Epiphany 9/Ordinary Time 9
Preaching The Lectionary Psalms for Cycles A, B, C
(See Easter 5, Cycle A, for an alternative approach to vv. 1-5. See also Sunday Of The Passion, Cycles A, B, and C, for vv. 9-16.)
The dominant theme in the verses selected for this week's reading is that of refuge. Various other psalms make use of this word, which serves as a metaphor for the believer's ultimate trust in the Lord. The ordinary sense of the Hebrew was a shelter such as a rock or cave, in which a traveler could hide in the face of a fierce storm, or escape the onslaught of bandits or other enemies.