The devil took Jesus to a high place and said: "Jump! You'll be fine... ... 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 is why this is … Continue reading Psalm 91, 14 Feb 2016
Tag: Lent
Shadows and light
Recent speakers at South Woden have chosen the topics of light and water for their reflections. Meanwhile, during Lent we are conscious of the shadows and earth, complementary elements. We enjoyed last week a lovely setting of Psalm 51 by Lassus. our people are involved in all sorts of other musical contributions. We mention but … Continue reading Shadows and light
Psalm 31, 29 March 2015
Two psalms are listed for Palm Sunday, for the liturgies of the palms and of the passion. In recent years we have sung both; Psalm 118 on the way in and then Psalm 31 during the scripted service. This Sunday we confine our song to Psalm 31, with a response from Psalms for all seasons, no 31C. But reading … Continue reading Psalm 31, 29 March 2015
Psalm 51, 22 March 2015
Completely side-stepping the set Psalm 107 last week (yes, and St Patrick's Day too although I did have a Celtic style song up my sleeve), we leapt forward to preview that well-used Psalm 51 that comes up this Sunday, Lent 5. Well-used it is; for centuries it has been sung during Lent particularly Ash Wednesday, Tenebrae services, and … Continue reading Psalm 51, 22 March 2015
Psalm 107 and 51, 15 March 2015
A scary story of serpents in the wilderness from Numbers in the previous lectionary reading is a good precursor to the psalm's theme of divine mercy experienced in time of stress. The selection from Psalm 107 invites the reader to be thankful for everlasting mercies. An additional dimension is added in the next reading: By grace you have been saved through faith, and this is … Continue reading Psalm 107 and 51, 15 March 2015
Psalm 25, 22 Feb 15
The readings this week start with Noah and that rainbow covenant in Genesis, running through to John baptising Jesus and being arrested for his trouble. Quite a span. In the heart of this series nestles the psalm, one of the acrostic psalms in which each verse starts with one of the 22 letters of the … Continue reading Psalm 25, 22 Feb 15
Psalm 23, 30 March 14
The 'Shepherd Psalm' needs no introduction or commentary here, so none is offered. Music You may imagine this one to be irrevocably associated with Jessie Irving's famous tune CRIMOND. This week however, being the last Sunday of the month, we take advantage of the presence of a male voice quartet to do something different. Remaining respectful … Continue reading Psalm 23, 30 March 14
Psalm 32, Lent, 9 Mar 14
The psalm. This one could be called a psalm of penitence (this theme taking up the first half of the song), or of refuge (vv. 6 -7). But then it changes direction, breaks into other riffs of guidance or wisdom (8-9) and finally thanksgiving. And how are they related, pray tell? So many ideas tumbling one after … Continue reading Psalm 32, Lent, 9 Mar 14
Psalms in the South 