psalm 37 - why do evil men prosper? 22nd week friday 2016

I would like to continue reflecting on our responsorial psalm today - psalm 37.  This psalm addresses a problem that bothers us even to this day.  And what is this problem – why is it that those who do evil seem to prosper while those who do good suffer?  This is a question we encounter from time to time, isn’t it?  In this psalm this questioning is condemned because it is accompanied by resentment and envy -  how is it that the wicked seem to prosper, how is it that evil people seem to get the good things in life, while I who go to mass every day, while I who observe his commandments, suffer or at the very least have to do with less?  Isn’t God unjust?

Psalm 37 is a prayer encouraging the good not to be envious in the face of such paradox.  Specifically it tells us to do three things:  First we need to trust in the Lord – God is in control and whatever God does, God has a purpose.  So trust him.  Second the psalm tells us to take delight in the Lord, to find fulfilment in God, to find your happiness in God and not in the things this world can offer.  And lastly, it exhorts the good person to commit his way to the Lord despite the seeming triumph of evil, to commit oneself in doing good because in the end the good will be vindicated, the good will triumph and evil will be defeated.

In effect this psalm is saying stop comparing yourself to evil men and do not envy them even if now they seem to have the good things in life and get the upper hand. Trust in God, delight only in the Lord and commit yourself to doing the good despite and in spite of.

In the gospel the Pharisees compared the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus on fasting.  Here again people compare.  We have a fondness for comparison probably because we always want to compete.  But Jesus told them instead to focus on him, focus on the bridegroom.  Jesus is the focus – not your neighbors, not others, not evil men.  Stop comparing yourself to others and focus instead on Jesus.  That way we become less envious and less resentful.