Psalms
A study of the Psalms based upon the Liturgy of the Hours including canticles from outside the Book of Psalms
Introduction to The Psalms
May 17, 2018
In this study, we begin our introduction to the book of Psalms including structure, origin, editing, challenges in translation, and, very importantly, what does it mean when we say the Bible is the Word of God.
Further Introduction to the Psalms
May 24, 2018
This study further introduces the Psalms including their use in Liturgy and communal prayer.
Introduction to the Divine Office
May 24, 2018
This study introduces the Liturgy of the Hours as an example of using the Psalms in communal prayer.
Psalm 95: Rejoice Before God our Maker and Listen to His Voice - Part 1
May 31, 2018
This study covers most of Psalm 95 including its place in the Divine Office, its context, and its abrupt shift of mood. We examine the novelty of the view of God as creator of all nature and review the historical background in Exodus and Numbers. We touch upon the idea of God forgiving sins and at that same time exacting punishment. Finally, we begin an examination of the use of this psalm in the Book of Hebrews.
Psalm 95: Rejoice Before God our Maker and Listen to His Voice - Part 2
May 31, 2018
This study continues covering most of Psalm 95 including its place in the Divine Office, its context, and its abrupt shift of mood. We examine the novelty of the view of God as creator of all nature and review the historical background in Exodus and Numbers. We touch upon the idea of God forgiving sins and at that same time exacting punishment. Finally, we begin an examination of the use of this psalm in the Book of Hebrews.
Psalm 95: Entering God's Rest - Part 1
June 7, 2018
We finish our exploration of Psalm 95 tonight focusing on verse 11 and what it means to enter God“s rest. Tangential topics examined include different degrees of sin, the Sabbath, the Millennium rest, and evaluating truth.
Psalm 95: Entering God's Rest - Part 2
June 7, 2018
We finish our exploration of Psalm 95 focusing on verse 11 and what it means to enter God's rest. Tangential topics examined include different degrees of sin, the Sabbath, the Millennium rest, and evaluating truth.
Psalm 18: David's Deliverance, Cherubim, Our Perceptions of God, and Humility - Part 1
June 14, 2018
We begin Psalm 18 with an emphasis on understanding specific events in David's life that shape the images in this Psalm along with references to the Exodus. We read about Cherubim, examine David's musings on how God treats us according to how we are and perceive God, and conclude by discussing the role of humility in exaltation.
Psalm 18: David's Deliverance, Cherubim, Our Perceptions of God, and Humility - Part 2
June 14, 2018
We continue Psalm 18 with an emphasis on understanding specific events in David's life that shape the images in this Psalm along with references to the Exodus. We read about Cherubim, examine David's musings on how God treats us according to how we are and perceive God, and conclude by discussing the role of humility in exaltation.
Psalm 18: David's Conquests, God's Humility, Signs of a Living God, and Vengeance on the Wicked
June 21, 2018
We finish our exploration of Psalm 18 by examining how some of the colorful images of conquest are more than images but reflect events from David's life. We reflect on God's humility and how He makes us "sound" as He is "sound". We saw how David perceived the living God by observing God's actions in his life and how we do the same. We also mused on how Christians understand verses about vengeance upon the wicked.
Canticle of Zechariah: God is on the Move
June 28, 2018
We begin this study with a discussion of the Ordinary, Proper, and Common regarding Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours as well as a discussion of Solemnities, Feasts, Memorials, and Optional Memorials. We proceed to explore the Benedictus, the Canticle of Zechariah as part of the Ordinary of the Liturgy of the Hours including its historical setting, powerful Old Testament references, and images of light, darkness, and peace.
Psalm 57: God Delivers
June 28, 2018
This study explores Psalm 57 which we will use when we pray the Morning Office from Thursday week I. We show the possible connection to David's early flight from Saul and the treachery of Doeg and David's trust in God's deliverance. We touch upon the constant spiritual threat to our lives.
Jer 31:10-14: God Gathers Scattered Israel
July 12, 2018
In this study, we examine the historical and cultural setting of God's promise to gather and prosper Israel in Jer 31:10-14. We chose this particular section of scripture because it is the second psalm in the Morning Office of the first Thursday of the four week Psalter. The first half concludes with a discussion of sections of scripture that can make us uncomfortable about God such as killing 185,000 Assyrians as they are getting ready to attack Jerusalem.
Psalm 48: God Delivers Zion
July 19, 2018
This study examined Psalm 48 as a response to God's miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the overwhelmingly superior Assyrian army. We spent some time addressing how God's perspective on physical life and death may be different from ours as well as the different understandings of love and hate between Hebrew and Christian thought. We touch briefly upon the geography of Jerusalem and some of the common metaphors used in this psalm.
Psalm 119:17-24: Opening our Eyes
July 26, 2018
This study introduced the extraordinary acrostic Psalm 119 tonight and explored verses 17-24 as they are part of the Thursday Week I Daytime Office. We explored the psalmist's prayer to have their eyes opened to see the wonders of God's law and how our eyes are opened. We discussed the concept of being a sojourner in this world and made some cross references to the Beatitudes.
Psalm 25: Keys to Prayer
July 26, 2018
This study began our exposition of Psalm 25. We noted that it addressed major themes of prayer such as recollection and contemplation. We looked at issues of justice and persecution and examples of Satan as our accuser. We cited the need to always ask for our eyes to be opened to see what we do not see and explored the connection between God being good and His showing sinners the way.
Psalm 25: Humility and Self-knowledge
August 2, 2018
In this study, we finished Psalm 25 spending most of the time discussing the critical need for humility and its connection with grace. To do so, we read several quotes from The Dialogue from Saint Catherine of Siena. We then spent a little time on forgiveness, friendship with God, and spiritual warfare.
The Magnificat: Humility, Greatness, Mary and the Veneration of Saints - Part 1
August 9, 2018
This study explores the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55. We discuss what God is teaching us about humility, grace, and exaltation in Mary. We examine Mary's need for a Savior and look at some of the earliest Church writings to examine the ancient practice of the veneration of Saints. There is a question about the Rosary and we talk about being great and the importance of obscurity as we grow in grace.
The Magnificat: Humility, Greatness, Mary and the Veneration of Saints - Part 2
August 9, 2018
This study explores the Magnificat in Luke 1:46-55. We discuss what God is teaching us about humility, grace, and exaltation in Mary. We examine Mary's need for a Savior and look at some of the earliest Church writings to examine the ancient practice of the veneration of Saints. There is a question about the Rosary and we talk about being great and the importance of obscurity as we grow in grace.
Psalm 30 - God Rescues
August 16, 2018
We explore Psalm 30 in this study including its liturgical history, the story of David and the census and the altar in Jerusalem, the influence of Satan and the demons in our lives, and the experience of feeling abandoned by God.