One of the greatest gifts I’ve received from Holy Tradition is the practice of reading the Psalms every week.
The Psalms are divided into 20 divisions, and we read 2 divisions (ie “kathismata”) in the morning and 1 (“kathisma”) in the evening.
I’ve done this for a number of years. The Psalms have continually taken on deeper meanings, and have become formative to my worldview, my thought processes and my emotions (when I’m more amenable to the Spirit, which I must say, isn’t always).
I will also say that the Psalms have probably saved my life on occasion. I do not think this is an exaggeration.
Yes, I’m proselytizing, but proselytizing for this Psalmic practice that becomes an outlook, even affecting one’s lifestyle.
Much of Psalmody is clear, open even to a plain reading. Some Psalmody is far more mysterious, to the point where a plain reading is either unclear or even depressing. The Psalms of Imprecation are a good example of this, and we can no longer be guided by a simple interpretation (ie that would suggest cursing or taking revenge upon human enemies)
At all points, though, the Lamb and the Bride (ie the Church in her full, mystical reality) are saying, “Come, join with us.”
I’m thinking of starting, in the near or not so near future, a website on the Psalter, with some suggested translation for personal reading and helpful interpretation.
Until then, I have a few preliminary notes on the Psalms that your welcome to. Send me a comment on this page or email me if you’re interested.
But in any case, delve into this prayerbook of Jesus.
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