Psalm 111
Epiphany 4 - Year B
Proper 15 (20) - Year B
Proper 23 (28) - Year C
Whether memorials come first -
He gives us a memorial of his great deeds;
Yahweh is mercy and tenderness." [NJB]
or last -
His miracles are his memorial -
The G*D of Grace, the G*D of Love. [The Message]
this is a description of Yahweh/G*D that is worthy of emulating. How wonderful to be made in this image - filled with merciful grace and tender love.
Presuming we are made in this image, what are we to do with all the war talk? Call up our angels to come to battle other angels? Hold these qualities as worthless in the real world? Find the "fear and trembling" way of a situational pacifist such as Bishop Joseph Sprague writes about in his new book, Affirmations of a Dissenter?
May we soon move away from knee jerk responses to defend an administration or to demonize them to the difficult task of acting as a loyal opposition of whatever administration is in office, asking the hard questions and working through both regularized channels and public demonstrations because we remember our faith is ultimately going to be grounded in the grace of mercy and loving acts of tenderness, not national pride limited to the bias of the moment. After all, being in but not of the world, we are called to move beyond the boundaries of nationalism.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/february2003.html
A comment in the NISB is intriguing. "Praise the Lord! This is the familiar plural imperative 'Hallelu-yah,' which opens and sometimes closes several psalms.... The speaker is at once praising God and instructing the congregation about the nature of God and the duties of God's people."
This tension between individual praise and communal instruction is still alive and well in our worship music wars. How's it going in your place? Here we are battling a Hobson's choice in this matter and not yet able to see and move beyond it. I hope you are doing better.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2003/august2003.html
To read this acrostic psalm by itself, without also reading the next acrostic Psalm (112), is to lose one's balance. Here we are marched through the alphabet, seeing G*D in each letter, in all of life. In the next Psalm we are led along the same alphabetical path, seeing people in each letter, in all of life.
The two together begin to give us another glimpse into the great foci of life -- loving G*D, loving neighbor, loving self. By extension we also love environments and enemies.
If the right-eye, left-brain attends to G*D while the left-eye, right-brain attends to neighbors, self, environment and enemies -- blink as fast as you can, back and forth between your two eyes, until they begin to blur together. This takes great discipline. There is not a lot of meditation time left for more transient issues. Consider this process to be a means of grace that will change our relationship with those more fleeting issues of survival and ego.
Attending to this interplay is the beginning of wisdom.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2006/january2006.html
Psalm 111 or Psalm 66:1-12
"Pay no attention to the facts on the TV screen or in the papers and magazines. All is going well." So runs part of the debate about Iraq - an OZ story replayed off the page.
Sometimes all the praise talk feels like that. It is like talking to one of the old kings. It is not just a matter of "if you don't have something good to say, say nothing at all." It is studiously avoiding a recognition of difficulties and questions or actively turning any news other than glorious into glorious. Only one side can be spoken, there is only one perspective to hold.
Even with these hesitations about praise, one of the grandest images comes in 66:12, "yet you have brought us out to a spacious place." This is not a spacious empty, but a spacious full place, saturated. Would that we had a sense of spaciousness that understood there is more than enough to go around, that we are not playing a zero-sum game. Would that we had a sense of spaciousness that gives room to turn around, repent even, and rethink, replan, re-act.
This is the best praise - living from a space of enough daily bread, living from a space of uncoerced reevaluation and new beginning. Both of these lead us to acting from a better base and thus better participating in extravagant thanksgiving.
How might our decision-making be clearer? - being in a spacious place with resources aplenty and openness to move in ever better directions.
http://www.kairoscomotion.org/lectionary/2004/october2004.html
Psalm 111
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28
We do so easily become accustomed to idols - that which would captivate us for its own end. Even the good things of our lives, or, more precisely, exactly the good things of our lives are prime candidates for being the strongest of idols. Personal wants, family, nation, doctrine all have moments of being exactly the right response to a particular situation and then they hang around to hang us out to dry in another.
Being so captivated makes it very easy to question any intervention on our behalf: "What have you to do with me. If I followed where you lead I won't recognize myself. In that choice your destruction is to be preferred over mine."
There is probably not a justification I have not used to keep on keeping-on with what I am doing. My knowledge about what I am up to is very puffed-up. Over-blown, even, to the point of fragility and hyper-sensitive to any attempt to change coming from the outside. Such change would explode my world and where would there be anything left on which to start to rebuild?
A first task of a prophet is to have their bubble burst about what is good. Love-of-G*D good doesn't revolve only about our knowledge. We are one satellite, among many, that becomes aware not only of trespasses against us, but ours against others. In this crucible a future is conceived, nurtured, and brought forth. This is also a first task of a congregation and a priest even though it is more difficult here to come to see it.
