Psalm Offering 2 Opus 9 (For my sister, Mary Ruth)
As we get closer to Holy Week in this Paschal Season, I think often of my sister, Mary Ruth, who died 20 years ago. I still grieve her dying. I will often go back to her last days, her own paschal suffering, and passion, as she was preparing to leave this life for the resurrection of eternal life. As I composed this Psalm Offering, it seems apropos I had Psalm 31 in mind.
In you, LORD, I take refuge;
let me never be put to shame.
In your righteousness deliver me;
incline your ear to me;
make haste to rescue me!
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to save me.
For you are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake lead me and guide me.
Free me from the net they have set for me,
for you are my refuge.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth.
You hate those who serve worthless idols,
but I trust in the LORD.
My life is worn out by sorrow,
and my years by sighing.
My strength fails in my affliction;
my bones are wearing down.
But I trust in you, LORD;
I say, “You are my God.”
My destiny is in your hands;
rescue me from my enemies,
from the hands of my pursuers.
Let your face shine on your servant;
save me in your mercy. (Psalm 31: 2-7, 11, 15-17 New American Bible)
About the music: It is written in the key of C major. It is in a simple two part AB form, that is repeated two times, with variations on the music each time it is repeated.
Psalm Offering 2 Opus 9, (c) 2018, Deacon Bob Wagner OFS. All rights reserved.
