Psalm Reflection: Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion - Cycle C

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” - Psalm 22

I was once at a staff lunch with my former Pastor, and when our waitress came to greet us he recognized her as a parishioner. My pastor greeted her and commented that it was so good to see her, because he had not seen her in a while. 

The waitress blew up at him, screaming, “You have no idea what has been going on in my life! How dare you make me feel guilty for not being at Church, that is the last place I want to be!” She then stormed off and we had a different waitress for the remainder of the meal.

Now, my Pastor could have taken it super personally or he could have tried to rationalize what he had said. He was coming from a place of care and concern and was unfortunately misinterpreted. Instead, as the rest of us remained in silent shock at the table, he simply said, “she is probably having a really bad day,” and let it roll off of him like water off a duck’s back. He never brought it up again. I think about that moment often and the incredible resolve and humility it took to remain so calm and charitable in that difficult situation.

My Pastor was wise enough to realize that he did not know the whole story.

This weeks Psalm is the source of Jesus’ words on the cross. Taken out of context, these words can sound as though Jesus is accusing God of being absent, or leaving Him to die with no help, choice, or say in the matter. 

That is not the whole story.

Jesus knew exactly what he was doing when he allowed himself to be arrested, scourged, mocked, and crucified. He also knew exactly what he was saying when he cried out these words. He knew that any Jews who knew their scriptures would immediately think of Psalm 22. Though this Psalm begins with words of despair, it also says:

[The Lord] did not turn away from me, but heard me when I cried out. - Psalm 22:25

Jesus knows His Father is with Him and in faithful. He is offering us a window into His humanity and an image to be reminded of it moments of our own suffering. When we feel that God has abandoned us, we can follow the example of Jesus and turn to the words of Psalm 22 to be reminded that God has a plan that is working for our greatest possible good at all times.

In fact, Jesus Himself knew this and even said to His disciples, “I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go” (John 16:7). He did not see his death as the end, but as a path that would lead to a greater good for all of us. This is echoed in the final verses of Psalm 22:

All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord; all the families of nations will bow low before him. For kingship belongs to the Lord, the ruler over the nations. All who sleep in the earth will bow low before God; all who have gone down into the dust will kneel in homage. And I will live for the Lord; my descendants will serve you. The generation to come will be told of the Lord, that they may proclaim to a people yet unborn the deliverance you have brought. - Psalm 22:28-32

Jesus knew what He was doing and willingly accomplished the Father’s will to save us by offering His own life in expiation for our sins. He paid a debt we owed so we did not have to pay it ourselves. When we suffer, we can be reminded that we have a God who understands our suffering, can relate to it, and is with us in the midst of it.

This week, offer up any inconveniences, sufferings, negative thoughts or experiences for others. Write down a list all of the things in your life that are a source of struggle, pain, worry, anxiety, and fear. Write a prayer intention or the name of someone you would like to pray for next to each one and pray for that particular suffering to be offered for that person or intention. It may take time, but eventually you will start to see a shift in perspective, where negative things become opportunities for others instead of sources of despair. 

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt