Welcome to 2021! Readers will no doubt relish the prospect of sunnier times ahead. If you wish, add a note below on your hopes and intentions for making life better for you and others. Sunnier times ahead. Image: Libby O'Loghlin How tied we are to our environment, complete with wild weather, floods, droughts, fires, global … Continue reading Psalm 147b, 3 Jan 2021
Tag: light
Psalm 119 Nun, 12 July 2020
A crossword clue came up a few days ago that said something like: 'Light on the feet'. I immediately thought it might be 'LAMP': Your word is a lamp unto my feet and a light upon my path. (Ps 119:105) Nowhere near right. It meant fleet of foot, tippy-toe and fancy footwork. However, if you … Continue reading Psalm 119 Nun, 12 July 2020
Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the ‘light of the world’ (John 8:12) and ‘light upon my path’ (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: “God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 17 Mar ’19
Psalm 112, 5 Feb 17
Light rises in darkness when justice rules our lives. During a yacht delivery through the Barrier Reef a while ago, an overnight anchored in a remote cove was a welcome break. A refreshing sleep rocked by the movements of the boat in wind, wave and tide was a perfect precursor to a pre-dawn start. With anchor a-weigh, still dripping … Continue reading Psalm 112, 5 Feb 17
Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
This psalm offers encouragement in difficult times, weaving together two contrasting but commanding threads. First is the imagery of light, beauty and goodness. Calling to mind references to the 'light of the world' (John 8:12) and 'light upon my path' (Psalm 119:105), it is a theme found in many psalms. Many readers will be familiar with the opening verse: "God is my light and … Continue reading Psalm 27, 22 Jan 2017
Psalm 43
Note. Psalm 43 was almost ignored when it came up last time (June 2016) since the Lectionary adds it to Psalm 42 as a combined reading -- and there is a good reason for that. It appears in its own right, but only as the alternative reading, late in Year A, 5 Nov 2017. This interim … Continue reading Psalm 43
Psalms 42, 43, 19 June 16
Australians, at least those who live or travel anywhere near the open dry spaces of this continent, know what thirst is all about. Indigenous plants and animals evolved to survive through hot summers and droughts. Aboriginal people were expert at finding water in dry creek beds, trees and grasses. For Sooner or later in a … Continue reading Psalms 42, 43, 19 June 16
Psalm 97, 8 May 2016
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
Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
God is my light and my salvation; whom then shall I fear? Light -- the light of the world (John 8:12) and light upon the path (Psalm 119:105) -- is a theme found in many psalms, in words that have become familiar by virtue of repetition and songs based on such verses. This psalm offers encouragement, weaving together two threads of thought. … Continue reading Psalm 27, 21 Feb 2016
Psalm 36, 17 Jan 16
Compared with a couple of weeks ago when I felt that we should have started at the beginning of the psalm not half-way through, this time I don't lament that we skip the first four verses. They tell us that the wicked are wicked. Big deal -- although verse 4 about the wicked 'thinking up evil on … Continue reading Psalm 36, 17 Jan 16
Psalms in the South 