Matthew 16:1-12
The Daily Office
Never mind the feeding of the 4,000, Jesus’s enemies say, to “test” him as Satan did in the wilderness. What have you done for me lately. But sheesh, not even Jesus’s disciples, who were there for both mass feedings, can keep their eyes ahead. All they can do is keep their eyes low to the ground, and worry about the fact that today, they have no bread.
Jesus’s message to his disciples is summarized beautifully in Psalm 71 (pgs. 683-85, BCP). It begins with a plea to God: “Deliver me, my God, from the hand of the wicked… Do not cast me off in my old age.” Then the psalmist reminds God of what, presumably, God can see (or does he?!) “For my enemies are talking against me…They say, “God has forsaken him; go after him and seize him; because there is none who will save.”
What can one do in such a state of weakness? Remember: My mouth shall recount your mighty acts and saving deeds all day long; though I cannot know the number of them. I will begin with the mighty works of the Lord GOD; I will recall your righteousness, yours alone.” And in the remembering, with vindication still to come (hopefully), he or she is comforted: “You strengthen me more and more; you enfold and comfort me.”
When you are lost in the dark, look up and remember. Relive the past mercies of God in your mind, and feel them seep into your heart. You will find that you are not nearly so weak as you thought. Remember.
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