4 Again I saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And behold, the tears of the oppressed, and they had no one to comfort them! On the side of their oppressors there was power, and there was no one to comfort them. 2 And I thought the dead who are already dead more fortunate than the living who are still alive. 3 But better than both is he who has not yet been and has not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
Reflection
There are 3 points I would like to cover in this very short reflection:
All the oppressions that are done under the sun.
My understanding with the above line is that oppression has become a norm. It is no longer something hidden; but it has become so rampant and visible. And that the people are either numb or afraid to comfort those who are oppressed. The elite and those in power cause this oppression.
The dead who are already dead are more fortunate than those who are still alive.
The oppression is long as if it is lasting that it is better for the oppressed to die. The dead are more fortunate than those who are alive. This can mean torture and on-going oppression.
Better than both are those who have not yet born and have not seen the evil deeds that are done under the sun.
The oppression is very grave that it is better for those who have not yet been born.
From these points, I would like to ask the following questions:
Is there currently a great oppression in the world done by those in power?
Who are the oppressed?
Do you think it is better for them to die than to suffer this great oppression?
Do you think it would have been better if they could have not been born yet?
Who are the oppressors?
These are questions that you do not have to answer me. As these are the questions I also have to answer myself.
Perhaps the passage is calling us to be aware of the people around us who are oppressed by those in power. Perhaps it is our neighbor or someone we usually encounter in the market or grocery.
Let us pray for them that God may bless them and empower them. Let us also pray to God that we may also be able to be channels of relief, peace, and happiness to these people.
This might be a long shot; but nothing is impossible when God’s spirit will work in us and through us.
