Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Lent 1 - Year C

Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16

Hmm, "no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near." I guess I've not been Templed enough. Out here the protections of life seem frail and inconsistent. Satan seems robust. Angels appear distracted.

The Jewish Study Bible puts a finger on one of the issues here: "It is not clear how metaphorical the language is or whether it reflects popular religion and superstition; whether the dangers are from demons or from the ordinary dangers of plague, war, and wild animals." There is a sense more is trying to be said here than can be borne by any construct relating to reality.

Another issue is the on-going discernment difficulty of proactivity and reactivity. How far will G*D move toward welcoming all, even if they do not call out? What amount or quality of call will finally bring G*D to respond? These questions of G*D are also questions of ourselves. Do you have a theory about your own proactivity and reactivity?