"Lord, test my kidneys and heart"

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Returning to Robert's PsalmChallenge, after summer break, here is Psalm 26.
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1. Of David.

Vindicate me, O LORD, for I have walked in personal integrity; I have trusted in the LORD; I shall not falter.
2. Probe me, O LORD, and try me, test my kidneys [i.e. conscience] and heart,
צרופה (צָרְפָה) כִלְיוֹתַי וְלִבִּי
3. for Your steadfast love is before my eyes; I walk in Your faithfulness.
4. I do not sit with worthless men, and will never mix with hypocrites;
5. I hate the assemblage of evildoers, and will not sit with the wicked;

6. I wash my hands in innocence,
and circle Your altar, O LORD,
7. sounding the voice of thanksgiving, recounting all Your wonders.
8. O LORD, I love the abode of Your house, the dwelling-place of Your glory.

9. Do not sweep away my being with sinners,
my life with the bloodthirsty men,
10. who have schemes in their grip, their right-hand filled with bribes.

11. But I walk in personal integrity; redeem me, have mercy on me!
12. My foot stands on level ground. In assemblies I will bless the LORD.
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Photos:
1. Grandson Dean at the child-height sink in Bloomberg Science Museum, Jerusalem.
2. A mosaic floor designed and installed by Italian Vasco Nasorri in 1984 in the courtyard of the Franciscan church, Mt. of Beatitudes. N.B. I post this only for the broom, not for Paul's message, which is quoted in Latin, and with which I do not agree.
3. Dean, several years ago, walking with his staff. With integrity.
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Beatitudes for Norway

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For ABC Wednesday B-day --


The Church of the Beatitudes is on the Mount of Beatitudes, overlooking the Sea of Galilee.
Here Jesus gave his first sermon, the Sermon on the Mount.

Stepping into the church you meet the text of the Beatitudes with the square notes of Gregorian chant.
If you'd like to read them in side-by-side Latin, Greek, and English, go here.

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,
for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:3-10
At the base of the lectern is a basket, a reminder to be generous.
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As I read the Beatitudes now, again, they seem to speak of the young Norwegians who were taken from us.
May their memory be for a blessing.
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Galilee shadows

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Finding shadows in the churches

for Hey Harriet's Shadow Shot Sunday.

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Reflections on the Mount of Beatitudes

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Up north in the Galilee, on the Mount of Beatitudes, I tried to take a picture of a laminated aerial photo of the church and the pilgrim center.
It was inside the window of the souvenir shop.
Back home, I see the arches and me are included.
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The tourist in white is inside the church; the others are outside.
All good for James' Weekend Reflections.

The church is octagonal.

The window on this side reflects the opposite shore of the Sea of Galilee.

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More about the church in coming posts.

Meanwhile, Shabbat shalom!

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