Reflections
Psalm 146: 7, 8-9, 9-10 (Read)
“The Lord gives food to the hungry, sets captives free.”
This Sunday's Psalm sings of the promises of the Lord.
Just as Elijah promised the widow in this Sunday's first
reading that she would not go hungry (1 Kings 17:16),
so does the Psalm promise that the Lord will sustain
the widow and the fatherless.
But the Lord’s promises go far beyond flour and oil.
The Psalm contains encouraging words not only for
poor widows, but for each of us as well.
God's promises are fulfilled in the person of Jesus,
who carries out the promises of the Psalm – He sets us
captives free and gives sight to us so we can truly see.
And Jesus sustains us -- with real food and drink.
“The Lord raises up those who were bowed down.”
We are all bowed down because of our brokenness
at one time or another. And where do we turn to be
lifted up and made whole again? We turn to the Lord.
Who else has the grace and the mercy to heal us?
Have we not been under pressure from the evil one
to commit sin? Have we not been held captive at
one time or another by our sins? And do we not
experience a hunger for the Lord and for a deeper faith?
That same power that gives sight to the blind and
raises up those who are bowed down is available
to lift us up away from whatever imprisons us.
All it takes is to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior,
and open our hearts to Him.
So we can pray this Psalm, not only in honor of the
heavenly Father, but also in honor of Christ, whom God
exalted. And having done that, we can join with the
psalmist and sing, “The Lord shall reign forever;
our God, through all generations."
Amen
Discussion Questions for Reflection
1. Our psalmist promises that the Lord will secure justice for the oppressed
and set captives free. In what ways have you been imprisoned, and how
has the Lord set you free?
2. The Psalm says the Lord gives food to the hungry. Describe how the Lord
has given you real food and drink to satisfy your hunger for a closer relationship
with Him.
Even though I experienced a hunger for the Lord and for a deeper faith at one time or another, I did not know the way. But the Psalmist tells me in Psalm 146 just to receive Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
ReplyDeleteWhatever imprisons us, Jesus will set us free from the oppressing evil hands. And so I open my heart and turn to the Lord to ask Him to set me free. Give me hearing to hear so I can truly hear God's voice.
I feel fortunate God provides real food. Through Elijah, God promises the widow she will not go hungry. As He promises, God sustains us with real food and drink as well as spiritual food -- bread and wine. I am fed by Him every time I go to receive the Eucharist. This food satisfies my spiritual hunger and nourishes me. It fills me with peace and joy. And also my faith can be strengthened by it.
Oppressed people are people that stronger people are not kind to. Also, the oppressed people are not free to do what they want to do. So, they feel that life is like being in a prison.
ReplyDeleteThe word "righteous" means God’s people. The word "righteous" itself means "very, very good." Only God is really righteous. But He says his own people are righteous too. He makes them righteous because He is with them. God "protects strangers." God also protects children that have no fathers. And he protects widows.
We are encouraged to put confidence in God. We must hope in the providence of God for all we need as to this life, and in the grace of God for that which is to come. When on earth, his miracles were examples of what He is still doing every day.
He grants deliverance to captives bound in the chains of sin and Satan. He opens the eyes of the understanding. He feeds with the bread of life those who hunger for salvation; and He is the constant Friend of the poor in spirit, the helpless: with Him poor sinners, that are as fatherless, find mercy; and his kingdom shall continue for ever. And as the Lord shall reign for ever, let us stir up each other to praise his holy name.
This Psalm is the first of the "last five" Psalms in the Bible; this series of Psalms overflows with praise. They begin and end with "Praise the Lord" or "Hallelujah," depending on your translation. Although I have a hard time with it, I am in the midst of training myself to praise the Lord in all circumstances.
ReplyDeleteHis Word tells us to do so numerous times, including in Philippians 4:4,6, "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God."
The first thing that happens when I praise Him, is that I am lifted out of my oppressive situation. The chains of vengeance, anger, drudgery or self-pity fly off. I am no longer imprisoned. Praising God is a clear prescription for being set free. I let the Lord take my burdens and my fears. In exchange, I need only carry his light yoke (Matthew 11:30). Thank you, Jesus.