In our exploration of Psalm 137, we uncover a profound lesson on interpreting Scripture through a Christian lens. This challenging psalm, with its seemingly violent imagery, serves as a catalyst for understanding how we approach the Old Testament. We learn that reading Scripture, particularly the Psalms, requires us to look beyond literal interpretations and seek deeper spiritual truths. The psalm's reference to Babylon symbolizes not just a physical place, but the parts of our lives that lead us away from God. Similarly, Jerusalem represents our spiritual home and closeness to the Divine. This dual citizenship within our souls - belonging both to Babylon and Jerusalem - reminds us of our constant struggle between sin and righteousness. By reframing the 'enemies' mentioned in the psalm as the sinful aspects within ourselves, we're called to a radical form of self-examination and repentance. This interpretation aligns with Jesus' teachings and Paul's letters, showing us how the New Testament transforms our understanding of the Old. As we grapple with this psalm, we're invited to embark on a spiritual pilgrimage, casting our sins upon God, our rock and foundation.

Here are some questions for discussion or reflection:

How does the concept of 'dual citizenship' in Babylon and Jerusalem apply to our own spiritual lives? In what ways do we find ourselves caught between these two 'cities'?

What are the dangers of interpreting Old Testament passages, particularly violent ones, without considering the New Testament context? How can we approach difficult scriptures in a Christ-centered way?

How does John Donne's poem relate to Psalm 137, and what does this teach us about interpreting militant language in the Bible?

In what ways can we identify and 'cast against the rock' the 'children of Babylon' within our own souls? What might this process of spiritual purging look like in practice?

How does the sermon's interpretation of Psalm 137 challenge or change your understanding of 'enemies' in the Bible? What implications does this have for how we view conflict and opposition in our lives?

What does it mean to be on a spiritual pilgrimage, and how does Psalm 137 guide us in starting or continuing this journey?

How can we balance the recognition of sin within ourselves with the assurance of God's love and forgiveness? How does this sermon help us navigate this tension?

In what ways does the New Testament complicate or redefine the categories and distinctions found in the Old Testament? How should this inform our reading of scripture?

How might regular engagement with the Psalms, when approached as Christian scripture, shape our spiritual formation? What precautions should we take?

What does it mean to treat the Old Testament as 'Christian Scripture,' and how might this approach change our understanding of challenging passages?

In our spiritual journey, the tale of Saint Brendan the Navigator offers profound insight. At the heart of this narrative is a wound of longing for the divine, a metaphor for our yearning for the promised land of saints, or heaven. The central lesson from Brendan's voyage is the necessity of movement towards God—an invitation to embrace pilgrimage as the shape of the Christian life. Psalm 84, the main scripture discussed, is a pilgrim psalm reflecting this journey through its themes of longing, distance, and movement towards God's presence. Like pilgrims before us, we are called to acknowledge that our spiritual path is ongoing, marked by a yearning for deeper intimacy with God. This is a corrective to the immediate satisfaction culture of consumerism and shallow evangelical immediacy. The message is a reminder that true satisfaction comes from the journey, from longing well, encouraging us to make real pilgrimages in our life, whether by traveling to sacred places or engaging in spiritual disciplines that draw us closer to God.

Here are some questions for discussion or reflection:

How does the metaphor of 'a wound in the heart' inspire our understanding of spiritual longing and journey within the context of St. Brendan's story?

In what ways does the concept of pilgrimage challenge or complement modern Christian practices that prioritize immediacy and comfort?

How can we cultivate a 'holy dissatisfaction' within our spiritual lives, as mentioned in the homily, to drive a deeper connection with God?

What are the parallels between the pilgrim's journey in Psalm 84 and our own spiritual paths towards a deeper relationship with God?

How does grace manifest as a 'wound' in our lives, propelling us towards transformation and spiritual enlightenment?

What can we learn from monastic life and its emphasis on a continual spiritual journey, as highlighted in the homily?

How does the practice and concept of pilgrimage facilitate the formation of spiritual disciplines in our daily lives?

In what ways can embracing a 'penitent' mindset help us grow and progress in our faith journeys, according to the sermon?

How do the themes of 'holy envy' and longing for the presence of God, as described in the psalm, resonate with your personal spiritual experiences?

What role does spiritual community play in supporting individuals on their pilgrimage towards a deeper relationship with God, as illustrated in the homily?

In this exploration of Psalm 85, we're invited to rediscover the profound concept of seeking God's mercy. It's not just about asking forgiveness for sins, but about approaching a holy and awe-inspiring God. We're challenged to reimagine our spiritual journey as a pilgrimage - one that doesn't end with easy comfort, but with a transformative encounter with the Divine. The psalm reveals a tension between God's past mercies and our present need for His grace. This teaches us that intimacy with God often comes through a process of longing, journey, and even holy dread. By examining biblical stories like Moses at the burning bush and the elders on Mount Sinai, we're shown that God's presence is like fire - both terrifying and purifying. Yet in this fire, we find not consumption, but transformation. This message urges us to cultivate a deeper, more reverent approach to God, one that recognizes His holiness while trusting in His unfailing mercy.

Here are some questions for reflection or discussion:

How does the concept of pilgrimage, as described in the sermon, challenge or enhance your understanding of spiritual growth and closeness to God?

In what ways might our modern Christian culture lack a 'category for penitence,' and how could recovering this concept impact our relationship with God?

How does the image of God as both 'fire' and 'good' (referencing C.S. Lewis) reshape your perception of divine holiness and mercy?

What parallels can you draw between the pilgrims' experience at the temple and your own experiences of drawing near to God in worship or prayer?

How might regularly praying for God's mercy, even when we don't feel we've sinned, change our approach to spiritual life?

In what ways does the story of Moses and the burning bush illustrate the tension between fear and intimacy in our relationship with God?

How does the image of being 'saved in the fire' rather than 'from the fire' (referencing Daniel in the furnace) challenge or comfort you?

What does it mean to you personally to 'stay close to the fire' in your spiritual journey, and what challenges might this present?

How might incorporating more prayers for mercy into our personal and corporate worship affect our understanding of God's holiness and our own need for grace?

In what ways does the sermon's emphasis on approaching God with both reverence and intimacy challenge or affirm your current spiritual practices?