Here we are in 2015! The beginning of the calendar year and, in the already-established church year, the end of Christmas and nearly Epiphany. The lectionary leads us to Psalm 147 on the second Sunday after Christmas, and Psalm 72 for Epiphany (6 January). We concentrate on the latter this week, though it must be said that … Continue reading Psalm 72, 4 Jan 2015
Psalm 62, 25 Jan 15 (1)
This must be in the nature of a little holiday reading, as this psalm and the third Sunday after Epiphany, 25 January 2015, are still some way off. So using Psalm 62 as an excuse, here is a preliminary note on a manuscript having historical interest -- although we shall not be singing it when it finally … Continue reading Psalm 62, 25 Jan 15 (1)
Psalm 148, 28 Dec 14
Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea monsters and all deeps, fire and hail, snow and frost, stormy wind fulfilling his command! Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! Wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! Young men and … Continue reading Psalm 148, 28 Dec 14
Psalm 96, Christmas Day
In many churches, Psalm 96 is read on Christmas Eve, for example midnight mass, while the next two psalms are listed for the great day itself. Psalm 97 uses fiery image to proclaim God's sovereignty. Psalm 98 is a burst of joy: O sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things. ... All … Continue reading Psalm 96, Christmas Day
The Magnificat, 21 Dec 14
This lovely Song of Mary, found in Luke 1:46b-55, is called Magnificat since that is the first word of the text in the Latin: My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour. You can feel the thrill springing up in her heart -- to be the mother of the promised one! … Continue reading The Magnificat, 21 Dec 14
Psalm 126, 14 Dec 14
Sowing can be back-breaking work. If you are down in the dumps at the time, burdened by worries, tough conditions and long days, 'sowing in tears' as in this psalm, the harvest seems a doubtful and distant prospect. But this is one of the psalms of Ascent. So there's an inspiring promise there, one that … Continue reading Psalm 126, 14 Dec 14
Psalm 85, 7 December 2014
The first Australians have been conscious of and connected to the land in much stronger and deeper ways than more recent arrivals can comprehend or feel. 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. The first verses speak … Continue reading Psalm 85, 7 December 2014
Psalm 80, 30 November 2014
Restore us O God; let your face shine upon us and we shall be saved. This verse appears three times (vv 3, 7 and 19) as the psalmist makes a plea for divine intervention and restoration. Read last year's post for some further introductory notes. The text of the selection is here>. Music The people's … Continue reading Psalm 80, 30 November 2014
Crystal Ball, December 2014
At the final gathering in the church year last Sunday 23 November, we relished Psalm 100 in various forms and much more, including Josquin des Prez and the Old Hundredth. We sang If ye love me by Thomas Tallis for the induction of Elders, who have our full support in their demanding role. Year B and Advent … Continue reading Crystal Ball, December 2014
Psalm 100, 23 Nov 14
Psalm 100 simply invites us to be joyful and worship with glad singing (vv. 1, 2). A short psalm, it mingles declarations of faith with calls to: enter the gates with thanksgiving, and the courts with praise (v.4) The old ton(e) The Old Hundredth will no doubt come to mind for anyone over a certain age who grew … Continue reading Psalm 100, 23 Nov 14
Psalms in the South 