The Ordinary

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NI KA

In the Fall I usually post a series of meditations leading up the Nativity. The seed for that series is the “O Antiphons” from the western Advent. To pair that with something in Lent has been difficult as there doesn’t seem to be anything quite in parallel, especially given the number of weeks to cover. Something that seems to work is the Psalms used in the Eastern Daily Office. While these change in Vespers and Matins, there are several Psalms that do not change from day to day in the offices. In liturgical language the things that do not change are called “the ordinary” as opposed to “the propers” which do change on a daily or seasonal cycle. The ordinary remains the same inside Lent and outside.

These would not be a full on “Bible Study” just a series of meditations running through pre-Lent and Lent. It’s a bit ambitious considering how often I miss a date here or there, but it’s also a good practice. So…

Here’s the Schedule. Each Psalm is noted with its liturgical use, begining with Vespers. I’ve arranged it (or, maybe, disarranged it) so that the Lauds Psalms are one set, lined up in the final post to “end on a high note” right before Lazarus Saturday. (The numbering is according to the LXX).

Sunday of Zacchaeus (18 Feb)
– Wed 21 Feb Psalm 103 (Vespers)
– Fri 23 Feb Psalm 3 (Matins)

Sunday of the Publican (25 Feb)
– Wed 28 Feb Psalm 37 (Matins)
– Fri 1 Mar Psalm 62 (Matins)

Sunday of the Prodigal (3 Mar)
– Wed 6 Mar Psalm 87 (Matins)
– Fri 8 Mar Psalm 102 (Matins)

Meatfare Sunday (10 Mar)
– Wed 13 Mar Psalm 142 (Matins)
– Fri 15 Mar Psalm 5 (1st Hour)

Forgiveness Sunday (17 Mar)
– Wed 20 Mar Psalm 89 (1st Hour)
– Fri 22 Mar Psalm 100 (1st Hour)

Sunday of Orthodoxy (24 Mar)
– Wed 27 Mar Psalm 16 (3rd Hour)
– Fri 29 Mar Psalm 24 (3rd Hour)

Sunday of St Gregory Palamas (31 Mar)
– Wed 3 Apr Psalm 50 (3rd Hour)
– Fri 5 Apr Psalm 53 (6th Hour)

Sunday of the Holy Cross (7 Apr)
– Wed 10 Apr Psalm 54 (6th Hour)
– Fri 12 Apr Psalm 90 (6th Hour)

Sunday of St John of the Ladder (14 Apr)
– Wed 17 Apr Psalm 83 (9th Hour)
– Fri 19 Apr Psalm 84 (9th Hour)

Sunday of St Mary of Egypt (21 Apr)
– Wed 24 Apr Psalm 85 (9th Hour)
– Fri 26 Apr: Psalm 148, 149, 150 (Lauds)

A Menu for the Series:
Intro; Psalm 103 (Vespers); Psalm 3 (Matins); Psalm 37 (Matins); Psalm 62 (Matins); Psalm 87 (Matins); Psalm 102 (Matins); Psalm 142 (Matins); Psalm 5 (1st Hour); Psalm 89 (1st Hour); Psalm 100 (1st Hour); Psalm 16 (3rd Hour); Psalm 24 (3rd Hour); Psalm 50 (3rd Hour); Psalm 53 (6th Hour); Psalm 54 (6th Hour); Psalm 90 (6th Hour); Psalm 83 (9th Hour); Psalm 84 (9th Hour); Psalm 85 (9th Hour); Psalm 148, 149, 150 (Lauds).

Why are the Psalms numbered in different ways?