God in Your Goodness, You Have Made a Home for the Poor

God in Your Goodness, You Have Made a Home for the Poor

Psalm 68 beautifully details how God rights the wrong in the world. It speaks both of the Exodus (sets prisoners free to prosper) and settlement in Canaan (sends downpours to refresh the promised land.) The words of Jesus in the gospel and the psalmist challenge our priorities and values. In God’s eyes, the marginalized like the homeless, those addicted to drugs and alcohol & prisoners are worthy to be in the kingdom of God. God looks after the poor and those who put their trust entirely in the Holy One.

The just are glad, they rejoice before God and celebrate with song.
Sing to God’s name, play hymns! God rides the clouds. Send up a song!
A parent to the orphan, defender of widows: God in the temple!
God gives the homeless a home, sets prisoners free to prosper,
but the rebellious are banished to the wild.
God, You gave us downpours to refresh the promised land
where you nourished your flock.
Gracious God, you strengthen the weak.
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]