Proper 12/Pentecost 10/Ordinary Time 17
Preaching
Hear My Voice
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
Object:
(See Proper 19/Pentecost 17/Ordinary Time 24, Cycle C, for an alternative approach.)
This psalm reflects on what Gerhard Von Rad termed "practical atheism." It's not that there are those who decide, intellectually, that God does not exist. Rather, there are those who in their hearts say, "There is no God." The psalmist has in mind those who act and make decisions as though there were no God to hold them accountable. It is entirely possible that there are those who confess with their lips that God is real, but then act is if God does not exist.
The results of such practical atheism are significant and widespread. Those whose behavior is marked by a lack of accountability "do abominable deeds; there is no one who does good."
The psalmist leaves little doubt that God is watching this behavior. The Lord's desire is to find those who are willing to do what is right. But those who are committed to their own way cannot commit themselves to God's way.
This selfish self-interest has an impact apart from the foolishness engendered by the practical atheism. Those who have time only for their own interests and concerns, and who act out of a sense of personal autonomy, wreak havoc socially. Their behaviors result in social arrangements that "eat up my people as they eat bread" (v. 4). They even fail to offer thanks to God for their meal.
But God will not be confounded by human selfishness. Those who are committed to their own self-interest will find themselves living in fear. This is because "God is with the company of the righteous" (v. 5). Practical atheism threatens the poor by disregarding their needs, "but the Lord is their refuge" (v. 6).
We see the truth of this psalm acted out on the stage of world history every day. Powerful corporations seek to extend their profits regardless of the toll on human life. Communities are threatened by pollution because "the bottom line" is more important than human health. Violent regimes terrorize their citizens, holding them in check with fear.
Only those who say in their hearts, "There is no God," could be capable of doing such things. Their actions reveal a reckless autonomy that seems to belie the idea of accountability -- to anyone, but especially to God.
They may be good people who attend church. They may rise and recite the Apostles' Creed. They may sing the great hymns of our faith. But their actions are filled with foolish unbelief.
-- J. E.
This psalm reflects on what Gerhard Von Rad termed "practical atheism." It's not that there are those who decide, intellectually, that God does not exist. Rather, there are those who in their hearts say, "There is no God." The psalmist has in mind those who act and make decisions as though there were no God to hold them accountable. It is entirely possible that there are those who confess with their lips that God is real, but then act is if God does not exist.
The results of such practical atheism are significant and widespread. Those whose behavior is marked by a lack of accountability "do abominable deeds; there is no one who does good."
The psalmist leaves little doubt that God is watching this behavior. The Lord's desire is to find those who are willing to do what is right. But those who are committed to their own way cannot commit themselves to God's way.
This selfish self-interest has an impact apart from the foolishness engendered by the practical atheism. Those who have time only for their own interests and concerns, and who act out of a sense of personal autonomy, wreak havoc socially. Their behaviors result in social arrangements that "eat up my people as they eat bread" (v. 4). They even fail to offer thanks to God for their meal.
But God will not be confounded by human selfishness. Those who are committed to their own self-interest will find themselves living in fear. This is because "God is with the company of the righteous" (v. 5). Practical atheism threatens the poor by disregarding their needs, "but the Lord is their refuge" (v. 6).
We see the truth of this psalm acted out on the stage of world history every day. Powerful corporations seek to extend their profits regardless of the toll on human life. Communities are threatened by pollution because "the bottom line" is more important than human health. Violent regimes terrorize their citizens, holding them in check with fear.
Only those who say in their hearts, "There is no God," could be capable of doing such things. Their actions reveal a reckless autonomy that seems to belie the idea of accountability -- to anyone, but especially to God.
They may be good people who attend church. They may rise and recite the Apostles' Creed. They may sing the great hymns of our faith. But their actions are filled with foolish unbelief.
-- J. E.
