On the Second Sunday after the Epiphany (January 15), I preached on the appointed psalm for that day, which was Psalm 40. Since then, I turned 40 years old and have been listening frequently to the song “40” by U2, a song released in the same month and year that I was born, March 1983. Several months ago, I began speaking with Merry and David about the possibility of the choir performing a version of U2’s “40” and was excited to learn that a portion of Psalm 40 is appointed for the Feast of the Annunciation, which was yesterday, March 25th. One of the refrains of the song “40” is “I will sing a new song,” inspired by the verse: “He put a new song in my mouth” (Ps. 40:3). After Mary offers her consent to the Lord’s magnificent work in her life, she bursts into a new song called the Magnificat, which is another optional canticle for the Annunciation. However, U2 includes another refrain in the song, which is not included in Psalm 40, but which appears frequently throughout the Scriptures: “How long?” I’ve described these words as the biblical mourner’s mantra, the sometimes-impatient-and-often-painful prayer of Lament. The psalmist asks God, “How long will evil triumph?” (Psalm 13:1-2; 94:3); the prophet Habakkuk asks God, “How long will you ignore us in the face of violence?” (Habakkuk 1:2); while the souls of the martyrs in Revelation cry out, “How long until You judge those who murdered us?” (Revelation 6:10). By adding these words to Psalm 40, U2 transforms the psalm into a prayer of lament, not unlike the heartfelt words of Mary and Martha in today’s Gospel when they complain to Jesus, saying, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died” (John 11:21, 32). While waiting for Jesus to arrive, I imagine them asking each other “How long? How long until he comes to save our brother?” This biblical refrain invites us to bring our own questions, confusion, and impatience to God in prayer, asking “How long? How long must we wait until justice prevails? How long until Your Love and Life have the last word?” As we see in today’s Gospel, God’s love and life and resurrection do indeed have the last word, but not without tears and sadness and heartfelt lament along the way.
On this Fifth Sunday in Lent, we might be feeling some impatience with the season of Lent, wondering how long must we continue fasting? How long until we can praise God with our “All*luias”? After the Annunciation (March 25), Mary had to wait nine months before giving birth to the Christ Child at the first Christmas (traditionally December 25). Fortunately, we do not need to wait that long until the Feast of the Resurrection, which is right around the corner…
How long until Easter? Just twelve days! And how long until the final restoration of all things? Although it might feel like a long time, the Scriptures say it is merely in “the twinkling of an eye” (1 Cor 15:52). Similarly, on one level, forty years seem like a long time to be alive, but on another level, the years have passed by quickly; and 40 is, apparently, when life is just getting started. So how long? Not long.
DANIEL DeFOREST LONDON 
I enjoyed the entry on the Wanekia, so I thought I would check out another. I chose March 2023 because it is the month of my husband’s passing. He was part Blackfoot, part alien, and practicing indigenous. Without him I feel much less connected to our tiospaye, and yet I have seen more of the family than I had in a while, because in a way he amplified my anger with some of them. Now suddenly I go around them and it’s forgive but don’t forget. Strange then to find here instead a reminder that March 2023 was also the month of my 40th birthday, just sixteen days after his passing. The day of this post, in fact. Weird. Makes me think about “a new song” that I might sing. And about other significant events to look forward to. And ~ haha ~ how to make a second version of the same song by adding the complaint “how long”. I’m 41 now, but I will have to compare them.
I listened to the song as performed at the Red Rocks, the year we were born!!!! To me it sounded not like a complaint necessarily, but like an exclamation, possibly a celebration. And a wonderment, or a wondering. The psalm includes more prayers against enemies and words of humility and pride (positive self-reflection), and benedictions and worshipful words and pleas for help. There’s more in there. I can definitely relate with some of it. Was curious about the part about the Lord not desiring burnt offerings. Seems like a break with traditions. Anyway, thank you, for this. No need to publish these comments if you otherwise see fit.