God's Power, Kindness, and Protection
July 12, 2023 - Wednesday, 14th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalm 33:2-3, 10-11, 18-19
Psalm 33 speaks of God's power and kindness, highlighting His ability to frustrate the plans of nations and individuals. It reassures us that His plans and designs endure forever (Ps 33:10-11). Throughout history, we can find examples of God's intervention, such as the story of Pharaoh in the Book of Exodus. Additionally, personal experiences and miraculous events demonstrate God's compassion and protection.
In the midst of World War II, a Marine shrine in Poland, known as the spiritual capital of the nation, faced a grave threat. The Germans planned to bomb the shrine, yet their attempts were consistently foiled. In one instance, the bombs missed their target, falling on an entirely different location. On another occasion, the instruments of the planes malfunctioned, forcing them to abandon their mission and retreat. In the final attempt, thick clouds enveloped the planes, rendering the pilots unable to see, thus preventing the bombing.
The psalmist reminds us that "the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy" (Psalm 33:18). This metaphorical language conveys not only God's infinite knowledge but also His compassion towards those who trust in Him. Just as God saw the affliction of His people in Egypt during the time of Moses, leading to their liberation, His compassionate gaze extends to every aspect of our lives.
The psalmist also speaks of deliverance from death and famine, referencing stories of crisis and God's provision in the Bible. For instance, we recall Joseph in Genesis 41, where he interpreted Pharaoh's dreams and prepared Egypt for a severe famine. Similarly, the story of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17) showcases God's provision during a time of great scarcity. These accounts reveal God's faithfulness in delivering His people from challenging circumstances.
In our present time, we encounter individuals who embody trust and reliance on God. I recently met a Spanish couple with ten children who are members of the Neocatechumenal Way, a Catholic renewal movement. Despite having five children, they were sent on a foreign mission, and now, with five more children, they find themselves on another mission in Taipei. It may seem overwhelming, but their lives bear witness to God's watchful eyes protecting, guiding, and delivering them from life-threatening experiences. Their remarkable journey confirms the message of the Bible that the Lord has mercy upon those who trust in Him (Psalm 33:22).
Psalm 33 reminds us of God's power, kindness, and protection. The story of the Marine Shrine in Poland during World War II, biblical accounts of deliverance, and the experiences of faithful individuals all attest to God frustrating the plans of nations and showing compassion to those who fear Him. May we take comfort in knowing that God's eyes are upon us, and as we trust in Him, He will guide us, provide for us, and bring us deliverance in our times of need.