Psalm 44
The country was devastated by the onslaught of the deluge for more than a week. This is a form of great defeat created by corrupt politicians who pocketed the billion pesos of money for the flood control projects. To my countrymen, we call out to God for rescue at this time. In relation to our reading today from Psalm 44, the psalmist cried out due to great defeat. The Israelites were sent into exile, which is the end of Israel’s monarchy. What are the reasons behind this great defeat?
Let us take a glimpse of the Book of Psalms. It is a collection of sacred songs and prayers that are attributed to King David. All songs and prayers were based on Israel’s experiences of struggles and challenges in times of uncertainty. From the Exodus era to the exile of Babylon, the Israelites cried for the guidance of God because they felt that God had abandoned them. The book serves as a reminder for them to return to God as well as their covenant with God and be faithful again.
The psalmist reiterated to the Israelites to unite and to make a new force for struggle. They were divided, and the backbone of strength is weak (Ezekiel 37:1-14). That’s why they were scattered, and some were exiled. This is what is really happening to our country. We know the corruption is widespread; money was stolen by the politicians, especially the lawmakers, and many of us were used by those politicians. We are divided. And our hope is God and no other.
Relatively, we are religious people and always call for God’s guidance; however, from such prayers, believers have no sense of unity to challenge the wicked system of government. We entrust our future to our politicians, especially those lawmakers, but they tend to their interest and not to the interest of the Filipinos.
The psalmist appeals to us to hold a national prayer for help from God. We urgently need divine intervention to unite us against those wicked politicians. If we never do this now, our country is sinking. All of us will suffer. In St. Augustine’s notes in Chapter 8 of the City of God, it states that the suffering for both evil doers and the righteous is common. However, the wicked one has enjoyed it while the good suffer and know it as a struggle. Our politicians have enjoyed everything because they stay in power. Meanwhile, many of the poor people who have been used by the politicians are now struggling from their wickedness. We are suffering from being poor in material things, but we have been blessed by standing up with God for the blessings and guidance.
If we can gain our spirituality, we need to pray and unite against wicked people. A call for a national unity prayer for help is urgent right now, so God will intervene. God will pacify to unite us for common good. In Ephesians 4:1-6, Apostle Paul appeals to us to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. And this is an essential way to have spiritual growth and practice spirituality.
Prayer
O Righteous God of the Universe, hear our national unity prayer for help. The wicked people have enjoyed themselves while many of us are suffering. Floods, corruption, disunity, and stealing of taxpayers’ money were rampant nationwide. You are the only hope for all Filipinos. Please comfort us as well as guide us to restore our minds and spirits. This is our solemn prayer. Amen.
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Prof. Ruel D. Garcia is a theology professor at La Consolacion University Philippines and the former editor-in-chief of the International Journal on Culture, History, and Religion (IJCHR.paschr.ph).
