This morning, we chanted Psalms 73 and 74 for Matins. (Yes, I know they are for Evening Prayer, but, we do the whole Psalter here at St. Alban’s.). Psalm 73 seemed most appropriate to the circumstances today. Here it is so that you may lift up your hearts:
TRULY God is loving unto Israel: * even unto such as are of a clean heart.
Nevertheless, my feet were almost gone, * my treadings had well-nigh slipt.
And why? I was grieved at the wicked: * I do also see the ungodly in such prosperity.
For they are in no peril of death; * but are lusty and strong.
They come in no misfortune like other folk; * neither are they plagued like other men.
And this is the cause that they are so holden with pride, * and cruelty covereth them as a garment.
Their eyes swell with fatness, * and they do even what they lust.
They corrupt other, and speak of wicked blasphemy; * their talking is against the Most High.
For they stretch forth their mouth unto the heaven, * and their tongue goeth through the world.
Therefore fall the people unto them, * and thereout suck they no small advantage.
Tush, say they, how should God perceive it? * is there knowledge in the Most High?
Lo, these are the ungodly, * these prosper in the world, and these have riches in possession:
And I said, Then have I cleansed my heart in vain, * and washed my hands in innocency.
All the day long have I been punished, * and chastened every morning.
Yea, and I had almost said even as they; * but lo, then I should have condemned the generation of thy children.
Then thought I to understand this; * but it was too hard for me,
Until I went into the sanctuary of God: * then understood I the end of these men;
Namely, how thou dost set them in slippery places, * and castest them down, and destroyest them.
O how suddenly do they consume, * perish, and come to a fearful end!
Yea, even like as a dream when one awaketh; * so shalt thou make their image to vanish out of the city.
Thus my heart was grieved, * and it went even through my reins.
So foolish was I, and ignorant, * even as it were a beast before thee.
Nevertheless, I am alway by thee; * for thou hast holden me by my right hand.
Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, * and after that receive me with glory.
Whom have I in heaven but thee? * and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee.
My flesh and my heart faileth; * but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
For lo, they that forsake thee shall perish; * thou hast destroyed all them that are unfaithful unto thee.
But it is good for me to hold me fast by God, to put my trust in the Lord GOD, * and to speak of all thy works in the gates of the daughter of Sion.
It doesn’t seem possible but Lent is soon upon us. Next Tuesday we will have our traditional Pancake Supper at St. Alban’s beginning at 5:30 p.m. Join us in Smith Hall for hymn singing, fellowship and, of course, breakfast for dinner cooked by the men of the parish. Those bringing bacon, sausage or both are asked to prepare them at home to be warmed at the church.
The Cathedral Close 