Friday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

Preface: This week, I reflect on the Responsorial Psalm, “which is an integral part of the Liturgy of the Word and holds great liturgical and pastoral importance, because it fosters meditation on the word of God.” (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, 61)

The salvation of the just comes from the Lord.
From Psalm 37:39a

Psalm 37 deals with the problem of evil in a poetic way. The Bible frames the problem of evil thus: why do the wicked prosper and the just suffer? Psalm 37 answers: theirs is only temporary prosperity, their eventual reward.

But who are the wicked, a word so frequently used in the Psalms? They are sinners, evildoers, and those who lay snares. They also become violent, bloodthirsty, and deadly. In Psalm 37:21, “The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the upright one is generous and gives.” (Abbey Psalms and Canticles, 2019) In the Psalms, they are often contrasted with the just.

Now, who are the just? Those who are just do the will of God. They are just in their dealings with others. They are upright themselves. They also seem to be in constant opposition with the wicked: “The wicked one plots against the just one and gnashes his teeth against him.” (Ps 37:12, Abbey Psalms) Jesus can be easily seen as the just one referred to in the Psalms.

Westerners today may not be so inclined to think so dualistically about people. However, this is the language of the Psalms and it was the mindset of people in biblical times. I admit, it is difficult to maneuver.

However, here is one verse in Psalm 37 that is relatable: “[The LORD] will make your uprightness shine like the light, the justice of your cause like the noon-day sun.” (Ps 37:6, Abbey Psalms) This reminds me of what Jesus says in his Sermon on the Mount: “Your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” (Matt 5:16) And: “You are the light of the world.” (Matt 5:14) Those who are just will shine brightly in this darkened world. We need examples of light in times of darkness. And if the light shines, the darkness will be overcome. (see John 1:5)

Let us be children not of wickedness, but of the just. Let us be children not of darkness, but of light. (see John 12:35-36)

Reflection by Br. Luke Kral, OSB