Ps 21 Easter 5 with a Commentary by Dr Noel S Donnelly
Psalm 21 Commentary 5th Easter B.
The complete text of Psalm 21 is both beautiful and terrifying. The mention of King David in the superscription leads scholars to see the original psalm as one in which David is foretelling the horrible persecutions and crucifixions by the Persians that lay ahead; but the psalm does end with a note of encouragement as it points to eventual triumph. The selected verses for 5th Easter come from the last six verses of this 32-versed psalm. They are very positive, as befits our Easter season. They follow the reading from Acts where Barnabas talks about the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus.
Yes, of course Resurrection is around us this season, but this weekend these joyful verses lead us forward to a fresh idea in the Gospel where we celebrate our presence as branches in the living vine Jesus. We live in the true vine Jesus while he also lives in us. That mutual in-dwelling is a profound reality, encouraging us to bear fruit together with the Lord, right through the coming week … and beyond, when we are invited to “declare God’s faithfulness to people yet unborn, telling them what marvellous things the Lord has done!”
Psalm 21 ND Easter 5 MEL – Full Score
Psalm 21 ND final ed – Full Score
Psalm 21: words and music (c) Noel S Donnelly. Recorded by Grace Buckley.
Graphic (c) Netta Ewing.
