Friday, May 17, 2024
Light from the Psalter 21: Mercy and Oil
This week we read the “Polyleos” Psalms 134 and 135 (MT 135 and 136), rejoicing in the mercy of God. WE seek to plumb their depths by reference to Numbers 21:21-35, Isaiah 44:9-21, Jeremiah 10:1-16, Romans 1:18-23, and several helpful commentators, both ancient and contemporary.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Light from the Psalter 20: Arriving in Zion
We finish this study of the Orthros Ascent Songs by reading Psalm 131-133 (LXX)/132-134 (MT) in the light of Holy Week, 2 Samuel (2 Kingdoms) 6-7, and several Church Fathers. Our final scene is that of harmony with Christian brothers and sisters from every tribe and nation, and peace with God, as we bless His name in the heavenly sanctuary.
Friday, April 19, 2024
Light from the Psalter 19: Out of the Depths
We read the tone four Antiphons, alongside Psalms 128-130 (MT 129-131), as illumined by Isaiah 42:6-7, 1 Peter 4:12-14, and St. John Cassian. Here is wise instruction on humility and God’s willingness to illumine those who keep their eyes on Him.
Friday, April 5, 2024
Light from the Psalter 18: The Generous God
We consider the third grouping of Ascent Songs for Orthros, comparing them with their foundational Psalms LXX 125-128 (MT 126-129), and illumining them with reference to Col 1:9-14; Eph 4:4-8 and1 Cor 15:43. Everywhere, as we walk towards the light of the eighth day, the generosity of God is apparent.
Friday, March 22, 2024
Light from the Psalter 17: The Step of Safety, Sanctification, and the Holy Spirit
Sober joy is the atmosphere of the second group of ascent songs, based on Psalms LXX 122-124 (MT 123-125). While aware of human need, we also meditate upon the security found among the people of God, and the presence of the Holy Spirit to sanctify us and the whole world, helped in our thinking by Ephesians 6:10-17, 2 Peter 3:9 and Romans 8:26-27.