The Daily Office for October 29, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
The theme of today's psalm is The prayer of a sick man beset by cruel enemies. The title, To the Chief musician. A psalm of David, indicates the importance of the psalm; for it was dedicated to the chief of the musicians. David celebrates the blessedness of those who have compassion upon the poor, while he contrasts and condemns those who neglect their friends during times of distress. Finally, he prays for God’s mercy in light of his circumstances and asks that God will vindicate his cause. A point of Messianic contact is made at verse 9, which Jesus quoted of Judas in John 13:18. This does not necessarily make the entire psalm Messianic in nature; for the words of the psalmist were spoken of his friend (vs. 9), yet were no less designed of God to be applied to Judas Iscariot.
Collect for the Day
Most merciful God, who strengthened your Church by the steadfast courage of your martyr James Hannington: grant that we also, thankfully remembering his victory of faith, may overcome what is evil and glorify your holy name; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.