29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Written by Eric Wilkes
Today we’re going to do a little Psalmio Divina and break down Psalm 121:2. “Our”. Let’s stop right there. A little abrupt I know, but too often we breeze over those first words or lines. This first word of this psalm has some pretty significant meaning. Take a second to remember that we, as a human race and as sons and daughters of God, exist and dwell in a shared identity in Whose we are. We possess a communal existence and a shared Father. He is our Father and because He is ours and so is His help.
In the First half of the psalm “Our help is from the Lord…”, the psalmist reminds us that at any given point in our lives and in any given circumstance, we share a God who loves us and is waiting to help us when we’re ready and when He sees it is best fit for our ultimate good. This is incredibly good news! At least it is for me, you may be reading this and be completely self-sufficient and satisfied with every decision you’ve ever made. Meanwhile, I can recall a time when I couldn't even cook EasyMac, which clearly and boldly displays “easy” on the box. I hate to admit it, but despite following the directions word for word, I was defeated by noodles and cheese. In so many aspects of my life I feel like I need to go back to basics and after walking with others through life, I know I’m not alone. I often need help from others and especially from the Lord. I’m incredibly grateful for the generosity and help of both my brothers and sisters and the Father we share.
I see the last line of the psalm, “who made Heaven and Earth” and my mind creates a modern version that reads, “oh yeah… by the way, the same Lord that we share, who will help us anytime we need…yeah… He made a little something called Heaven and Earth. Ever heard of it? No big deal.” But in all sincerity, sometimes we forget the magnitude of the God we serve. We hear about Him at school, church, or in the media. We receive Him in Word and Sacrament at mass. On a good day, if we remember those aforementioned basics, we’ll spend quality time with Him in prayer. In our familiarity with our Father we can be tempted to forget His magnitude as Creator. Even in the creed we profess so often, how many times do we completely breeze past the third line “Creator/Maker of Heaven and Earth”? I know I’m guilty of not letting that sink in. Have you seen the Earth? Have you seen the Heavens? The parts of both that we actually know about or have experienced are incredibly intricate, beautiful, and awe inspiring. The reality is that there’s still so much we don’t know about the Heavens and Earth because of its vastness. Even more than the vastness of the Heavens and Earth is the deep and unending love God has for you. You have a God who intentionally created you and thought of you before you were born, who loves you enough to give His life for you, and who is on your side waiting to offer the help that leads to your highest good. In so many ways the world we live in today can make us feel isolated and alone and hopeless. The psalmist’s words dismantle these modern lies with everlasting truth. You have brothers and sisters who share a heavenly Father. Your heavenly Father created you and this world around you, and He loves so much that He’s with you always ready and willing to help with anything you need.
How can you take steps toward embracing your identity as a son or daughter of God and what is weighing heavy on your heart that you can give to the Lord who is longing to help you as your loving Father?
Eric Wilkes is Louisiana born and Chicago based artist, musician and producer serving churches, communities, and ministries on an international level. He has been an artist, writer, co-writer, instrumentalist, and producer for several projects through NOVUM RECORDS, and is a part of the indie rock duo NOVUM. When he’s not playing music, he enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Cori, his family, and his close friends relaxing and enjoying good conversations. When Eric needs medicine for his soul he finds it in new places, sunny days, trips to the ocean, chai tea lattes, playing piano in empty churches and late night adoration chapel visits.
Pray with today’s psalm.