It is a study in contrasts, dichotomies, paradoxes, ironies and juxtapositions to be in this land, in this city, and in this country. The tensions to be held are great. Next door to East Jerusalem is a posh, upscale, high end mall that is full of mostly youth and young adults shopping and socialising. So, yesterday started the on the Via Dolorosa and ended at Mamilla Mall.
Psalm 55
God, listen to my prayer.
Pay attention to my cry for help.
Hear me and answer me.
My thoughts upset me. I’m very troubled.
I’m troubled by what my enemies say about me.
I’m upset because they say they will harm me.
They cause me all kinds of suffering.
When they are angry, they attack me with their words.
I feel great pain deep down inside me.
The terrors of death have fallen on me.
Fear and trembling have taken hold of me.
Panic has overpowered me.
I said, “I wish I had wings like a dove!
Then I would fly away and be at rest.
I would escape to a place far away.
I would stay out in the desert.
I would hurry to my place of safety.
It would be far away from the winds and storms I’m facing.”
I offer you an invitation to find a song that might be your prayer for the day. A song that evokes the image of the sculpture or one from the Psalm. Let that be your “ear worm” for the day. Even in the midst of lament and trouble, a song can still play in your heart. May you hear beautiful music on this day…and fly!
Photo: Winged sculpture at Mamilla Mall
