Whenever we talk about a house, we would presume that it has walls that would determine its size and boundaries.
Who would ever think of a house that is without walls? What kind of security would that house have?
So it would certainly surprise us when we heard in the 1st reading that Jerusalem was to remain unwalled.
What kind of city would that be if it is without walls for protection and security?
Yet the Lord God was quick to add that He would be the wall of fire for her all round her, and He would be the glory of the city.
Indeed, if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain would its watchmen keep vigil, and in vain would its stone walls offer any protection and security.
Jesus said in the gospel that He would be handed over into the power of men.
Yet Jesus also knew that His security and protection would be in God alone, and that God will save Him out of death and raise Him back to life.
May we also know that if God does not watch over us, then all other physical means of protection will be in vain.
With God in our midst and watching over us and protecting us, let us give thanks, let us sing, let us rejoice in the Lord our Saviour.