Show Notes
In this seventh week of “Ordinary” (or “Normal”) time, Case reflects on how Psalm 48’s themes of divine justice, protection, and communal joy can be used to underscore the importance of protecting civil liberties in a democratic society.
Nuance’s Formed for Formation is a weekly liturgy to encourage all of us to be faithful to Christ in the public square. Join Case Thorp as he follows the Church calendar through the reading of Scripture, prayer, and short reflections on faith in all facets of public life.
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Episode Transcript
We continue in normal time.
A Poem
Spiritual growth, a melody rare.
Victory in Jesus, a breath of air.
New life rises, notes entwine.
In Christ’s reign, a love divine.
Joyful echoes, hearts align.
Salvation story, a grand design.
In the symphony of grace we find
the joy of Christ forever entwined.
Psalm 48
48:1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain,
48:2 beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth, Mount Zion, in the far north, the city of the great King.
48:3 Within its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense.
48:4 Then the kings assembled, they came on together.
48:5 As soon as they saw it, they were astounded; they were in panic, they took to flight;
48:6 trembling took hold of them there, pains as of a woman in labor,
48:7 as when an east wind shatters the ships of Tarshish.
48:8 As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the LORD of hosts, in the city of our God, which God establishes forever. Selah
48:9 We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple.
48:10 Your name, O God, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with victory.
48:11 Let Mount Zion be glad, let the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.
48:12 Walk about Zion, go all around it, count its towers,
48:13 consider well its ramparts; go through its citadels, that you may tell the next generation
48:14 that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will be our guide forever.
Psalm 48 is a hymn that celebrates the greatness of God and the glory of Jerusalem, often seen as a symbol of divine protection and justice. Relating this to the role of civil liberties in a democratic society can be approached through several thematic connections. Psalm 48 speaks of God’s protection over Jerusalem, a city that stands firm and proud. The Psalm emphasizes God’s just rule and righteousness, which bring joy to the inhabitants. The sense of communal worship and the city’s role as a place of gathering for people to honor God. Just as Psalm 48 highlights God’s protection over Jerusalem, a democratic society must ensure the protection of civil liberties to maintain stability and peace. Civil liberties such as freedom of speech, assembly and religion, are fundamental for the well -being and security of the society. The Psalms focus on divine justice, parallels the need for fair and just governance in a democracy. A democratic society thrives when its institutions uphold justice and righteousness, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally under the law.
The communal aspect of worship in Psalm 48 could be likened to the participatory nature of a democratic society. Civil liberties empower citizens to engage in political processes, express their views, and contribute to the community’s overall wellbeing. The joy and pride felt by the inhabitants of Jerusalem in Psalm 48 can be seen as a reflection of the prosperity and happiness that result from a society where civil liberties are respected and upheld. When people are free to express themselves and participate in their governance, it leads to a more fulfilling and prosperous community. So where can you and I see this on a daily basis? As citizens, we ensure that the legal framework of a country robustly protects civil liberties, much like the divine laws and principles that protect Jerusalem. We seek to strengthen institutions that promote justice and fairness, drawing parallels to the divine righteousness highlighted in the Psalm. As Christ followers, we encourage active public participation in civil life, reflecting the communal worship and celebration of Jerusalem’s security, in essence Psalm 48’s themes of divine justice, protection, communal joy can be used to underscore the importance of protecting civil liberties in a democratic society to ensure stability, fairness, and collective well-being.
Ezekiel 2:1-5
2:1 He said to me: O mortal, stand up on your feet, and I will speak with you.
2:2 And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me.
2:3 He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day.
2:4 The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord GOD.”
2:5 Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
A prayer of St. John Chrysostom.
Almighty God, you have given us grace at this time with one accord to make our common supplications to you. And you have promised through your well beloved son that when two or three are gathered together in his name, you will grant their requests. Fulfill now, O Lord, our desires and petitions as may be best for us, granting us in this world, knowledge of your truth and in the age to come everlasting. Amen.
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
12:2 I know a person in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows.
12:3 And I know that such a person–whether in the body or out of the body I do not know; God knows–
12:4 was caught up into Paradise and heard things that are not to be told, that no mortal is permitted to repeat.
12:5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses.
12:6 But if I wish to boast, I will not be a fool, for I will be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think better of me than what is seen in me or heard from me,
12:7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.
12:8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,
12:9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.
12:10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
