March 2/First Thursday of Lent On the day I called, you answered me, you increased my strength of soul. ~ Ps 138.3 Call and Response Many years ago, when I was a graduate student in a British university, I would wander of an afternoon into the college’s chapel for Evensong. With candles flickering against the damp dark of the declining…
Category: Songs for Lent
Song 7: Makeover
March 1/First Wednesday of Lent A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. ~ Ps 51.12 Makeover Years ago when I was living in New York, I would walk through grand department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue or Lord & Taylor and wish that I had the courage to sit down at one…
Song 6: The Hospitality Suite
February 28/First Tuesday of Lent Glorify the LORD with me, let us together extol his name. ~ Ps 34.4 A friendly “hello” to visitors after Mass. A weekly church supper that draws seniors, neighbors, and students from the nearby college campus. A colorful banner hoisted on the church portico welcoming visitors to the religious services within. These are but a…
Song 5: Practice Makes Perfect
February 27/First Monday of Lent The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.The decree of the LORD is trustworthy, giving wisdom to the simple. ~ Ps 19.8-9 Although it has been many years, I remember with crystalline clarity those early days (and nights) with a newborn. As I walked the floors in the wee hours with a wakeful…
Song 4: A User Guide
February 25/Saturday after Ash Wednesday Incline your ear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.Preserve my life, for I am devoted to you; save your servant who trusts in you.Be gracious to me, O LORD, for to you do I cry all day long.Gladden the soul of your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift…
Song 3: The Three Rs
February 24/Friday after Ash Wednesday Thoroughly wash me from my guilt and of my sin cleanse me. For I acknowledge my offense, and my sin is before me always. My sacrifice, O God, is a contrite spirit. ~ Ps 51.4, 5, 19 Early in the quarantine phase of the pandemic, when we were cooped up in unaccustomed and unrelenting proximity…
Song 2: It’s the Journey
February 23/Thursday after Ash Wednesday Blessed are those who follow not the counsel of the wicked, Nor walk in the way of sinners, nor sit in the company of the insolent; But they delight in the law of the LORD and meditate on his law day and night. ~ Ps 1.1-2 “Are we there yet?” Before the omnipresence of those…
Song 1: Mercy Me
February 22/Ash Wednesday Have mercy on me, God, according to your steadfast love;according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. ~ Ps 51.3 If there is any doubt that today we cross the threshold from Ordinary Time to the season of penitence, the opening verse of Psalm 51 from the Ash Wednesday liturgy puts it to rest. “Have mercy,”…
Songs for Lent: Daily Reflections on the Psalms
Ash Wednesday, which begins the penitential season of Lent, is on Wednesday, February 22. For the 10th year, I will be offering “Songs for Lent,” daily reflections on a psalm verse or verses from the daily lectionary, enhanced with images and music, a link to the readings, and a prayer. This year, the reflections will explore what the Psalms can…
Song 40: A Gracious Plenty
April 16/Holy SaturdayEaster Vigil You make springs gush forth in the valleys; they flow between the hills, By the streams the birds of the air have their habitation; they sing among the branches. From your lofty abode you water the mountains; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work. LORD, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have…