Proper 26 / Pentecost 24 / Ordinary Time 31
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
(See Advent 3, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 5-10.)
This psalm appears several times in the lectionary, with different applications during the Christian year. It is used in two different years in connection with All Saints. What makes the psalm applicable in many settings, including All Saints, is the theme of God's love for the righteous (v. 8). There is tremendous value in remembering and celebrating the contribution of those who have gone before us. The act of remembering helps keep us faithful to the sacrifices and acts of kindness accomplished on our behalf. Celebrating the memory of those who have gone before takes on special significance as we acknowledge our belief in God's blessings and care for these faithful ones.
This psalm also includes an important insight regarding the character of the people we choose to place our trust in. The psalmist warns us, "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals in whom there is no help" (v. 3).
This insight actually cuts two ways. On the one hand we are called to be responsible for finding and following "mortals" who are helpful. The psalmist is not warning us that all mortal humans fail to offer help, only that some do. If being mortal disqualified everyone from being a mentor or teacher, we would all be lost. We must find those good role-models and follow them. These are the teachers and role-models who shape us and mold us. These are the ones whose life and memory we will celebrate throughout time.
The other side of this, of course, is the recognition that not all mortals are helpful. The psalmist zeroes in on "princes." The reason why should be obvious. What was true in the ancient world is also true now. People of wealth and power can take on a "larger-than-life" status. In our day these people would include politicians and pop stars.
They walk among us as giants. If we are not careful, we will grant them respect and awe beyond what they really deserve. More than that, because of their stature, we may allow them to shape us and mold us into their own image.
People who seem larger than life often have influence that far outreaches their character. This is mostly our own fault. We often have difficulty distinguishing the path that leads to wealth and success from the path that leads to wisdom and integrity. The psalmist offers a subtle warning that we should not be overawed by people in the limelight. They are mortals like the rest of us and are not necessarily the best teachers.
Instead we are challenged to join in a song of praise celebrating God's goodness. God cares for the weak and oppressed. God cares for the prisoner and sets them free. God gives sight to the blind (vv. 8-10). In other words, while we are standing star-struck by the "princes" who walk in our midst, God is standing with the poor and the needy. God stands where the righteous before us have always stood, and where we are challenged to stand as well.
-- J. E.
This psalm appears several times in the lectionary, with different applications during the Christian year. It is used in two different years in connection with All Saints. What makes the psalm applicable in many settings, including All Saints, is the theme of God's love for the righteous (v. 8). There is tremendous value in remembering and celebrating the contribution of those who have gone before us. The act of remembering helps keep us faithful to the sacrifices and acts of kindness accomplished on our behalf. Celebrating the memory of those who have gone before takes on special significance as we acknowledge our belief in God's blessings and care for these faithful ones.
This psalm also includes an important insight regarding the character of the people we choose to place our trust in. The psalmist warns us, "Do not put your trust in princes, in mortals in whom there is no help" (v. 3).
This insight actually cuts two ways. On the one hand we are called to be responsible for finding and following "mortals" who are helpful. The psalmist is not warning us that all mortal humans fail to offer help, only that some do. If being mortal disqualified everyone from being a mentor or teacher, we would all be lost. We must find those good role-models and follow them. These are the teachers and role-models who shape us and mold us. These are the ones whose life and memory we will celebrate throughout time.
The other side of this, of course, is the recognition that not all mortals are helpful. The psalmist zeroes in on "princes." The reason why should be obvious. What was true in the ancient world is also true now. People of wealth and power can take on a "larger-than-life" status. In our day these people would include politicians and pop stars.
They walk among us as giants. If we are not careful, we will grant them respect and awe beyond what they really deserve. More than that, because of their stature, we may allow them to shape us and mold us into their own image.
People who seem larger than life often have influence that far outreaches their character. This is mostly our own fault. We often have difficulty distinguishing the path that leads to wealth and success from the path that leads to wisdom and integrity. The psalmist offers a subtle warning that we should not be overawed by people in the limelight. They are mortals like the rest of us and are not necessarily the best teachers.
Instead we are challenged to join in a song of praise celebrating God's goodness. God cares for the weak and oppressed. God cares for the prisoner and sets them free. God gives sight to the blind (vv. 8-10). In other words, while we are standing star-struck by the "princes" who walk in our midst, God is standing with the poor and the needy. God stands where the righteous before us have always stood, and where we are challenged to stand as well.
-- J. E.