- - -
How you doin'?
got anything to do with me?
anything for me?
anything from me?
we so question godly idols
ourselves and others
when we catch a connection
beyond captivity
it is no surprise
amazement
then we enshrine
our new connection
in routine expectation
ripe for bursting
teaching authority
goes beyond anything for me
beyond eternalizing moments
how are you doing?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html
Psalm 111 or Psalm 34:9-14
1 Kings 2:10-12; 13:3-14 or Proverbs 9:1-6
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58
The temptation of "understanding" is very great. Even wise old Solomon finally failed that test. Along with understanding came/comes riches and honor. And what, I ask, can stand in the face of such principalities and powers? Understanding eventually pales in the temptation of increased riches and honor. Why, simply because it takes so much to increase in wisdom appropriate to this new time and place. Let your growth in understanding lag for a bit, presuming for a moment that you have sufficient, and, lo and behold, riches and honor gain momentum and priority.
Without an increase in wisdom there can be no sense made of metaphor and mystery such as living bread imaged in personal terms. Alice in Wonderland's bottle and cake remain as strange to us as Jesus' language about eating him. Where we are willing to suspend our disbelief with Alice, we don't seem to be able to do so with Jesus.
[Can't help but wonder if Jesus tastes as wonderful as Alice's drink - "mixed flavour of cherry-tart, custard, pineapple, roast turkey, toffee, and hot buttered toast" or what my flavor(s) might be or yours.]
- - -
wisdom connects
far better
with departing
from evil(1)
and doing good(2)
when wisdom
gets mixed up
with riches and honor
there is going to be
hell to pay
to keep wisdom
increasing in stature
attention to G*D's presence(3)
even more than any list
becomes our joy and focus
[Note: (1) (2) (3) are references to The United Methodist General Rules.]
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_08_01_archive.html
Psalm 111 or Psalm 66:1-12
Psalms sound differently if intoned in the cadence of someone trudging into exile or if celebrating the overcoming of another.
Praise can remind us, in the midst of the deepest despair, to focus where some ultimate returning might yet come from. Anything other than this far-reaching possibility is no longer on the table. Praise is a precursor of return to better days and is cast in terms of that which was understood before the calamity.
Praise can remind us, in the midst of great glee, that everything is falling into place for an on-going, endless, jubilation. We have overcome and nothing will stop us now. We have praised God and passed the ammunition. All's right with our world.
Try reading these Psalms in these different voices and see which rings truest for you.
- - -
we are in a spacious place
where past pains can be let go
there is plenty of place
plenty enough for peace
we are in a spacious place
where future conquering is open
there is plenty of place
plenty enough for claiming
we are in a spacious place
where pain and victory intersect
there each can find its place
without interacting
we are in a spacious place
where even more options come together
there each place
touches each
we are in a spacious place
where choice of voice
determines character
and next covenants
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2007_10_01_archive.html
[G*D] manufactures truth and justice;
All [G*D's] products are guaranteed to last—
Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that [G*D] makes and does is honest and true: [The Message, vss 7-8]
In all of Days 1-7 we have reported the externals of light and life and reptiles and rest. What is not reported at that time, but later noted here, is that each day has its part to play in revealing truth and justice.
Light is created . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Water is separated . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Plants are seeded . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Time proceeds . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Fish swim, birds fly . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Animals procreate, humans create . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Even rest pauses . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
Today we are . . . TO REVEAL TRUTH AND JUSTICE.
- - -
Hallelujah! I give thanks…. [The Message, vs 1]
. . . . . . . .
[G*D's] Hallelujah lasts forever! [The Message, vs 10b]We live between Hallelujahs!
Are you remembering to let your Hallelujah loose?
Are you remembering that even G*D Hallelujahs?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2009_01_01_archive.html
The Process and Faith Lectionary Commentary notes how low the United States falls on scales of happiness and well-being while claiming to be the best in everything. It proceeds to suggest some ways, based on this week's lectionary, in which we might move toward Wisdom, the "Love" (better translation today than "fear") of Life. They write:
"Then, what brings wisdom and the joy that goes with it? While there is no one path to well-being, today's passages point us in the right direction, and do so in a holistic manner. Today's preacher might focus on the following wisdom-giving spiritual practices either in her or his sermon or in an adult education opportunity:
"Wisdom emerges from discerning what is important in life, by seeking the "bread of life," God's soul food, rather than superficial fast food that only satisfies us briefly. (John 6) Guidance comes when we ask for it; when we take time to reflect on what we truly desire in life and for our communities.
