Friday, April 8, 2011

I will try to include some of the readings for Thursday and Friday in time. If I'm not too lazy, I may try to select some of the vigil readings.

Ps. 118:1-2, 19-29 this is the last of the praise psalms 113-118 that were recited on important festivals, including Passover. Think of it as a psalms version of the song of Miriam and Moses from Exodus.  It makes sense that it is quoted on Palm Sunday, as it would be fresh in the minds of the people there. In that light, it is possible that this was the last thing sung by Jesus and the disciples on the way to the garden.
1) Here is a good example of context and reading. Do the first two verses sound different on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday or Good Friday? In particular consider how hesed/steadfast love is reflected in these vastly different days.

2) Look at how the gospels apply the words of the liturgy/procession into temple to be applied to Jesus.

3) While v.22 is a favorite applied to Jesus, it would not work well on Palm Sunday. Would it not be more nationalistic then, that the one put down is shown to be the most important? If the words were an old proverb, what would be a contemporary way of expressing the same thought-such as who would think little Butler could be in the finals two years running?

4) Hosanna means save us (now) . it may have come to mean Hurray by the time of Jesus. One can play with the double meaning. Again look at how it sounds on Palm Sunday v. Thursday and Friday.

5) Jesus uses the v.26 to either predict palm Sunday or in announcing the reign of God.

6) I would assume that light may reflect the Aaronic benediction. Again the multiple ways we can speak of Jesus as the light would open some doors. Scientifically minded people could speak of light acting as wave and particle. We return to hesed at v. 29.

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