Friday 3rd April | Mark Wroe
Readings
Reflection
‘Why?’ was the constant question of my children when they were little. Every explanation generated another, ‘Why daddy?’
Psalm 22 begins with ‘Why?’
‘My God, my God why have you forsaken me…?’ Devastated, the author in isolation and abandonment cries out to God for explanation.
Most of us find ourselves in unwanted isolation today, asking where God is in all of the fear and anxiety around us? Wondering what God is doing in this COVID-19 crisis?
Three things are worth remembering:
Firstly, Psalm 22 gives us permission, even encouragement, to ask God the hard questions and to express our outrage: ‘why have you forsaken me…?’
Secondly, these are the very words that Jesus made his own as he took our sin, fear and guilt upon himself on the cross, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Jesus, who had known perfect and constant communion with God, suddenly plunged into despair and isolation. In that moment, Jesus knew our fear and desolation and cried with: ‘Why…?!’
Thirdly, often the answers to our questions are not immediate, but Psalm 22 follows a pattern frequently found in Scripture. It goes on to urge faith in isolation, encourage praise in despair and invite trust in God’s future. This is summed by our New Testament reading:
For here we have no lasting city, but we are looking for the city that is to come. Through Jesus, then, let us continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name. (Hebrews 13:14-15)
Prayers
Spirit of God, help us when we pray to share with you our fears and questions, and fill our hearts with your peace and presence. Amen.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you know what it is like to understand isolation and abandonment, yet you are also Emmanuel, ‘God with us.’ Surround all who feel abandoned today with your loving and healing presence. Amen.
Father God, give us the gift of faith to trust in you even in hopelessness and despair.
Help us to believe that you are working in us and through us, to the praise and glory of your name. Amen.
Collect
Most merciful God,
Who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ
Delivered and saved the world:
Grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross
We may triumph in the power of his victory;
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
