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
Psalm 22, Good Friday 2020
My God, why have you forsaken me? (verse 1) With this quotation by Jesus on the cross, Psalm 22 thus became etched into the Easter tradition. Other prophetic verses from this lament reinforced the moment: They wag their heads saying: 'You trusted in God; let God deliver you' (7, 8) They pierce my hands and … Continue reading Psalm 22, Good Friday 2020
Psalms 118 and 31, Palm Sunday
Palms at Percy Island, Barrier Reef Why two psalms? Because there are two commemorations going on here for Palm Sunday - the palms and the passion. In early years, two separate liturgical celebrations were observed: the first commemorated the Passion of Jesus; later in the day, a procession of people carried palms to the Great … Continue reading Psalms 118 and 31, Palm Sunday
Psalm 130, 29 March 20
You may be excused for feeling that, along with all humanity, you are sinking into the depths of the unknown. Psalm 130 is timely. Last week, some readers remarked that the Lectionary choice of Psalm 23 was very relevant and appropriate for these times of unusual distress. This week's Psalm 130, the sixth Penitential Psalm, … Continue reading Psalm 130, 29 March 20
Psalm 23, 22 March 20
What better offering than Psalm 23 as our communities shut down in the face of the global pandemic? Even though I walk in the shadow of the valley of death, I shall fear no evil. For you are with me. So read, enjoy, sing, meditate upon this great song. Needless to say, there are hundreds … Continue reading Psalm 23, 22 March 20
Sing on
No crystal ball could foresee the rapid and ubiquitous onset of COVID-19. The Lenten wilderness experience becomes closer to reality than we ever could have imagined. Following guidelines and with some specific risks in mind, at South Woden our regular singing group has been suspended. Psalms in the South singers are sending our love, prayers … Continue reading Sing on
Psalm 121, 8 Mar 20
I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. (v.1) Or so went this familiar line from Psalm 121 in the dusty old King James version, still beautiful but little used. This is the second of the songs of ascent (120 to 134). Originating perhaps as pilgrimage songs, the psalms of … Continue reading Psalm 121, 8 Mar 20
Why sing?
In the previous post, inspired by a concert performance in Canberra, we had been discussing how psalms are sung. This piece of string apparently is as endless as human creativity. But why sing? First, the poetry was almost certainly written with song in mind. It has come to us in couplets and sometimes with instructions … Continue reading Why sing?
Psalms in the South 