The Cry of the Poor

April 7, 2005 Ps 34:2 and 9, 17-18, 19-20

R (7a) The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

I will bless the LORD at all times;
his praise shall be ever in my mouth.
Taste and see how good the LORD is;
blessed the man who takes refuge in him.

R The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

The LORD confronts the evildoers,
to destroy remembrance of them from the earth.
When the just cry out, the LORD hears them,
and from all their distress he rescues them.

R The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted;
and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.
Many are the troubles of the just man,
but out of them all the LORD delivers him.

R The Lord hears the cry of the poor.

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted." It is a great consolation to reread this psalm. There are so many people who suffer so deeply and from evil ways of others in matters that they do not deserve to have such hardships. It worries me sometimes how many burdens and struggles some truly kind and upright people bear with. I have at times prayed for such people and wondered how much suffering can one person bear.