The selection of verses from Psalm 91 which we read today give us the essential teaching of the whole Psalm, teaching which is found throughout the Bible, especially in the wisdom literature, namely that God protects the righteous person. It is important to understand the truth of God's protective love for us.

"Upon you no evil shall fall, no plague approach where you dwell": in spite of the literal meaning of these words, the whole Psalm assumes that even good people will be tested. We should understand that God does not save us from difficulties and problems but is with us in the midst of all difficulties protecting us from harm. God in Jesus is Emmanuel, with us in all the situations of our lives.

At the same time we learn not to take God's grace and protection for granted. We must consciously and seriously "dwell in the shelter of the Most High" by setting all our love on God, and praying with faith and hope.

As we move through Lent to a commemoration of Jesus' Passion, we realize that God does not save us from suffering but in and through suffering, our own suffering is united with Jesus' suffering.