Advent Psalm reading for December 14, 15, 16, & 17: Psalm 126. The first reflection on Psalm 126 looked at the psalm’s context as a song of ascent. The second reflection examined similar themes in the liturgical reading from the first half of Habakkuk 3, and the third reflection further explored connections in the prophetic psalm. As we light…

Advent Psalm reading for December 14, 15, 16, & 17: Psalm 126. Continuing with Habakkuk 3: The Second Half The first reflection on Psalm 126 looked at the psalm’s context as a song of ascent. The second reflection examined similar themes in the liturgical reading from the first half of Habakkuk 3. Building upon previous reflections, let’s explore…

Advent Psalm reading for December 14, 15, 16, & 17: Psalm 126. The first reflection on Psalm 126 looked at the psalm’s context as a song of ascent. Today, I will look at some similar themes that arise in the liturgical reading from Habakkuk 3. Exploring Justice in Habakkuk Habakkuk is one of the “Book of…

Advent Psalm reading for December 14, 15, 16, & 17: Psalm 126. Psalm 126 carries a message of hope for renewal. In Advent, this is a comforting reflection in anticipation of the fulfillment of God’s faithful act of compassion. It has happened already, but each Advent, we wait anew. In our waiting, we make space…

Advent Psalm reading for December 11, 12, & 13: Psalm 27. In the first installment, I reflect on the entire Psalm 27 reading. In part two, I looked at similar themes of strength in divine presence in Isaiah 26. In this final installment reflecting on Advent Psalm 27, I want to consider the psalm alongside Malachi 2,…

Advent Psalm reading for December 11, 12, & 13: Psalm 27. In the first installment, I reflect on the entire Psalm 27 reading. Today, I will look more closely at one of the accompanying liturgical readings in Isaiah 26. Both Psalm 27 and Isaiah 26 express unwavering trust in the strength of divine presence, a…

Advent Psalm reading for December 11, 12, & 13: Psalm 27. Psalm 27 is one of the many psalms attributed to David, King of Israel. The psalm emphasizes God as an anchoring presence, an inspiration for courage, and a personal guide. God is referred to called, strength, shelterer, and protector. Up to this point during…

Advent Psalm reading for December 7, 8, 9, & 10: Psalm 85 Reflecting on Psalm 85 During Advent This is the second Sunday of Advent, when the second candle is lit to represent peace—”Jesus Christ is our hope for peace.” The advent psalm liturgy I have been reflecting on is Psalm 85, a Korahite psalm that…

Advent Psalm reading for December 7, 8, 9, & 10: Psalm 85 So far, I have looked at Psalm 85 as a Korahite psalm with roots in the Northern part of Israel. The Psalm begins in lament and then moves toward repentance and recognizing God’s compassionate justice. Then, I read Psalm 85 alongside Hosea 6 and…

Advent Psalm reading for December 7, 8, 9, & 10: Psalm 85 Introduction to Psalm 85 and Hosea 6:1-6 In the previous post, I examined Psalm 85 as a Korahite psalm emphasizing abundance in the wake of God’s justice. One of the accompanying liturgical readings is Hosea 6:1-6 which picks up in the middle of…