The psalm for this Sunday, the Third Sunday in Lent, is an exhortation to sing and praise God for all He is and all that He does. It might seem odd during a penitential season such as Lent to sing this magnificent psalm of praise, but it is a reminder that even in times of great sorrow and contrition we can rejoice in God and thank Him for His boundless… Read More »
The psalm for this Sunday, the First Sunday of Lent, is Psalm 32, the second of the seven Penitential Psalms. This intense setting by American composer Zachary Wadsworth (b. 1983) alternates the English text with the Latin. It begins with verse 3 which relates to us the consequences of remaining silent and keeping our sins to ourselves. While I held my tongue, my bones withered away because of my groaning… Read More »
Psalm 51, the appointed psalm for Ash Wednesday, is arguably one of the most significant for Christians in that it provides for us an example of deep and heartfelt repentance. The story involves a king who after having an adulterous affair and getting a woman pregnant, gets wrapped up in an elaborate cover-up that leads to deceit, treachery, murder, and despair. The full story is told in 2 Samuel 11-12.… Read More »
