5th Sunday in Lent

Here is the "official video" — that sounds so impressive, doesn't it? — for a new setting of Psalm 101 (my paraphrase), the setting of which I have entitled, "Royal Resolve." The instrumental sections are punctuated by a roll call—inspired by the line: "and the blameless I shall choose for my close companions"—naming those 24 worship leaders who are listed in 1Chronicles 25. Notice who appoints them and then ask yourself: Just how important is this business of singing the psalms? 

As a matter of historical (and perhaps even ominous and prophetic) interest, the short, blurry video clips of a sundog were taken on Sunday morning, January 3, 2021.

Year D recommends this psalm for the Fifth Sunday of Lent. 

Sundog on a Sunday dog walk

Charlemagne and I saw this sundog on our walk this morning, the first Sunday of the decade (2020 was the last year of the previous decade, properly speaking). I'm not given to superstition, but this was a glorious sight by which to greet the New Year, the new decade, and the Sunday nearest Epiphany. The still shots only capture the sun itself (left) and the right part of the halo. But once we got to the top of the hill and looked back, I was able to get the whole thing by panning on video. 

UPDATE(S): Here is the Wikipedia page on sundogs. There you will read that the Anabaptist Jakob Hutter interpreted the sight as a blessing, but others have taken it as ominous. Early classical sources referred to "mock" suns, but make sure to read the paragraph on the Swedish King Gustav Vasa who thought a painting of the sundog conveyed a conspiracy against him ("the sun") by two rivals ("fake suns"). [Yes, this Epiphany, January 6, should be veeerrrry interesting!] Lord, let thy will be done, for the glory of the Sun/Son of Righteousness.

"Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!

Hail the Son of Righteousness!

Light and life to all he brings,

ris'n with healing in his wings!

Mild he lays his glory by,

Born that man no more may die,

Born to raise the sons of earth.

Born to give us second birth.

Hark! The herald angels sing,

'Glory to the newborn King!'"

And is that not simply the greatest verse in 2000 years of Christian hymnody?