Psalm Meditation 1219 ¶Proper 25 ¶October 29, 2023 ¶Psalm 91 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+91&version=NRSVUE (NRSV) ¶Imagine if it were true that people of God will never be hurt or killed and no evil will befall them/us. There would be lines around the block to sign up for that kind of benefit. Interestingly, there are a lot of folks who have stood in crowds and lines to be a part of that kind of faith. The trouble is that it is not any of the three Abrahamic faiths. Oh, it may have the name but not the ideals and practices of any of the faiths that trace roots back to Abraham. Adherents of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam have each suffered greatly at the hands of others. ¶The important part for faithful adherents to the faith is that there are always those willing to risk their lives for the things they hold dear, even when their sacrifice serves to benefit those who are not in the same camp as themselves. They work for justice for each and all, they work for peace knowing they will have to give up some things to provide for others, they work for the rights and privileges of others because of their relationship with God more than any other reason. ¶The presence of God does not protect us from harm as much as it protects us from being separated from the love of God. That love draws us into relationship with all the people of God and strengthens our resolve to bring peace and justice to all people regardless of their practices and beliefs. God is with us and holds us in powerful, loving hands. We will be hurt, we will be killed, however we will not be separated from God’s love for us, no matter what. ¶October 24, 2023 ¶LCM