STEUBY AND THE PSALMS
For a few decades now, my summers have often included a visit to the beautiful, holy Campus of the Franciscan University of Steubenville (commonly referred to as Steuby). This year Angel Koerkel, Kathy Blanchard, and I joined peers from neighboring parishes to attend the Applied Biblical Studies Conference, ABS. Usually highlighted by Catholic Rock Stars like Dr. Scott Hahn, Dr. John Bergsma, Jeff Cavins, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Mary Healy, and so many others (is that enough for the name-dropping?); it is never a disappointment.
This year, despite a tragic fatality on the turnpike that had us in a standstill for over four hours (pray for the families!), my car dying along a roadside cemetery on the way home, and picking up an unsolicited case of summer Covid, the topic of the Psalms was as enlightening and enriching as was expected!
Some highlights that may seem a bit disconnected and random: the Psalms is the master work of prayer, says the catechism. St. Thomas Aquinas wrote the summary of all theology, the Suma Theologica; we can see the Psalms as the Suma Scriptura, the summary of all the Scripture. The five books of Psalms follow the movements of King David’s life from exile and fear into hope and praise, back into deep lament, then looking forward to the promises of the Lord. John Bergsma presented his simplified overview that could be taught to elementary school students yet could also plunge deep for Bible scholars.
After the Tabernacle disappeared, many of the Levites were made into multiple levels of temple choirs, with perpetual adoration. They sang through the Psalms almost constantly. Catholic tradition says Holy Mother Mary grew up in the temple perhaps as a dedicated virgin… she would have heard and memorized the Psalms.
One of the most impactful talks was a workshop with Andre’ Villeneuve, who teaches our priests at the seminary. He spoke on Psalm 2 that begins asking why do wicked nations rage against the Lord and resist Him? He artfully connected the events of our modern era with praying the Psalm, weaving a theme of priest, prophet, and king throughout. As always, we are in a time of battle between Christ and antichrist. The battle between Church and antichurch. The remedy to our woes is always to return to the Lord.
Perhaps this next fall with our Tuesday Night series Praying the Parish Forward, we could do a deep dive into the Psalms. Seeing their depth and experiencing prayer with them. Please let me know if that is something you would like?