Today's reading: Psalms 36-39 (37-40)

How quick are we to react to criticism or denigration with anger or heated words?

As we journey towards Pascha, these Psalms offer an alternative to such reactions. It is a simple alternative, but it is not easy. It is the alternative exemplified by Jesus when standing trial before Annas, Caiaphas, Pilate, and Herod. As Isaiah foretold about the Christ, "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)

Today's Psalms, prayers written centuries before Christ by the Prophet David, show us one of the reasons why this king was called a man after God's own heart. David offers another example of trusting in the justice and faithfulness of God. We read Psalm 37(38) during every Orthros service. Verses 13 and 14 should be very familiar to us. "But I am like a deaf man; I do not hear, like a mute man who does not open his mouth. I have become like a man who does not hear, and in whose mouth are no rebukes." Similar sentiments are repeated throughout today's reading. 

What do these examples mean for us?

Today's reading: Psalms 27-31 (28-32)

The Psalms consistently bear witness to the complete dependence on God which is demonstrated for us by the Prophet David. "Every moment of my life is in your hands," (30/31:15) is more than a declaration of David's personal feelings in a time of distress. It is a Truth of our Faith. We do not believe that God set everything in motion at creation and has since left us to our own devices. God is ever active in the role of Creator. God is constantly involved in the continued existence of the universe. 
It is becoming ever easier to forget this Truth. As technology advances and we become increasingly self-sufficient, we can forget that every moment of our lives is in God's hands. Many of the spiritual practices of our Church are opportunities for us to remember our dependence on God.
What can we do this Lent to make ourselves more aware of this reality?

Today's reading: Psalms 21-26 (22-27)*

Psalm 21(22) is one of the most important Psalms for us to understand what Jesus is going through on the cross, and therefore is crucial to our understanding of our faith in general.
This Psalm begins "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Sound familiar? Jesus utters this cry from the cross (Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34). 
Many view these words from Jesus as an indication of the abandonment of the Son by the Father. For us, this is an impossibility. When Matthew and Mark say that Jesus uttered these words they probably mean to show that he recited the entirety of this Psalm.
Read this Psalm carefully. See how many of the verses in the first half of the Psalm are fulfilled in the life of Jesus. Notice the shift that occurs in verse 22. 
How might the knowledge that Jesus prayed this entire Psalm from the cross, instead of just the first verse, effect our understanding of the crucifixion?

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Today's reading: Psalms 17-20

"She could never be a saint, but she thought she could be a martyr if they killed her quick."
   -Flannery O'Connor

Today we remember the uncovering of the holy relics of martyrs which were found in Constantinople. What do you think motivates the saints and martyrs? What separates us from the holiness of the saints, from the courage of the martyrs?