"Wisdom is experienced by listening to God's presence in dreams and other non-rational experiences – moments of synchronicity, insight, and inspiration emerge when we take seriously the divine wisdom of the unconscious. (1 Kings 3;3-14)
"Wisdom arises from awe at the grandeur of the universe and the guiding, loving presence of God in all things. (Psalm 111)
"Wisdom comes from mindfulness and alertness. (Ephesians 5:18)
"Wisdom comes from "making the most of the time," that is, living with intentionality, awareness, and openness. (Ephesians 5:16)
"Wisdom comes from living by spiritual affirmations, that is, by practicing "hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, singing and making melody to God in your hearts." (Ephesians 5:19) Spiritual affirmations, such as "Nothing can separate us from the love of God," "My God will satisfy all my needs," "I am the light of the world," or "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," focus our attention on God's presence in our lives, open us to greater resources for personal and social transformation, and heal negativity, both conscious and unconscious. Our theology is formed as much by what we sing as what we hear or say; accordingly, take time to sing your faith. (For more on the life transforming power of affirmations and hymns, see Bruce Epperly, The Power of Affirmative Faith, Chalice Press and Holy Adventure: 41 Days of Audacious Living, Upper Room)
"Wisdom comes from gratitude, the virtue of interconnectedness that joins us with God and all creation. (Ephesians 5:20) Thanksgiving reminds us that we are all in this together. Just as we have received grace upon grace from others, and prosper as a result of the efforts of others, our calling is to be bountiful in our care for others. God's abundance calls us to live abundantly in our generosity to others."
- - -
Now comes the question of your experience/revelation – Would you add another description of the beginning of Wisdom? If you were to lay these seven (plus your additions) out in a row on a sheet of paper and put a scale next to it and rank your participation in journeying with Wisdom through that modality you might find something interesting.
10 |
9 |
8 |
7 |
6 |
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
0 |__________________________________
W1 W2 W3 W4 W5 W6 W7 W? W?Would this lead you to delve deeper into your current channels of Wisdom or intentionally move into another realm?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2009_08_01_archive.html
G*D’s got you in the palm of a nonpareil hand and is listening hard for your ultimate respects uttered in extravagant language.
The fearfulness of your position must be recognized and this begins your learning, but does not end it. And the same for G*D.
Presuming you can get through a bias of G*D for fear inspired behavior, there may arise within you both more options. G*D might hear praise echoing and enduring forever and not be as demanding of that particular response from such as yourself. You might practice thankfulness until it permeates every bone in your body and be a natural response to any unnatural occurrence - not because it is demanded, but because it feels so good.
What is your fear-based learning today?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2012/01/psalm-111.html
Note how active this Psalm is. It is our legacy to identify with such energy.
Comparing and reflecting on this Psalm in The New Revised Version with The Message word by word and verse by verse is a great help in cutting through religious language (except for verse 9).
1 Praise the Lord!
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,
in the company of the upright, in the congregation. [NRSV]
1 Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I've got—
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation. [MSG]2 Great are the works of the Lord,
studied by all who delight in them.
2 God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study—endless enjoyment!3 Full of honor and majesty is his work,
and his righteousness endures forever.
3 Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.4 He has gained renown by his wonderful deeds;
the Lord is gracious and merciful.
4 His miracles are his memorial—
This God of Grace, this God of Love.5 He provides food for those who fear him;
he is ever mindful of his covenant.
5 He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.6 He has shown his people the power of his works,
in giving them the heritage of the nations.
6 He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter—a gift!7 The works of his hands are faithful and just;
all his precepts are trustworthy.
7 He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last—8 They are established forever and ever,
to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
8 Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:9 He sent redemption to his people;
he has commanded his covenant forever.
Holy and awesome is his name.
9 He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;
all those who practice it have a good understanding.
His praise endures forever.
10 The good life begins in the fear of God—
Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!
In today’s political climate imagine what it would take to “manufacture truth and justice” and wouldn’t it be worth what it took to participate in such?
Does beauty mark your craft, your vocation? It will be one excellent measure of how you are doing on journey toward truth and justice. Without it we are probably dealing with truthiness and faux-fairness.
To add one more stimulant, here is the way Jim Taylor puts it after seeing a NASA photograph of earth from space.
1 The bright blue planet spins in the vast darkness of space;
let all who live on earth rejoice.
2 Only on this one tiny orb do we know life exists;
let all who live on earth give thanks.
3 The vision takes our breath away;
let all who live on earth open their eyes.
4 This fragile ball bursting with life is a work of art;
let all who live on earth recognize God's goodness.
5 Foxes and fieldmice, humans and whales, eagles and ants--
all are woven together in a tapestry of relationships;
let all who live on earth recognize this reality.
6 And God has delegated responsibility to us;
let all who live on earth be mindful.
7 We must exercise care not to upset the delicate equilibrium of shared life;
let all who live on earth understand their responsibility.
8 A tapestry cannot be reduced to a single thread;
let all who live on earth accept their responsibility.
9 This egg floating in the dark womb of the universe is like God's own embryo;
let all who live on earth treat it as holy.
10 We share an awesome and terrible responsibility;
may God live forever.
After reflecting on this psalm through your experience, how would you phrase it?
http://kcmlection.blogspot.com/2012/08/psalm-111.html