My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me?

My God, My God, Why Have You Abandoned Me?

Today we pray the psalm that gives us a glimpse into the mind of Jesus as he hangs on the cross and invites us to stand at the cross. It begins with “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?”, words Jesus speaks from the cross in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. Jesus does not ask for vengeance, but rather, prays for forgiveness of those who do harm. Although Psalm 22 is one of lament, abandonment, and anguish, it is bursting with steadfast trust in God. Through the feelings of suffering and utter abandonment, the faithful one continues to love and be hopeful: “I will tell of your name to my kinsfolk and praise you in the assembly.”

All who see me mock at me,
they curl their lips, they wag their heads;
“You trust in God, let God save you;
let God rescue you for God delights in you!”

Many dogs are round about me;
a band of evildoers encircles me;
they pierce my hands and my feet;
I can count every one of my bones.

They divide my garments among them, for my raiment they cast lots.
But you, O God, be not far off! O my help, hasten to my aid!

I will tell of your name to my kinsfolk and praise you in the assembly.
You who fear God, give praise! You descendants of Jacob, give glory!

Stand in awe, children of Israel!

[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]