Welcome to the banquet (sacred table)

Jane Denniston March 16, 2026 1 0

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Psalm 23 (NIV-UK)

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2     He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3     he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
    for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
    my cup overflows.
6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me
    all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
    for ever.

Jesus tells us to love our enemies. I have struggled with this not because of the concept, although that in itself is difficult enough, but in trying to identify my enemies. In retirement the people in my life are mainly family and friends and relationships are peaceful. I have to cast the net wider to find people I might consider enemies, and so I find myself looking mainly towards politics where there are many with whom I disagree so fundamentally that I have little hesitation in calling them enemies. There are those whose opinions, in my view, make them enemies of the planet, enemies of the poor, enemies of the refugee, and therefore enemies of the great commandments of Jesus to love God and love your neighbour as yourself.

How do I feel, then, when I consider that all those with whom I disagree so fundamentally are also loved by God? How will I act when I find them at the table of the Lord beside me? Where are the points of contact in our shared humanity? What does it mean to love your enemies?

Prayer:

Loving Father,

I know that everyone who draws breath

is your beloved child.

Give me strength to love as you do,

treating everyone equally,

wishing the best for everyone

even those with whom I disagree

and might consider enemies.

Help me to pray without prejudice

for all your children

that your light may shine.

Thank you that your table is open to all

and may my presence there

deter no-one else from joining, Amen