A lot can happen in 5 years…
I began writing psalm reflections during lent of 2020. This project started as a way to create content for church during the pandemic shut down.
Starting in Advent 2019, the church decided to worship with the texts from Year D, which is still not circulated as are years A, B, and C. Year D was created with the goal of including scriptures that were left out or not used as frequently as others. While we were using Psalms in year D, most other lectionary followers were using Year A. In Advent of 2020 we rejoined those who use the lectionary in year B. Advent of 2021 year C.
While we were doing church via zoom, I would read a reflection each week. As we moved to hybrid/in-person worship, these reflections were removed to make time the service for music. I continued writing the reflections as many of the in-person programs I led pre-pandemic were not reopening or slowly opening or dramatically changing. I continued writing the psalm reflections as I had time, so 2021 year C was a little less complete. And Advent of 2022 year A was pretty sparse. I left church work in July of 2023 but continued the practice of writing psalm reflections. Advent of 2023 year B. Advent of 2024 year C.
By the time I got to the Year C again, I had already researched and written many of the psalms which gave me the opportunity to use past research and refections to work further ahead than I’ve ever been able to before. I had been avoiding Psalm 119 because it felt like an enormous undertaking but this was the year I was determined to really dig into it. Completing Psalm 119 felt like a huge win and inspired me to finally write about the psalms that don’t appear in the three year cycle of the Revised Common lectionary but are in Year D: 18, 144, 44, 110, 73, 75, 76, 28, 12, 61, 11, 88, 108, 64, 60, 10, 120 and those that I did not encounter in the lectionary at all: 5, 21, 53, 131, 134, 135. I did notice that Psalm 21 will appear in the upcoming year A cycle. I use the Vanderbilt Divinity Library’s resource for lectionary readings and the PCUSA planning calendar to make text selections.
The last two psalms felt significant, not just because they were the last but because of their content. Psalm 134 was written to be a blessing at the end of the pilgrimage (or the beginning of new life) and Psalm 135 spoke to me as the expanding power of God’s love. Together they felt like a charge and benediction as I begin a new season of figuring out how to live out my call as pastor without serving in a traditional church role. God’s love is more diverse and expansive than I can imagine, so too must be my reflection of that love.
The practice of writing reflections has been one of the most difficult and most rewarding spiritual practices I’ve endeavored to take. I hope that these continue to be meaningful to you too, dear reader.
Check out other psalm reflections in the links below or find more of my writing published in Presbyterian Outlook or listen to my experiments in podcasting on the Period Pastor Podcast. Follow me @periodpastor
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