Earth, air, fire and water. Early philosophers like Aristotle thought these were the basic physical elements of the world. The first two largely defined the basic structure of the environment. Fire and water could be viewed differently. First in general terms, separately or together in opposition like yin and yang, they might variously represent life, … Continue reading Psalm 66, 17 May 2020
Category: Psalms
Psalms of Patience
Patience is a high virtue, certàin, For it vanquisheth, as this clerk seyn, Things that regour should never attain. -- Chaucer, The Frankeleyns Tale People love categorising and sorting. The psalms have been labelled in various ways (see the Home page) Penitential Psalms Songs of Ascents Songs by David Songs of Asaph Psalms by the … Continue reading Psalms of Patience
Psalm 31a, 10 May 2020
Psalm 31 is firmly anchored in Holy Week and Easter in all three years of the Lectionary. However, another segment appears again here in May. The lengthy poem, including words quoted in Jesus' darkest hours on the cross, alternates between trust, sorrow, grief and hopeful praise. The short extract this week reflects some of the … Continue reading Psalm 31a, 10 May 2020
Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Psalm 23 comes around frequently. It appeared just six weeks ago, when we were wondering if lockdown was for real. Here we are now in waters that are artificially still, yet they are troubled not far below the surface. This psalm takes us into a new dimension of stillness, a banquet of hopeful opportunity in … Continue reading Psalm 23, 3 May ’20
Psalm 117; coda to 116
Having spent time in Psalm 116 this week, take a moment to consider the little psalm which follows. At two whole verses, Psalm 117 is the shortest poem in the bible. A little further on waits 119, the longest chapter in the Bible at 22 sections of eight verses each. Two verses may not have … Continue reading Psalm 117; coda to 116
Psalm 116, 26 April 20
WE LEAP FORWARD a hundred psalms from last week's 16 to find in Psalm 116 a paean of thanks for deliverance from the power of darkness and the hold of the grave, grief and sorrow. So the psalmist resolves to "walk in the presence of God in the land of the living". (v.9) The psalmist … Continue reading Psalm 116, 26 April 20
Psalm 16, 19 April 2020
Easter slides by, unusually restrained for a major celebration of the Christian year. The long period of many weeks after Easter and beyond Pentecost stretches ahead. The prospect may reinforce in your mind the long adjustment we have been facing to life in Covidian times. We are in this for the long haul. Take a … Continue reading Psalm 16, 19 April 2020
Crystal Ball; May 2020.
The Crystal Ball drafted a month or so ago was not much use to people who are now so 'distanced'. Like so many of our best-laid plans, it's in the bin. Several beautiful poems and songs are coming up for the set psalms. Regrettably, singing together is largely out of reach at present. Selections have … Continue reading Crystal Ball; May 2020.
Psalm 114, Easter Sunday 2020
Whoever chose Psalm 114 for the Lectionary for Easter must have been serious about it. It is the one and only psalm set for both the Easter Sunday and Easter vigil services in all three years of the cycle. Why? This poem is all about the Exodus, the release from slavery in Egypt, and the … Continue reading Psalm 114, Easter Sunday 2020
Psalm 22 again; Mendelssohn
The post two days ago on Psalm 22 in the readings for Good Friday was enriched by a fine a cappella rendition of a favourite Sibelius hymn, suggested by a revered musician, singer, educator and member of our community, a community now dutifully isolated here in Canberra, Australia. Such listening suggestions -- and indeed such … Continue reading Psalm 22 again; Mendelssohn
Psalms in the South 