Mythic realities

When we avoid the popular notion of myth as a fairytale and understand it as a means for accessing deep universal meaning that can only be conveyed in symbol and story, we are getting closer to truth.

When confronted with the world’s chaos and violence and ask “What does it all mean?” and we doggedly search for an answer, we may find ourselves in the world of ancient myth.

If we conclude that such self and other destruction is inevitable and take a fatalistic or survivalist stance we are in the middle of the epic Akkadian tale of Gilgamesh.

If we have a more hopeful outlook seasoned with a yearning for peaceful outcomes, we have landed ourselves in the covenant story of Noah alluded to yesterday.

Today, Psalm 25 acknowledges the reality of injustice but is clearly oriented to the Noah covenant.  The poet seems to be enduring considerable distress but reveals a solid confidence in being part of the relationship described by the long arc of G-d’s loving mercy and justice.