These days, voices frequently heard are those of political arrogance, religious friction, the rich getting richer, vigorous and exclusive nationalism and faint calls for assistance to the suppressed. While such evidence seems to support the 'God is dead' theory, much of it is the bad news, unbalanced if not fake, served up by commercial interests … Continue reading Psalm 29, 7 Jan 2018
Psalm 148, NYE ’17
The poetry and music of the psalms are great catalysts to imaginative interpretations, lateral thinking, flights of fancy, aspirations and yes, hopes for the coming year -- maybe even a New Year's resolution or two. You would have to admit that a psalm that can invoke comments about Tchaikovsky, Yoda, John Bell, whales and James … Continue reading Psalm 148, NYE ’17
Psalms for Christmas 2017
Christmas Eve this year falls on a Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Advent in Year B. The set psalm is 89, which starts: I will sing of your steadfast love, O Lord, forever; I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. Christmas Eve is also the starting point for the series of three psalms for … Continue reading Psalms for Christmas 2017
Magnificat, 17 Dec ’17
The Song of Mary, her joyful response to the angels' declaration that she would bear a special child (are they not all?), is timely and most appropriate in the Advent season. The Magnificat, as it is known from the first words of the song in Latin, has frequently been sung by women and girls during … Continue reading Magnificat, 17 Dec ’17
Psalm 85, 10 Dec ’17
The first Australians have been conscious of and connected to the land in much stronger and deeper ways than more recent arrivals can comprehend. Their livelihood was far more intimately bound up with their natural environment. Features in their traditional territorial landscapes have longstanding narrative and spiritual importance. Somehow, this atmosphere permeates Psalm 85, declaring … Continue reading Psalm 85, 10 Dec ’17
Psalm 80, 3 Dec ’17
Psalm 80 by Asaph is a cry for restoration by the ‘Shepherd of Israel, leading Joseph like a flock’. (1) As strife continues all around, the singer seeks a more peaceable zone, perhaps by the still waters and safe pastures of other familiar psalms. Asaph, as usual, had a historical situation in mind; but the psalm … Continue reading Psalm 80, 3 Dec ’17
Psalm 100, 26 Nov ’17
Psalm 100 immediately conjures up the name 'Old Hundredth', All people that on earth do dwell, to a stately old tune drawn from the Genevan Psalter. Words and music are both from the 16th century and without refrain, so while it may be an old favourite for some, not a first choice. Further comment on … Continue reading Psalm 100, 26 Nov ’17
Psalm 123, 19 Nov ’17
Psalm 123 is a song of ascent. These short and hopeful songs, sometimes called degrees or Graduals, are grouped as Psalms 120 to 134. The songs of ascent have a particular fascination. They have a message and it’s economical. They challenge. This one, with only four verses, is short and bitter-sweet. Isaac Everett says of … Continue reading Psalm 123, 19 Nov ’17
Crystal Ball Advent 2017
This 'sticky' post is intended for South Woden readers. Scroll down for weekly blog posts. Subject to the choices of worship leaders, what is in store? 12 Nov. Psalm 78. Listen to my teaching; see the post for this psalm published recently. Chorus meet early Sunday. 19 Nov. PFAS 123A suggested - draw a copy of … Continue reading Crystal Ball Advent 2017
Psalm 78, 12 Nov 2017
‘With upright heart God tended them, guided them.’ (72) This long psalm of Asaph in 72 verses covers many of the high points in the Torah, including the plagues and the exodus, subsequent trials and the calling of King David, great tales also to be found in Psalm 114 and elsewhere. Psalm 78 is a … Continue reading Psalm 78, 12 Nov 2017
Psalms in the South 