Sun. Apr. 10, 2011 (Janice Kreider)

Janice Kreider focussed on two passages from Psalm 23: “you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies,” and “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” This is an unusual idea, eating a sumptuous meal while your enemies watch. Maybe the enemies were invited but declined, maybe they weren’t invited, maybe they excluded themselves. It is surprising that no emotion is expressed here; no fear or hatred is directed toward the enemy who watches you eat. This reminded Janice of Eleanor Kreider's response when asked what mission might look like in look in a post-Christendom world. “It looks like neighbours and strangers gazing in the windows of the Christian community, longing for the invitation to join the bounteous meal spread on the generous table. “Dwell in the house of the Lord” should read “I shall return to the house of the Lord,” which reflects the reality of our journey and the fact that we can return to the house of the Lord at any time. The 23rd psalm is a reminder of God's goodness and the comforting theme that God is with us and cares for us. [HN]

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