Who can be compared with the Lord our God,     who is enthroned on high? 6 He stoops to look down     on heaven and on earth. 7 He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, even the princes of his own people! He gives the childless woman a family,    making her a happy mother. Psalm 113:5-9

I cannot recall ever hearing or reading psalm 113 and recognizing this affirmation of human rights.  It says the Lord is giving to all dignity and placing persons on equal footing. The psalm affirms that God is not content to be distant. It affirms that God intervenes in our lives and make it better.  God “looks down” on earth and God sees the  suffering  “poor man” and “the childless woman.” Being childless in the Jewish society was a very humiliating state. But God promises to free the woman from her barrenness. God sets the poor and needy among princes. God gives them a seat. 

 This affirmation is needed in our society today. In the world I should say as so many persons feel as if they do not count. So many feel as if their voices are not heard and those with power wield it without thought for the consequences. It would appear that there is no Hope. Those who are in despair or desperate situations which the poor and needy represents have nothing to look forward to. But God through the psalmist says I will lift you up. I will give you a place in this world where you can stand or sit with anyone as an equal. You can live with dignity and receive respect. 

The psalm then is not only an affirmation but a call to God’s people to act and bring the promise to fruition

 In these 16 days (25th November – 10th December) when we take time to consider eliminating gender based violence, the passage speaks forcibly that no one should have to live at a substandard level, without dignity and a voice. All should have basic needs and none should feel humiliated. God seeks always to give life to those who cannot find life for themselves

But…. How do we who are called to be the hand and feet of God make a difference in this world? How do we as individuals make our own mark as we seek to share and give life to those who cannot find it for themselves?  The words ‘We who drink his cup bring or give life to others”.

Today’s second reading from the daily office, answers very clearly. Paul in 1 Thessalonians 2:8 says tells the Thessalonians   “So deeply do we care for you that we are determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you have become very dear to us.”  The King James Version use very passionate words “being affectionately desirous of you”. Paul says We are to love others and not in a superficial way. We must reach into our innermost being, from our gut, from our heart and in our heads we must love. This is not  should or maybe this is a command of God.  We are to bring hope to the hopeless as it is through us that God’s promises are fulfilled.   

David Haas in the song You are mine says
“I will come to you in the silence
I will lift you from all your fear
You will hear My voice
I claim you as My choice
Be still, and know I am near

I am hope for all who are hopeless
I am eyes for all who long to see
In the shadows of the night,
I will be your light
Come and rest in Me

I am strength for all the despairing
Healing for the ones who dwell in shame
All the blind will see, the lame will all run free
And all will know My name

I am the Word that leads all to freedom
I am the peace the world cannot give
I will call your name, embracing all your pain
Stand up, now, walk, and live
Do not be afraid, I am with you
I have called you each by name
Come and follow Me
I will bring you home
I love you and you are mine”

May we truly believe with our whole selves that we are called to bring Hope and dignity to the Hopeless

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