The Meek Don't Drive Tanks

Psalm 37:1-11, 39-40 New Revised Standard Version

 Do not fret because of the wicked;

do not be envious of wrongdoers,

 for they will soon fade like the grass,

and wither like the green herb.

 Trust in the Lord, and do good;

so you will live in the land, and enjoy security.

 Take delight in the Lord,

and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 Commit your way to the Lord;

trust in him, and he will act.

 He will make your vindication shine like the light,

and the justice of your cause like the noonday.

 Be still before the Lord, and wait patiently for him;

do not fret over those who prosper in their way,

over those who carry out evil devices.

 Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath.

Do not fret—it leads only to evil.

 For the wicked shall be cut off,

but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

 Yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more;

though you look diligently for their place, they will not be there.

 But the meek shall inherit the land,

and delight themselves in abundant prosperity.

 The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord;

he is their refuge in the time of trouble.

 The Lord helps them and rescues them;

he rescues them from the wicked, and saves them,

because they take refuge in him.

Reflection 

     This beautiful Psalm illustrates the very important insight that Jesus did not reinvent or supersede
the wisdom of the Hebrew Bible. The connections with the Beatitudes, that are currently the Gospel texts for last Sunday and this coming Sunday, are obvious. These passages even serve as a helpful expansion of what Jesus means. The feeling of refuge for the downtrodden and weak is clear. Things will not stay the way they are, hope in God is not put to shame.

     We have to remember and live out this attitude of patience for God to act. It is in our faithful waiting that we can participate in the necessary change. If we aren't pushing ahead and doing our own thing, we can see what God is doing and follow in line. We don't go first. The wicked and greedy push ahead and push over. They drive tanks and conquer. The meek inherit the land. This means that the meek don't drive tanks and also that the wicked are done for. (You only inherit when the previous "owner" is dead.) Being meek means that we submit to God's plan and God's ways. We follow God's rules of loving everyone. It is not weakness, but quiet and contentment.

God of all,

We find it hard, most days, to be anything resembling meek. Teach us to be comfortable and rest in your action. Guide us to work for justice inside of your peace and with a gentleness that shows your loving respect for all life. This day, help me to listen and wait for you. In Name of the Great Shepherd, I pray. Amen.