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Thou preparest a table…

The phrase “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” is from Psalm 23:5, a verse that speaks of God’s provision and protection, even amidst adversity. 

Whenever I hear this verse read in church I have two opposing thoughts and feelings.

First, I am impressionable, highly so, so I think, “All of you around me are my enemies!” But I know that is false, I am in church, and it is highly unlikely that my fellow worshippers are against me.

Second, I feel I don’t have any enemies at all.

Finally, while I’ve had people do mean things to me now and then, I feel my real enemies are the seven deadly sins; my own greed, lust and so on.

Then I think of the closing of Cyrano de Bergerac, and feel this passage describes my true enemies, including the evil one and his minions…

CYRANO:

I see him!

He, the noseless one, dares to mock my nose!

How insolent! [He raises his sword.] 

You say it’s useless. That I know. But who fights believing that every battle will be a success?

I fought for lost causes and fruitless quests!

You there! I see you! Thousands of you! All enemies of mine, I know you now!

Ah! There’s Falsehood! [He strikes the air with his sword.] 

And Compromise! Prejudice! Treachery! [He strikes.] 

Will I surrender? Strike an agreement? Never!

And there you are, Folly! I know you’ll be the one to take me down, at last. Yet I’ll fall fighting, fighting still! [He makes passes in the air, and stops, breath- less.] 

You’ve stripped me of the laurel and the rose! Of glory and love! Take it all! But there is still one thing I hold against you, and when I enter God’s house tonight, I shall wave one thing in salutation, across heaven’s blue threshold. For there is one thing I have left, void of smear or stain, and I take it with me despite you. 

[He springs forward, his sword raised. It falls from his hand. He staggers and falls back into the arms of LE BRET and RAGUENEAU.]

My white plume… my panache.

(or in my case, I hope, it is the Lord’s friendship, Kingship, grace, love and mercy…)

-Fin