On both Palm Sunday and on Easter Sunday we are invited to hear Psalm 118. There’s a lot to this psalm so the revisit on successive Sundays is worthwhile. Many phrases are familiar, bringing to mind songs that have featured them: steadfast love; open the gates; the cornerstone; this is the day; one who comes … Continue reading Psalm 118, Easter 16 Apr 17
Category: Psalms
Psalm 31, Palm Sunday, 9 Apr 17
The Lectionary readings for Holy Week and Easter include this psalm. You may have noticed that there are two psalms listed for Palm Sunday, the liturgies of the palms and that of the passion. This psalm combines many common themes of supplication, distress, trust and courage in diversity. It is a rich psalm, combining feelings of confidence and … Continue reading Psalm 31, Palm Sunday, 9 Apr 17
Psalm 130, 2 April 2017
This psalm is another song of ascent (psalms 120 to 134). It’s also the sixth of seven penitential psalms: not that it matters greatly, as the idea of ascent captures the imagination more powerfully. The song is a statement of the mystery not only of the human condition, with all its faults and frustrations, but also of our access to grace. The … Continue reading Psalm 130, 2 April 2017
Psalm 23, 26 March and 7 May ’17
The Shepherd psalm arises again in another of its frequent appearances. Following the desolation of Psalm 22 (“Why have you forsaken me?”), the restoration and peace in this the next psalm is a comfort. How sweet is resolution after a time of conflict, oppression or depression. The Psalter does not say ‘No pain, no gain’. This … Continue reading Psalm 23, 26 March and 7 May ’17
Psalm 95, 19 Mar 17
This psalm rewards the reader with new dimensions upon each reading. The first half starts with a song, indeed a shout, of praise and thanks to the creator of a fantastic world; and not just any old song but: let us come before God with thanksgiving / and raise a loud shout with psalms (v. … Continue reading Psalm 95, 19 Mar 17
Psalm 121, 12 March 2017
I will lift up my eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (v.1) Or so went this familiar line from Psalm 121 in that old dusty King James version on the top shelf somewhere. This is the second of the songs of ascent (120 to 134). Originating perhaps as pilgrimage songs, the psalms of … Continue reading Psalm 121, 12 March 2017
Psalm 32, 5 March 2017
Psalm 32 is one of the psalms of penitence (the second after Ps. 6; this theme takes up the first half of the song), but also of refuge -- "You are my hiding-place" (vv. 6 -7). Then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. Of the seven traditional penitentials, David in this song is … Continue reading Psalm 32, 5 March 2017
Psalm 2, 26 Feb17
Psalm 2 complements the first psalm as a joint introduction to the Psalter with the assurance that the divine Spirit, with inevitably associated moral and behavioural constructs inferred from the Torah, is supreme above temporal rulers of the world. While this theme has ancient roots in the stories of creation and the establishment of the tribes … Continue reading Psalm 2, 26 Feb17
Psalm 119E, 19 Feb 17
Note: An introduction to Psalm 119 was posted last week. He, ח This fifth section (33-40) reads like a plea from a faltering student for assistance in following a path that is definitely right but steep or poorly defined. The psalmist seeks divine tuition in the way of right statutes, understanding of the law, and the … Continue reading Psalm 119E, 19 Feb 17
Psalm 119A, 12 Feb 17
Aleph א In words reminiscent of Psalm 1, the first section begins by inviting us to walk in God’s ways. Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in God’s way. (v.1) The preceding post discussed, perhaps inconclusively, what the divine way and the word of God might mean. It also listed some antiphons written for … Continue reading Psalm 119A, 12 Feb 17
Psalms in the South 