Battle lines are drawn and there is only right and wrong with no subtleties or nuances on either side. The smallest disagreement becomes a battleground with life and death on the line. As enemies we are not to cross the battle lines, to consort with those people.
There is much to fear these days. It becomes easier to find points of disagreement than to look for the many things on which we do agree. Especially when we are on a social media platform we become the idea we are currently espousing rather than the whole picture of who we are. Some of the people by whom I am angered and hurt online are wonderful, companionable people in real life. The fear is real. That everyone with whom we disagree is an enemy is not real.
My hope is that when the psalmist writes, “For the righteous will never be moved,” it is in reference to righteousness rather than that the righteous will never change their minds or their ways of living on the earth. God is constantly moving, and creating while remaining steadfast in love, justice and righteousness. As we stand firm in God we allow ourselves to see that fear and wickedness do not have the final word on any side.
January 16, 2017
LCM
Third Sunday After Epiphany
January 22, 2017
Psalm 112
1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
In US culture it has gotten to the point that everyone with whom we disagree is an enemy to be squelched, beaten, and destroyed. Politics, religion, and sports are no longer about different loyalties and schools of thought in a back and forth contest over strengths and weaknesses. Each of these is a war for victory for us and total defeat for you. Battle lines are drawn and there is only right and wrong with no subtleties or nuances on either side. The smallest disagreement becomes a battleground with life and death on the line. As enemies we are not to cross the battle lines, to consort with those people.
There is much to fear these days. It becomes easier to find points of disagreement than to look for the many things on which we do agree. Especially when we are on a social media platform we become the idea we are currently espousing rather than the whole picture of who we are. Some of the people by whom I am angered and hurt online are wonderful, companionable people in real life. The fear is real. That everyone with whom we disagree is an enemy is not real.
My hope is that when the psalmist writes, “For the righteous will never be moved,” it is in reference to righteousness rather than that the righteous will never change their minds or their ways of living on the earth. God is constantly moving, and creating while remaining steadfast in love, justice and righteousness. As we stand firm in God we allow ourselves to see that fear and wickedness do not have the final word on any side.
January 16, 2017
LCM
Monday, November 3, 2014
Psalm Meditation 751
Twenty second Sunday of Ordinary Time
November 9, 2014
Psalm 112
1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
For many of us our heroes are folks who have accomplished something noteworthy, something a large portion of the world has noticed. They may be rich, famous, influential or a combination of some of these or other celebrated characteristics. We have another list as well. It is the list of folks who have helped us in some way, especially a way that required sacrifice on their part. They have given us a piece of themselves along with any resources they may have offered. These two groups of folks are often at odds with one another.
Our heroes tell us to get all we can for as long as we can and don’t worry about any cost that doesn’t accrue directly to us. That is, don’t hesitate to step on or over someone as long as there is a sizable payoff on the other side. Our mentors, saints if you will, are ever mindful of the effect actions have on others. The reason they have taken us under their wings in the first place is because of their willingness to invest in others at the cost of their own fame and fortune. Perhaps the reason the student often surpasses the teacher is due to the teacher’s willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the student.
The psalmist celebrates these saints who give freely to those who have needs beyond their current resources. The wicked, who were synonymous with the rich, get upset when people give away perfectly good resources that could benefit the holder of that wealth more than the person who receives it. The fact that the saints calculate wealth in a whole different type of economics is lost on those who see wealth in terms of money and property. It comes down to a question of which will make a person happy for the long term. Some believe that happiness comes from wealth, fame and influence, while other believe that happiness comes from richness of relationships. The psalmist chooses to celebrate relationships.
November 3, 2014
LCM
Twenty second Sunday of Ordinary Time
November 9, 2014
Psalm 112
1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
For many of us our heroes are folks who have accomplished something noteworthy, something a large portion of the world has noticed. They may be rich, famous, influential or a combination of some of these or other celebrated characteristics. We have another list as well. It is the list of folks who have helped us in some way, especially a way that required sacrifice on their part. They have given us a piece of themselves along with any resources they may have offered. These two groups of folks are often at odds with one another.
Our heroes tell us to get all we can for as long as we can and don’t worry about any cost that doesn’t accrue directly to us. That is, don’t hesitate to step on or over someone as long as there is a sizable payoff on the other side. Our mentors, saints if you will, are ever mindful of the effect actions have on others. The reason they have taken us under their wings in the first place is because of their willingness to invest in others at the cost of their own fame and fortune. Perhaps the reason the student often surpasses the teacher is due to the teacher’s willingness to sacrifice for the sake of the student.
