God's Table
There is one place where we are all treated with respect.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures and leads me beside still waters. He revives my soul and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You spread a table before me in the presence of those who trouble me; you have anointed my head with oil, and my cup is running over. Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. - Psalm 23
This is probably the best known of all the psalms, and yet we may not really pay much attention to the words when we hear it.
The psalmist tells us that God is always seeking to protect and to serve us, to bring us to a place of no fear, to comfort us and to walk with us through all danger.
What better life than that?
I am particularly struck by the image of God spreading a table for us before our enemies. Isn't that what the Holy Eucharist is all about?
Each week we called to celebrate at God's table, and we know that we are safe in God's presence. It is not that nothing can harm us in this life, but if it does, He is with us.
We may think the true value of being one with God comes when we die and are raised up to Him, but even now, in this troubled life, we benefit greatly by being with Him at His table.
No matter what we encounter in this life, God is there to comfort and protect us. What a blessing that is.
More to come...