Psalm 124
1 A song of ascents. Of David.
Had not the LORD been with us,
let Israel say,
2 Had not the LORD been with us,
when people rose against us,
3 Then they would have swallowed us alive,
for their fury blazed against us.
4 Then the waters would have engulfed us,
the torrent overwhelmed us;
5 then seething water would have drowned us.
6 Blessed is the LORD, who did not leave us
to be torn by their teeth.
7 We escaped with our lives
like a bird from the fowler’s snare;
The snare was broken,
and we escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the maker of heaven and earth
--NABRE
1 A Song of Ascents. Of David.
"If the LORD had not been on our side,"
let Israel say--
2 "If the LORD had not been on our side
when people rose against us,
3 then would they have swallowed us alive
when their anger was kindled.
4 Then would the waters have engulfed us,
the torrent gone over us;
5 over our head would have swept
the raging waters."
6 Blest be the LORD who did not not give us
a prey to their teeth!
7 Our life, like a bird, has escaped
from the snare of the fowler.
Indeed, the snare has been broken,
and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaver and earth.
--Revised Grail Psalms
NABRE notes:
[Psalm 124] A thanksgiving which teaches that Israel’s very existence is owed to God who rescues them. In the first part Israel’s enemies are compared to the mythic sea dragon (Ps 124:2b–3a; cf. Jer 51:34) and Flood (Ps 124:3b–5; cf. Is 51:9–10). The Psalm heightens the malice of human enemies by linking them to the primordial enemies of God’s creation. Israel is a bird freed from the trapper’s snare (Ps 124:6–8)—freed originally from Pharaoh and now from the current danger. [124:8] Our help is in the name: for the idiom, see Ex 18:4.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Mary (May) Contest Winner
Congrats to Brenda R, who was randomly selected as the winner of the contest. Brenda, please send your name and address to mccorm45 (at) yahoo (dot) com to claim your prize.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
State Your Case: Your Ideal Bible
The first "State Your Case" focused on the question: "What translation do you prefer and why?" I felt that the discussion that followed was quite good. Most of the responses provided reasoned details as to why the particular responder liked this or that translation. So, what will be today's topic?
This edition of "State Your Case" asks the following question: "What would your ideal Catholic Bible consist of?" This is, of course, not a new question to this blog, but one which I think is always fun to ask from time to time. Your response should address not only issues regarding translation, but primarily focus on the style of the Bible and what features you think should be included in it.
Some additional ground rules to consider:
1) If the issue of which translation you prefer is important, please keep focused on the one you choose. Don't let your argument become too obsessed with pointing out every little perceived "fault" or "error" in other translations without recourse to your own translation of choice.
2) Use specific examples! If you need to compare and contrast other Bible editions on the market, please do so.
3) Be independent in your thought! Please do not say "Fr. X says this" or "Mother X said that" about this or that translation.
4) Humor is welcomed and even encouraged!
5) Use real life examples! What I mean by this is how and where do you use your Bible of choice? Bible study? Mass? School? How has it worked in these situations? One could also consider explaining why they like the particular edition of their favorite Bible translation in this section. It's up to you.
Think of this whole exercise as your closing statement in a courtroom trial....but just not as long.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Bible Edition Review: HarperOne NABRE (Hardcover)
There are many positive elements to the HarperOne NABRE. First, and foremost, is the fact that it comes in a beautiful and attractive layout. The size of the font is pretty standard for a Bible of its size, but the real bonus is the intelligent use of red ink to highlight paragraph headings and for chapter/verse references in the notes. This subtle addition makes reading from this Bible certainly more pleasurable, while also giving the overall layout a more contemporary look and feel. Along with the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible, and its single-column format, the HarperOne NABRE is easily one of the nicest looking NABRE on the market today.
