Psalm 133– The Antiphon for next Sunday’s Introit is taken from Psalm
133:1, “Behold, how good and pleasant it
is when brothers dwell in unity.”
After much conflict, the people of God came together. In the world today
there appears to be much conflict. How do we achieve unity? Some claim that
unity comes through diversity. We find unity when we are at one especially when
there is agreement, especially when we consider the person of Christ.
Psalm 133 – The
Blessed Unity of God’s People
Of the
fifteen psalms in the series, Psalm 133 is the last of the four attributed to
King David in the title: A Song of Ascents. Of David. We don’t know exactly when
David composed this song, but one likely occasion was when David was finally
received as king over all the tribes of Israel, ending a terrible season of
national division and discord.
It could date
from the crowning of David at Hebron when the leaders of the nation were, for a
time at least, of one heart and mind (see 2 Samuel 5:1; 1 Chronicles 12:38-40).[2]
Collect for Psalm 133: Lord God, you have poured
into our hearts the precious oil of your Spirit of love. Make us of one heart
and of one will, so that we may be true members of the body of Jesus Christ,
united as he has commanded us; and to you be the glory now and forever. Amen
On the Third Sunday of Easter, we
consider the response to the resurrection. In the Gospel, the two followers of
Jesus did not recognize the risen Christ until the breaking of bread. Three
thousand people responded to Peter’s sermon dealing with the cross and
resurrection with repentance and baptism. In the Epistle, we are told that
because of the resurrection, the living Word, we are born anew in love and
faith. Psalm 116 harmonizes with the theme of response: “What shall I render...?” The prayer and hymn continue with the
resurrection theme.
Collect for Monday of the week of Easter 2: Almighty and ever-living God, your Spirit
made us your children, confident to call you Father. Increase your Spirit of
love within us and being as to our promised inheritance. Grant this through our
Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God forever and ever. Amen [3]
17 April 2023
[1] The Risen
Christ, © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[3] Ibid, Collect
for Monday of the week of Easter 2
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