Don’t Look Up for Help
At funerals I often turn to the psalmist’s words: “I lift up my eyes to the mountains, from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121)
In this moment of grief for a young couple murdered before their time (may the memories of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky become a blessing), I am wondering about the psalmist’s promised help. The poet looks up to the mountains seeking answers to this age-old question. And then, seemingly out of nowhere and immediately he offers a response. “Help is not found up there but right here. God will help.”
I wonder if this is an answer to our question or instead an attempt to reassure. The poem continues, “The Lord will guard from all harm. God will guard your life. The Lord will guard your going and coming, now and forever.”
Perhaps the psalmist is offering a prayer. It is a hope. The psalm echoes the answer that thundered from Mount Sinai. “And the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai.” (Leviticus 25) That mountain once offered help. Perhaps another one, any mountain, will respond again, and now.
The Israeli poet Yehuda Amichai’s words seems more apt for this moment.
On my desk is a stone with “Amen” carved on it, one survivor fragment
of the thousands upon thousands of bits of broken tombstones
in Jewish graveyards. I know all these broken pieces
now fill the great Jewish time bomb
along with the other fragments and shrapnel, broken Tablets of the Law
broken altars broken crosses rusty crucifixion nails
broken houseware and holyware and broken bones
eyeglasses shoes prostheses false teeth
empty cans of lethal poison. All these broken pieces
fill the Jewish time bomb until the end of days. (Open Closed Open)
I wish to run from its explosive force. I wish no longer to say “Amen” to the endless recitation of our woes. I wish to affirm the efforts of those writing a new story, of bringing blessings to the land. The Torah suggests that peace is in our hands. It is dependent on living by God’s demands. That’s all it takes; the Torah reassures us. God thunders, “You shall eat your fill of bread and dwell securely in your land. I will grant peace in the land, and you shall lie down untroubled by anyone.” (Leviticus 26)
Sarah and Yaron were attending an event sponsored by the American Jewish Committee. They heard from members of the Multi Faith Alliance and IsraAid. These two organizations are at the forefront of groups trying to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. They are working on building Israeli-Palestinian partnerships and regional collaboration to help bring food to Gaza’s hungry.
The blessing of food precedes blessing of peace. Food comes first.
Is the psalmist correct? Any mountain might provide help? Look up for solace and comfort.
And then I realize. The poet’s intention appears clearer. Look up to the mountain.
We are the help.