The overall look of this Bible is enhanced by the wise ordering of the notes and cross-references. Instead of the standard NAB(RE) look, this edition’s notes and cross-references are organized into three columns at the bottom of each page. While smaller than the sacred text, the notes are not so small as to be difficult to read. Along with the notes, some have complained about the cross-referencing tool found in a number of NAB(RE)’s of the past. In this edition, however, they are easily found in the third column after the notes. The use of asterisks alerts the reader to a note, while a simple letter indicates a cross-reference. Again, very simple and very easy to use.
Three additional features make this edition standout. First of all, in the appendix are found 14 full-color Zondervan maps, with map index. While in the past, many of the HarperOne Bibles have either been produced absent of maps or have contained a limited number of drawn or black and white maps, this edition provides large, full-color maps that span the biblical period. The only missing period, which is unfortunate for a Catholic Bible, is the Greek/Maccabean period. Perhaps that was to be expected with maps from Zondervan. At the front of the Bible are 8 Presentation pages, including a photo of Pope Benedict XVI. The presentation pages include sections to record family and Sacramental highlights, including baptism, first communion, confirmation, and matrimony. However, there are no specific sections for children, which is unfortunate. The photo of Pope Benedict is a nice touch. Finally, and quite significantly, this Bible comes in a sewn binding! No need to worry whether or not the binding on this Bible will last.
With all these positive features, I need to mention a few of the negative features. The biggest problem with this edition is that the paper is fairly thin, much like the other NRSV editions. This continues to be an issue with most of the HarperOne Bibles. What makes this even more strange is that this Bible is advertised to come “with fine Bible paper to maximize readability” on the dust cover. Yet, the thin paper actually makes reading the text more difficult. It is not huge problem, don’t get me wrong, but a more opaque Bible paper is desirable. The only other minor deficiency with this Bible, besides the absence of one or two maps covering the Maccabean period, is the lack of Sunday Mass readings. That, of course, is a personal preference, but one which I think should be mandatory in all Catholic Bibles.
I hope to provide a brief review of the imitation leather edition when it is released later in May.
B16 on the Truth and Inspiration of the Scriptures
By James V. Schall, S.J. of The Catholic World Report
The annual meeting of the Pontifical Biblical Commission this year was devoted to the topic of “the inspiration and truth of the Bible.” The Holy Father gave a brief comment to the commission members on April 18. This theme of inspiration and truth is needed for a correct interpretation of the Bibles's message. The Bible itself is a product of the Church and Tradition; it was not first written and then the Church appeared. The Church appeared in an organized way. It subsequently recalled and recorded the essential teaching of the Christ and the apostles. The ultimate origin of the Bible is not human but is found in the Logos, in the Word of God. But this origin does not prevent God also from using human instruments. This is what Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul are about.....
You can read the rest of the article here.
HT: Ignatius Insight
The annual meeting of the Pontifical Biblical Commission this year was devoted to the topic of “the inspiration and truth of the Bible.” The Holy Father gave a brief comment to the commission members on April 18. This theme of inspiration and truth is needed for a correct interpretation of the Bibles's message. The Bible itself is a product of the Church and Tradition; it was not first written and then the Church appeared. The Church appeared in an organized way. It subsequently recalled and recorded the essential teaching of the Christ and the apostles. The ultimate origin of the Bible is not human but is found in the Logos, in the Word of God. But this origin does not prevent God also from using human instruments. This is what Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Paul are about.....
You can read the rest of the article here.
HT: Ignatius Insight
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Month of Mary (May) Contest
As we approach the month of May, where we honor Our Lady, I am happy to provide a unique prize package for this contest. All you need to do to enter is simply to put your name in the comment section of this post. No anonymous entries will be considered. The winner will be randomly drawn at the end of the contest, which will be Friday, April 27th at 11:59PM. This contest is open to anyone in North America. (Sorry again to my loyal readers in the rest of the world.) Also, if you have a blog and would like to advertise this contest, it would be much appreciated. I will announce the winner on Saturday.
The winner will receive the following three items:
All Generations Shall Call Me Blessed 9 CD apologetics set by Tim Staples of Catholic Answers
The Secret of Mary by St. Louis de Montfort
Mary of Nazareth by Dr. Kenneth Howell
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