It took a year to read the Bible, then almost 9 months to read the Apocrypha. Now, I'm going to try to offer reflections on the Narrative Lectionary. But, I won't be posting daily--at least, for a while.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Saved from Distress, Reflection on Psalm 107:17-22

Psalm 107 gives thanks for deliverance from many troubles: refugees (4-9); prisoners (10-16); people suffering from illness (17-22); sailors and travelers on ships (23-32).


This week's lectionary focuses on the third group, those who are ill. Even those who had brought about their own sickness cried out to the Lord for help. And even them, did the Lord deliver.

We can interpret this passage quite literally and find many present-day illustrations of sick people who didn't deserve being sick and those who, in our judgment, did.

And, we can metaphorize.

For example, last week we read that the U.S. economy added 227,000 jobs in February and that December's and January's numbers had been revised upward.

Another example is the continued effort to make drinking water throughout the world safe. We still have lots of work to do on this one. http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21550-doubts-raised-that-un-safe-drinking-water-goal-met.html

Sometimes, it is appropriate to look for fault and assess blame, but, it is always appropriate to seek the help of the Lord--directly and also through the work of scientists, economists, and politicians.

And, it is appropriate to give thanks.

Lectio Divina: Psalm 107:21-22

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