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
Tag: justice
Psalm 7
First, many thanks to our women who provided such beautiful singing and leadership in Psalm 30 on 10 April. A confident and inspiring crafting of words and flow of music liberate listeners to follow and respond to the narrative and spirit of the song. Next Sunday, that old favourite the Shepherd Psalm -- El Señor es mi Pastor. Iris reads the … Continue reading Psalm 7
Psalm 99, 7 Feb 2016
At last, Psalm 99 comes up again! This is worth waiting for. [You scan the verses to see what the urgency is all about. You find bold words about God being enthroned … high above all peoples … proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Well this is all fine but you have heard it … Continue reading Psalm 99, 7 Feb 2016
Psalm 14 or 145, 26 July 2015
Some psalms are decidedly dark. Here's Psalm 14, which tells us about widespread foolishness, corruption and evil (as if we don't know -- and that hot on the heels of the companion Samuel reading bringing us the Great Psalmist's wicked trick on Uriah, to say nothing of the daily news). It's easy to duck these ones and look for a … Continue reading Psalm 14 or 145, 26 July 2015
Psalm 123, 5 July 2015
Psalm 123 (text here>) is a song of ascent, sometimes called degrees or graduals. These short and hopeful songs are grouped as Psalms 120 to 134. This one, with only four verses, is short and bitter-sweet. Two themes are mingled: the psalmist declares (1) trust in divine love and protection, while (2) hoping for mercy … Continue reading Psalm 123, 5 July 2015
Psalm 118, Easter Sunday 5 Apr 15
Visitors to ancient cities like York enjoy discovering quaint and remote features: the Shambles; archaeological remains of successive eras under the cathedral; hidden misericordiae within, saints and gargoyles without. The Shambles area provides just a hint of the chaotic life in early times; narrow alleys, stalls, clamour, smells and all sorts of behaviour, seen and unseen. Fairness … Continue reading Psalm 118, Easter Sunday 5 Apr 15
Psalm 111, 1 Feb 15
Wisdom is a coveted but slippery commodity, something to which we aspire but seldom feel we have achieved. Is the getting of wisdom genetic, The Force, or Destiny? Do you need to be christened Solo? Or does it seep in from wide reading, learning, and debate, as suggested in this alcove in the Humanist Library in Sélestat, established … Continue reading Psalm 111, 1 Feb 15
Psalm 72, 4 Jan 2015
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
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 90, 26 October 2014
This Sunday we enjoy another visit by our good friends in The Gospel Folk ably led by stalwart friend, supporter and Psalm Team singer Brian. The energy and swing of Gospel singing will be most welcome. Hang on; for months I have been cooking up an arrangement of the set psalm, 90 (text here>), quite without reference … Continue reading Psalm 90, 26 October 2014
Psalms in the South 