The Daily Office for September 2, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
Psalm 115 makes favorable comparison between our one true God and the false idols of the heathen. Although the authorship of this psalm has been variously ascribed to David at the beginning of his reign; to Mordecai and Esther; and to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The liturgical arrangement, however, suggests Hezekiah. In fact the predominantly liturgical pattern of 115 reflects its responsive character, which is believed by many to have been composed for the worship of God in the Second Temple.
It is evident that one of the main features of this psalm is condemation of idols. The section most characterized by this theme, verses 3–8, appears again in Psalms 135 and 96, Deuteronomy 4 and 28, Isaiah 42 and 57, and Jeremiah 2 and 16. The psalmist is disturbed at the taunting question of verse 2: "Why should the nations say, 'Where is their God?'” He responds in verse 3: "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases." The writer unleashes his sarcasm against those who worship idols of wood and stone but ridicule those who worship the one true God. Should not the living, he wonders, worship a living God? He ends with a crescendo of praise to the Lord; a practice we should all follow today.
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, who called your Church to bear witness that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself: help us to proclaim the good news of your love, that all who hear it may be drawn to you; through him who was lifted up on the cross, and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.