Summer Series: Those “nasty” psalms

We gathered this evening, in the midst of the heat and humidity, to find a place of fellowship and fun over dinner outside, as the rain fell around us. There’s a place of peace and ease that’s been developing among us, that’s really lovely ~ AND there’s always the opening for others to join us. Every week it’s always a different group gathered — and always the right one. So, come on out and give it a try, if you’ve been curious or feeling the call to explore the psalms!

psalms-2

This week we explored those nasty psalms that call upon God to wreck havoc and vengeance upon our enemies. We read a portion of Psalm 109 and the honest reaction afterwards was “Good Grief!”. Mother Barbara shared with us some information about this genre of psalm (part of lament psalms) and talked about the different possible reactions (ignore them, be horrified by them, enter into them). One of our parishioners shared her real life experience in feeling these psalms which was powerful and helpful. Mother Barbara then spoke about what God’s retribution actually looks like (not the revenge we may imagine, but a tearing down of barriers that keep us from being honest before each other and God and allowing God’s love to lead us into a new place of healing).

compline

The evening ended with the peace and calm of Compline. Thanks be to God for the grace which was present this evening.

Summer Series

Tonight we gathered for dinner, fun, and fellowship and to grapple with the Wisdom Psalms. We learned about the major “books” of the Old Testament and focused in on the Wisdom Literature, within which the Book of Psalms is located.

Gathering outside for conversation
Gathering outside for conversation

We read some of the Wisdom psalms and identified some major themes. Conversation then led us to discuss the meaning of the word “righteousness” in both the original Hebrew, in the writings of the prophets, and then within the gospels and finally in Paul’s writings.

Making sense of it all
Making sense of it all
Pondering
Pondering

We came to understand the true meaning of righteousness is being benevolent, compassionate, and attentive to those in need. We comprehended how differently the use of righteous is used in today’s language, especially in regards to religion.

 

Reflecting
Reflecting

Being attentive, observant, seeing the larger picture, and listening to the Spirit are all ways that we can stay on the right side of the line between righteous (as in the Bible) and self-righteous as is often used today. We left fed with food, conversation, thought, and more knowledge about the character of God.

 

A great evening, indeed!