Psalm 52 can sound vindictive and unforgiving when encountered outside its historical setting. Fortunately, the preamble refers to Doeg and Saul, thereby providing the requisite clues. Doeg, like his boss Saul it seems, was an unsavoury character. Both had it in for David... Read on in a previous entry... The psalmist seeks divine intervention against … Continue reading Psalm 52, 21 July 2019
Psalm 82, 14 July 2019
Psalm 82 is further teaching on the importance of justice in the world, but in an unique scenario. On a single reading, or hearing it sung with no introduction, it's hard to capture the full picture. God is imagined amongst other gods (some translations suggest princes or rulers of the earth) berating them for their … Continue reading Psalm 82, 14 July 2019
Crystal Ball, Jun-Aug ’19
30 Jun: PFAS 77C looks fun for a winter's day. 7 Jul: Psalm 30, A Slavonian Orthodox theme infuses this week's deliberations. Accordingly, the male voices will present a taste of Psalm 103, Blagoslovi, Bless the Lord, from the Rachmaninoff All night vigil 14 Jul: PFAS 82B, social justice to the fore; the refrain goes: … Continue reading Crystal Ball, Jun-Aug ’19
Psalms 104, 133 and Orthodoxy, 7 July 19
The astute reader will discern the absence of the Lectionary reading, Psalm 30. Our leader on Sunday brings to us insights into the joys -- and difficulties -- of interfaith dialogue, the twists and turns of unity in diversity. So, somewhat driven by opportunism (the leader's recent experiences) but anticipating a retrospective blessing of circumstantial … Continue reading Psalms 104, 133 and Orthodoxy, 7 July 19
Psalm 77, 30 June 2019
Psalm 76 makes a strong plea for a peaceable world where divine power and justice are the forces to be revered. News clips of marching soldiers, missiles and aircraft carriers pour into our evening living rooms. In the city of God, however,: … God broke the flashing arrows, the shield, the sword and the weapons of … Continue reading Psalm 77, 30 June 2019
Psalms 43 and 43, 23 Jun ’19
The Bible gives us two separate psalms in 42 and 43. This week, the Lectionary gives us both to read together, because they were originally written as one song (see below). At South Woden this Sunday: Together in Song offers three settings of this extended text at 25, 26, and 27. We shall sing the … Continue reading Psalms 43 and 43, 23 Jun ’19
Psalm 126, 7 Apr ’19
Psalm 126, a song of ascent, contains one of the great scriptural narratives. The sower goes out with seed, responding to the ever-changing seasons, renewing a livelihood. It’s not easy. Drought comes — or floods, birds and animals -- sounds like Australia. Weeds grow to choke the good seed. However: May those who sow in … Continue reading Psalm 126, 7 Apr ’19
Psalm 32, 31 Mar ’19
Psalm 32 is one of the psalms of penitence -- 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 circling back to the initial theme of thanksgiving. Of the seven traditional … Continue reading Psalm 32, 31 Mar ’19
Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the ‘light of the world’ (John 8:12) and ‘light upon my path’ (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: “God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
Psalm 91, 10 March 2019
The devil took Jesus to a high place and said: “Jump! You’ll be fine … … for it is written, ‘God will command the angels to protect you; on their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.’Luke 4:9-11 Psalm 91 is where 'it is written'. That … Continue reading Psalm 91, 10 March 2019
Psalms in the South 