Pedestal Building Is a Waste of Material
Reflecting on the Fourth Sunday in Lent: Three Days after Sunday (Year A)
Scripture
Psalter: Psalm 146
Old Testament: Isaiah 60:17-22
Gospel: Matthew 9:27-34
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Prayer
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Reflections
Do not put your trust in princes,
in mortals, in whom there is no help.
When their breath departs, they return to the earth;
on that very day their plans perish (Psalm 146:3-4).
Psalm 146 is a decisive declaration of trust and confidence in God’s sovereignty and power. The problem with human beings is not that we trust in other women and men. In fact, it is difficult to live life in community without such trust. The dilemma we often find ourselves in is when we trust too much, when our expectations of others are too high.
At its core, this psalm is a call to put our ultimate faith and trust in God alone, rather than in the rulers and leaders of this world. We must not place too much confidence in the power and influence of human beings—sinners like us—as they are temporary and ultimately powerless in the face of death. Mortality awaits all of us no matter how high the pedestal we construct for others. The psalmist remind us of this in stark fashion with the words “when their breath departs, they return to the ground.”
In a world where we are often bombarded with messages of power, success, and achievement, where we are encouraged to idolize those who have achieved great things, whether they be political leaders, business moguls, celebrities, or pastors, it is important to remember that they too must die. None of us will get out of life alive.
There is nothing wrong with trusting in those who lead us, but let us refrain from pedestal building. It will prove to be a waste of material.
PRAYER: O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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