Psalm Meditation 1348 ¶Third Sunday of Easter ¶April 19, 2026 ¶Psalm 52 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2052&version=NRSVUE ¶I imagine that each of us knows or knows of someone who will lie, cheat, and steal, without hesitation to get what they want. And they will bluster and blame everyone except themselves when things don’t go to their selfish, destructive, treacherous plan. They will throw friends and enemies alike to the wolves if it suits their purpose and gets them what they want out of a situation. The psalmist knows such a person and has been hurt by their conniving ways and destructive behavior. ¶The psalmist continues by expressing the hope that God will break down those who find more comfort in wealth than in the presence of God. While it is God’s will that each of us find our way to the loving, steadfast presence of God, there are those who, in this life, will meet a fate that seems to be just punishment for the life they have led, and the destruction they have brought to all around them. For some that will mean dying and being forgotten almost immediately. For others it will mean dying and being remembered only for the damage and evil they have done. ¶According to the psalmist, it is better to be rooted in the presence of God where steadfast love and faithfulness prevail, than to be out for ourselves alone. In the presence of God we find a community that loves one another, and bears each other’s burdens making them seem lighter and easier to deal with. In God’s presence we find it possible to offer welcome even to those whose actions have hurt us. ¶April 13, 2026 ¶LCM