The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.
Psalm 34:17-21 and 23. March 24, 2023 - Friday, 4th Week of Lent
In recent years, we have seen the growth of depression among different age groups around the globe. Teenagers fall into depression because someone made an unflattering comment about them on social media. Adults fall into depression because they cannot handle anymore the pressure of life. World Health Organization estimates that around 280 million people in the world have depression. But, we are not the first to experience it. The psalmist today speaks about the brokenhearted and crushed in spirit (Ps 34:19), those who like us could not handle life anymore.
Psalm 34 is divided into two parts. The first part contains the prayer of thanksgiving (Ps 34:2-11). The psalmist called upon the Lord and He saved him from all his terrors (see Ps 34:5). The second part offers advice to others on how to live (Ps 34:12-23). First, the psalmist explains the meaning of the phrase "fear of the Lord" (Ps 34:12). To fear the Lord means to avoid evil and do good (Ps 34:15). The fear of the Lord leads to a long and prosperous life (see Ps 34:13). Then, he assures his listeners that the Lord is attentive to the cry of the righteous, those who decided to learn the fear of the Lord and put it into practice. Although they are going to encounter many challenges the Lord will deliver them from all their troubles.
It is within this second part that we find the statement that the Lord is close to those who are depressed and saves those crushed in spirit. The Gospel includes many stories of those who came to Jesus with their problems and one among them could qualify as a severe case of depression. It is a story about a man possessed by "Legion" (see Mark 5:1-20). The description of that man indicates that he gave up on life. We are told that he lived among the tombs and was cutting himself with stones (see Mark 5:5). Perhaps, he represented all the victims of the oppressive rule of the Roman Empire with its military legions crushing all opposition. But for his sake, Jesus underwent a night journey across the Lake of Galilee that nearly ended up in a tragedy when a severe storm hit the boat (see Mark 4:35-41). He came to that brokenhearted and crushed-in-spirit man to set him free and restore his mental health (see Mark 5:15).
Depression is a serious sickness that can be triggered by different events in life: sickness, oppression, failure to meet others' expectations, and tragedy in life. It can also affect people of faith when the challenge of being Christian can be overwhelming. That is what seemed to happen to the community addressed in the letter to the Hebrews. Initially facing persecution with courage and joy, they started to waver under the extended period of affliction and harassment and considered reverting to their former beliefs and way of life (see Heb 10:32-39).
Let me end this reflection with a fragment from a famous prayer of the servant of God, Fr. Dolindo Ruotolo that is known as "Jesus, you take over": "Why do you confuse yourselves by worrying? Leave the care of your affairs to me and everything will be peaceful. I say to you in truth that every act of true, blind, complete surrender to me produces the effect that you desire and resolves all difficult situations".