Reverend Amy Peterson reflects on Psalm 23 alongside Isaiah 25, imagining what it means that God "prepares a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." She explores images of enemies bound, excluded, and—in a hopeful turn—invited to the banquet, using these poetic visions to consider reconciliation, safety, and divine care.

Reverend Peterson stresses this is descriptive, not prescriptive, and offers a final reading that our deepest enemies can also be the faults within us, which God meets at the table with transforming love.

We’re glad you’re here.

This homily was offered in the presence of the congregation.

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Contributing to this episode: Reverend Amy Peterson, Dr. Kevin Seal, Nanette Popa and Karen Marie Frederiksen.

The Reverend Amy Peterson – Associate Rector

Amy Peterson joined the staff at Trinity Church in July of 2022 after completing her Mdiv at Duke Divinity School and serving as a deacon at Saint Joseph’s in Durham. Amy grew up in Arkansas and Texas, and studied English (BA Texas A&M), Intercultural Studies (MA Wheaton), and Creative Writing (MFA Seattle Pacific University). Before her call to the priesthood, Amy worked in cross-cultural academics and student development, teaching for two years in Southeast Asia before returning stateside to teach in California, Arkansas, Washington, and Indiana. Most recently, she taught creative writing, intercultural communication, and interdisciplinary honors courses at a Christian college in the midwest.

Amy is also a writer; her work explores the intersections of faith, language, and culture. Her most recent book, Where Goodness Still Grows, invites conversation about Christian virtue and public life.

https://www.trinityasheville.org