On both Palm Sunday and on Easter Sunday we are invited to hear Psalm 118. There’s a lot to this psalm so the revisit on successive Sundays is worthwhile. Many phrases are familiar, bringing to mind songs that have featured them: steadfast love; open the gates; the cornerstone; this is the day; one who comes … Continue reading Psalm 118, Easter 16 Apr 17
Tag: palm
Psalm 31, Palm Sunday, 9 Apr 17
The Lectionary readings for Holy Week and Easter include this psalm. You may have noticed that there are two psalms listed for Palm Sunday, the liturgies of the palms and that of the passion. This psalm combines many common themes of supplication, distress, trust and courage in diversity. It is a rich psalm, combining feelings of confidence and … Continue reading Psalm 31, Palm Sunday, 9 Apr 17
Psalms for palms; 118, 31
After a couple of opening verses of Psalm 118 proclaiming divine goodness and mercy, the lectionary (liturgy of the palms) cuts to the second half. As Jesus enters the gates of Jerusalem, so here: Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and praise God. (v. 19) That corner stone now appears. The … Continue reading Psalms for palms; 118, 31
Skip and jump; 37, 92, 138
The poetic moods in the psalms range from dark and penitent to skipping and jumping. Sometimes several moods mix in any one song, making the choice of a suitably supportive musical style challenging. The title today is occasioned by a different issue, that of the psalms we do not hear. Some we jump because they did … Continue reading Skip and jump; 37, 92, 138
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 31, 13 April 14
You may have noticed that there are actually two psalms listed for Palm Sunday, the liturgies of the palms and that of the passion. A few days ago I posted on palms and Psalm 118 for this Sunday - but there's no rule against a double-dip. So we shall also enjoy Psalm 31, singing a response from Psalms … Continue reading Psalm 31, 13 April 14
Psalm 118, 13 Apr 14 – Palms
An educational sign in the new Red Garden of our wonderful National Botanic Gardens tells us they are not sure if palms growing in remote corners of the Kimberley, like those depicted here, were native to Australia or imported with aboriginal people many thousands of years ago. Apparently there's 'some debate' about it. On the other hand, another sign only … Continue reading Psalm 118, 13 Apr 14 – Palms
Psalms in the South 