This psalm, combining many common themes of supplication, distress, trust and courage in diversity, appeared in the Lectionary just last month. It was discussed in a post for Palm Sunday, a summary of which follows. This is a rich psalm, combining feelings of confidence and security together with a sense of danger, sorrow and dismay. Enduring all … Continue reading Psalm 31, 14 May 17
Tag: trust
Psalm 16, 23 Apr 17
Like the twenty-third, this is a psalm of trust and protection in divine presence, the source of goodness and guidance. David describes God as his portion and cup, evoking familiar imagery in themes that connect well with daily life. Less familiar but interesting are some other phrases that might easily pass unnoticed in a quick reading. First, in verse 6: "The … Continue reading Psalm 16, 23 Apr 17
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
Psalm 95
Note: Psalm 95 appears infrequently in the Lectionary (Lent and November in Year A). This post updates the rather scant coverage of a 2014 post. This psalm rewards the reader with new dimensions upon each reading. The first half starts with a song, indeed a shout, of praise and thanks to the creator of a fantastic … Continue reading Psalm 95
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
Psalm 113, 18 Sep ’16 Alt.
Many parables in the New Testament propose an inversion of social climbing rules; the first shall be last, the proud shall be humbled, the outcast preferred, all you need is love. After an introductory song of praise -- in this case without invoking the usual evidence of mighty deeds -- the writer of Psalm 113 recorded a poetic … Continue reading Psalm 113, 18 Sep ’16 Alt.
Psalm 56
The introduction to Psalm 56 is quite something: To the leader [music director] according to [to the tune of] The Dove on Far-off Terebinths [a type of tree; perhaps this is a comforting reference to the Valley of Terebinths where David fought Goliath]. Of David. A Miktam [meaning unknown], when the Philistines seized him in Gath. … Continue reading Psalm 56
Psalm 38
The third of the seven Penitentials, this psalm is glass half empty -- no, make that a quarter -- through to verse 14. The opening verses mirror those of the first Penitential Psalm, 6. The singer regrets failure, inadequacy, illness and a thorough-going weariness. Then comes the half full, and an urgent request for comfort: For in you … Continue reading Psalm 38
Psalm 26
We find early in this song an echo of Psalm 1. The writer, thought to be David, declares his innocence and refuses to 'sit with the wicked' (v. 5). He offers a prayer for justice and confirmation of sticking to the 'right way' -- that powerful word 'integrity' occurs at beginning and end in some translations. Psalm 1 … Continue reading Psalm 26
Psalm 39
Psalm 39 is a song reflecting on the short span of life -- 'a few hand-breadths ... a mere breath'. (verse 5) It is not formally included, as is the preceding Psalm 38, in the list of seven penitential psalms. (Neither 38 nor 39 make it into the Lectionary.) 39 could well qualify, however, as one of … Continue reading Psalm 39
Psalms in the South 