Tags
Christian life, Church, faith, faith questions, faith seeking understanding, God questions, life, lived faith, meaning, prayer, reflection, scripture, spirituality
Due to a quite unexpected circumstance, I recently found myself in an out-of-town/state hospital emergency department with an injured loved one. The hospital was founded by a Catholic order of nuns, and retains that identity. As a part of that tradition, they broadcast “prayers” over the PA a couple of times a day. We happened to be present during the evening offering.
The scripture passage, offered as prayer, this particular evening was Psalm 121, which has the psalmist answering their own question of where to look for help when needed. I’m familiar with this passage due to the intersection of faith and my vocation.
As comforting as it is meant to be, being reminded we are not helpless and alone, even that we are watched over, it struck me as tragically ironic and a little empty.
- “The Lord will not let your foot be moved…” (v. 3a)
- “The Lord watches over you;” (v. 5a)
- “The Lord will preserve you from all evil…” (v. 7a)
- “The Lord will watch over your going out and your coming in…” (v. 8a)
So, what happened? Did “The Lord” take The Lord’s eye off the ball for a split second? My loved one’s foot wasn’t protected from a calamitous missed step that resulted in injury and pain, severe enough to land us in this environment, not to mention a troubling long view of recovery and healing.
Sure, that’s probably a WAY too simplistic and facile take on the Psalm, but how else could I have heard it at that moment? The psalm speaks a promise of attentive care and protection, yet I am aware that so many besides us are vulnerable, at risk, injured, hurting, feeling left unattended.
And no, I’m NOT even remotely blaming The Lord for causing this incident of human frailty. But I am pondering
Yes, I am grateful for the aid and assistance that was rendered to us, that there were “helpers” readily available (with the possible exception of a couple of seemingly inept ER caregivers).
So, today I’m just stuck wrestling with this, that under other circumstances would probably have made barely a blip on my thought process. No answers, no great revelation, theophany, or theological insight. But, perhaps an opportunity to reflect deeper that may be useful moving forward for me and for people who come under my pastoral/spiritual care.