I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof. – Psalm 102:7

Today’s Scripture Reading (June 10, 2016): Psalm 102

The Beatles released their song “Eleanor Rigby” on August 5, 1966. The Song was released as a double A-side with “Yellow Submarine,” and it was “Yellow Submarine” that got top billing on the release. But critics have long regarded “Eleanor Rigby” as one of the lyrical and musical jewels that have emerged from the Fab Four. “While “Eleanor Rigby” was not the first song to deal with social issues, the song did come as a bit of a shock to Beatles listeners. The idea that the Beatles would throw away musical and lyrical conventions and speak about neglected people and the fates of the elderly was an interesting choice considering their youth-driven audience. But that might also be the reason why “The Beatles” music has consistently crossed generational divides. The song talks about Eleanor Rigby and Father McKenzie, two lonely people making their way through life who don’t actually get to meet until after Eleanor dies and McKenzie is given the responsibility of conducting her funeral. Of course, no one comes to the funeral, so the problem of loneliness is never solved for either of the song’s protagonists. The song was written by Paul McCartney although it is credited as a Lennon-McCartney composition. The middle verse poignantly describes the work of Father McKenzie -

Father McKenzie writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear
No one comes near
Look at him working, darning his socks in the night when there's nobody there
What does he care?

All the lonely people

Where do they all come from …

The words are appropriate, and familiar, for anyone who has tried to put together ideas that could possibly be shared with others.

The psalmist describes himself as a solitary bird on a roof. It is hard to imagine anything that could be lonelier. As I read the words, I am reminded of the call of the White Throated Sparrow that lives somewhere close to my office. As I arrive for another day at work, the telltale musical call of the bird often greets me, but I never hear a response. What is it like to send the call out and have no one answer you back?

The psalmist seems to understand the feeling. He calls, but the reality is that he is alone and no one answers his call. Even God seems to have fallen silent. Only loneliness remains, and loneliness is a comfort to no one. He is the lonely person that Paul McCartney would write about thousands of years later. No one comes near and the psalmist begins to wonder why he should bother to care.

Sometimes that is simply the way that life simply feels. At some point, we begin to wonder whether anyone is listening. We know that God is there, but sometimes we need to be reminded. The psalmist wants to set out the reminder. Yes, sometimes we feel like we are a solitary bird on a roof with no one to listen to our call, but in the end, we know that God hears us. And he will respond to our plea.

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 104