The readings this week contain an amount of shake and show. Paul and Silas in prison are shaken by an earthquake, showing both them and their jailer their ways to freedom. (Acts 16) In the Psalm, fire, lightning, trembling mountains -- and light dawns. 'See I am coming ... Let anyone who wishes take the water … Continue reading Psalm 97, 8 May 2016
Tag: joy
Psalms 9 and 10, skips
Psalm 10 never makes it into the weekly Lectionary readings, but 9 just sneaks in: "Year B, ordinary time, June 19-25 (if after Trinity)". Sounds iffy indeed. But still, 9 does not qualify as a 'skip'. So on to 10. But wait! In the early Septuagint translation and the original Hebrew, these two songs were one. (1) … Continue reading Psalms 9 and 10, skips
Psalm 30, 10 April 2016
Psalm 30 may have originally been a song of thanks for recovery from a serious illness. Evidently this was somewhat worse that just flat batteries; brought up from death and 'the Pit' (verse 3). Whatever the origin, the psalmist -- it's again attributed to David -- gives thanks for finding restoration and divine mercy after … Continue reading Psalm 30, 10 April 2016
Psalm 150, 3 April 2016
At last, here is the last psalm in the book. It only appears once in the three year cycle, Easter Year C. So here we are, and pleased to welcome this short joyful, musical finale. The psalm The six short verses of Psalm 150 call us to praise God in creation. No specific reasons are adduced, … Continue reading Psalm 150, 3 April 2016
Psalm 118, Easter Sunday 2016
Yes, it's 118 again. This is the day that the Lord hath made, that building block and several other ringing and memorable statements of hope and trust appear in this favourite. Not much new here, so a little ramble is in order. There are dozens of settings of this psalm, including some classical pieces by … Continue reading Psalm 118, Easter Sunday 2016
Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
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. Weeds grow to choke the good seed. However: May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy. … Continue reading Psalm 126, 13 March 2016
Psalm 147, 3 Jan 16
The last half-dozen songs in the psalter are songs of praise and joy. Each one begins with a Hallelujah or call of praise to God. This one is longer than most. We start at verse 12, although to my mind the selection is best read in the context of the whole psalm. It rings as a little … Continue reading Psalm 147, 3 Jan 16
Psalm 84, 23 August 2015
After last week's furrowed brows about 'fear', this psalm rings with those warm, positive poetic images that stick in the memory: 1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living … Continue reading Psalm 84, 23 August 2015
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
Psalms in the South 