Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart, and bring me out of my distress. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. (Psalm 25: 16-18)

Many years ago I was teaching Western Literature to a class of Asians in Asia. The Bible as literature was an element of the course. There was no religious purpose to the instruction. But there was a need to understand the authors' audience and purpose.

A student asked the question: "Does this mean that Christians and Jews believe these words still mean something to their everyday life?" My affirmative response prompted sounds of amazement. An interesting discussion followed. I found myself giving nuance to my quick and simple yes answer. But evenso the class of largely non-religious students was amazed.

God - the one who exists - is with us. We are - or have the opportunity to be - in relationship now. This relationship is not just a pathway to the next life. It is the foundation of how we will live today.

Above is Dialogue on Existence by Vieira da Silva.