July letter to the parish

Posted on by stmaggiep

This month’s letter comes from Rev Steve:

I begin and end each day alone with the 23rd Psalm.  It may seem over-familiar to you.  But the words lead me to the one who, in turbulent and chaotic circumstances, somehow has the power to reach beyond them – and guide,  accompany and protect me.  The Hebrew words embrace a whole network of meaning.  So far, I have collected 63 different English translations! 

They all agree on the Lord, the Eternal, as our Shepherd – “I lack nothing”, says the Common English Bible;  “ I have what I need”, says the Christian Standard Bible;  “he cares for me always”, says The Voice. 

There are many ways of translating “the soul” that the Lord restores by green pasture, still waters and paths of righteousness.  The Hebrew word is “nephesh” – “my life” (Contemporary English), “my inner person” (Complete Jewish Bible), “new strength” (Living Bible), “you let me catch my breath” (The Message).

“The Valley of the Shadow of Death” is “a valley of deepest darkness” (Revised English Bible), “a glen of gloom” (Moffatt), “a valley of death-shade” (Young’s Literal).

The rod is to protect and the staff is to guide, says the Amplified Bible.

And the “Mercy” (chesed) that provides the Psalm’s signature is variously “lovingkindness” (Legacy Standard), “love unfailing” (New English), “loyal love” (Lexham English), “steadfast love” (Hebrew Tanakh).

I could go on….!  Each word has an extra dimension, a new light, an extra nuance.  But, in these difficult and challenging times, remember that these Psalms were fashioned out of conflict, need and sometimes desperation. 

“Be still:  and know that I am God.”  This instruction comes not from a green pasture but from a person within a world that is violently changing – Psalm 46, which begins, “God is our refuge and strength:  a very present help in trouble.”                       

These were the songs that sustained Jesus and the first disciples whether in Calvary, Galilee or Jerusalem.  They remain a living well of inspiration for us, too.

Rev Steve 

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