Psalm 34
In my ministry, retreat ‘season’ begins in September. For this year’s weekend retreats – for the Morning Prayer that I lead I’m using Psalm 34. Well most of it. It actually begins with this tribute: “ Of David, when he pretended to be mad before Abimelek so that he drove him out and he went on his way.” Jewish scripture scholar, Robert Alter, translates it as: “…when he altered his good sense…” While many of the Psalms may note (King) David in some way – this reference makes my smile. How clever he seems. How deceptive. Then wonder – how would anyone know the real “David?” It is dangerous to alter your good sense . You could get caught, of course. But a life-time of not being your true self is harmful mostly to your one wild and beautiful life. In my life, I need not only an annual time of retreat and an ongoing relationship with a Spiritual Director I also need daily time of quiet meditation and refl...