A reflection on Psalm 36:5-10 — Christmastide, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany C, January 20, 2019

“Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, and your faithfulness to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the strong mountains, your justice like the great deep; you save humankind and animals, O Lord. How priceless is your love, O God! All people take refuge under the shadow of your wings. They feast upon the abundance of your house; you give them drink from the river of your delights. For with you is the well of life, and in your light we see light. Continue your lovingkindness to those who know you, and your favor to those who are true of heart” (Psalm 36:5-10). 

When vindication comes (cf. Isaiah 62), God doesn’t kid around. Justice and Delight are in the house! God’s love, faithfulness, righteousness, and justice permeate every molecule of the universe. Feast and drink are dripping and overflowing from table and cup. God’s faithfulness leaves no doubt in the heart of those once cut off, forsaken and desolate. Now they are a crown of Beauty, a royal Diadem in the hand of God. Shining Bright with whole spectrums of color. The shadow of God’s wings are refuge, wide enough for all. The abundance of sustenance and protection God provides is enough. Do we trust this? That God really does provide enough? That there really is room for all, no matter who or how or what? May we do better. For we were made for more, as the song goes. As Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” May God entertain you, that you are strengthened to entertain others. Amen.