By Ken Newbold, provost
Scripture: Psalm 31:9-16 (NRSV)
In our spiritual journey, Lent can be seen as a marathon of 40 days in which we work towards being closer to God, and like running a marathon, one faces fatigue as the end of the race approaches. We are nearing the finish line of Lent and Psalm 31 illustrates a tired, yet hopeful voice in completing a quest to prepare for the agony of Jesus dying on the cross only to rise again. For me this verse speaks to the need to continue working hard to uphold our Lenten devotion of making space in our hearts and minds for the risen Lord, although we are tired. As the passage closes, we are reminded to trust in God to guide us through our daily trials and to protect us in times of need.
The words spoken in this Psalm also offer us reason to pause and reflect on how we truly follow Christian principles in our society. Do we treat others with a sense of fairness, trust and openness, or do we find ways to oppress, hurt and disempower those different from us? In these final days of Lent we have the opportunity to connect with those less advantaged, provide for those in need and take action to be models for demonstrating God’s love for us. Taking the lessons of these sorrowful yet inspiring words, we can find energy to pursue our Lenten promises beyond the Easter season and continue to trust in God to guide us in the marathon of life.
Scripture: Psalm 31:9-16 (NRSV)
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress; my eye wastes away from grief, my soul and body also.
10For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my misery, and my bones waste away.
11I am the scorn of all my adversaries, a horror to my neighbors, an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me.
12I have passed out of mind like one who is dead; I have become like a broken vessel.
13For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life.
14But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
15My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors.
16Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love.