The psalmist celebrates these saints who give freely to those who have needs beyond their current resources. The wicked, who were synonymous with the rich, get upset when people give away perfectly good resources that could benefit the holder of that wealth more than the person who receives it. The fact that the saints calculate wealth in a whole different type of economics is lost on those who see wealth in terms of money and property. It comes down to a question of which will make a person happy for the long term. Some believe that happiness comes from wealth, fame and influence, while other believe that happiness comes from richness of relationships. The psalmist chooses to celebrate relationships.
November 3, 2014
LCM
Monday, September 17, 2012
Psalm Meditation 640
Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
September 23, 2012
Psalm 112
1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
Our family has been dealing with the tragic death of our four month old granddaughter this week so it may seem surprising that the verse that jumps out of this psalm is, “Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.” We have discovered the rich blessing of friends and family, and how the two categories blend together and overlap in so many ways. Folks have stood with us and held us up in surprising and humbling ways. The offers of help and support from all sides has been an overwhelming display of the wealth and riches we possess in family and friends.
For years I have known that the richest of blessings available to anyone is the wealth that comes to us as we build relationships with each other and with God. This past week I have experienced this richest of blessings in countless ways. “If there is anything I can do, let me know” has been said and experienced in so many ways and from such a wide variety of people. Prayers beyond count have been raised in support of our family by those we know and by those we will never know. Many wish they could actually do something, not being content to simply pray and perhaps not being aware of what a difficult and helpful task it is to lift up another to God in prayer. It seems so simple and is such a deep and profound help and support to us all. I am guessing it seems such a light burden because so many are joined in task of holding us up to God. The web of relationships formed as our families have drawn together is an astounding testament to the wealth and riches we hold in the relationships of which we are a part.
Thank you for the giving and receiving of the richness and wealth of the relationships of which you are a part in this part of our lives, as well as in the rest of the triumphs and tragedies of our lives and your own. One of the letters of condolence reminded us that out of the compassion and support we have received will also flow a depth of compassion toward others at some future time in our lives.
September 17, 2012
Seventeenth Sunday of Ordinary Time
September 23, 2012
Psalm 112
1 Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD, who greatly delight in his commandments.
2 Their descendants will be mighty in the land; the generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.
4 They rise in the darkness as a light for the upright; they are gracious, merciful, and righteous.
5 It is well with those who deal generously and lend, who conduct their affairs with justice.
6 For the righteous will never be moved; they will be remembered forever.
7 They are not afraid of evil tidings; their hearts are firm, secure in the LORD.
8 Their hearts are steady, they will not be afraid; in the end they will look in triumph on their foes.
9 They have distributed freely, they have given to the poor; their righteousness endures forever; their horn is exalted in honor.
10 The wicked see it and are angry; they gnash their teeth and melt away; the desire of the wicked comes to nothing.
(NRSV)
Our family has been dealing with the tragic death of our four month old granddaughter this week so it may seem surprising that the verse that jumps out of this psalm is, “Wealth and riches are in their houses, and their righteousness endures forever.” We have discovered the rich blessing of friends and family, and how the two categories blend together and overlap in so many ways. Folks have stood with us and held us up in surprising and humbling ways. The offers of help and support from all sides has been an overwhelming display of the wealth and riches we possess in family and friends.
For years I have known that the richest of blessings available to anyone is the wealth that comes to us as we build relationships with each other and with God. This past week I have experienced this richest of blessings in countless ways. “If there is anything I can do, let me know” has been said and experienced in so many ways and from such a wide variety of people. Prayers beyond count have been raised in support of our family by those we know and by those we will never know. Many wish they could actually do something, not being content to simply pray and perhaps not being aware of what a difficult and helpful task it is to lift up another to God in prayer. It seems so simple and is such a deep and profound help and support to us all. I am guessing it seems such a light burden because so many are joined in task of holding us up to God. The web of relationships formed as our families have drawn together is an astounding testament to the wealth and riches we hold in the relationships of which we are a part.
Thank you for the giving and receiving of the richness and wealth of the relationships of which you are a part in this part of our lives, as well as in the rest of the triumphs and tragedies of our lives and your own. One of the letters of condolence reminded us that out of the compassion and support we have received will also flow a depth of compassion toward others at some future time in our lives.
September 17, 2012
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