Why do we read psalms? 

Psalms (or the Psalter) are songs in the Hebrew bible. These songs were written by various psalmists (songwriters), including King David. As a rabbi, Jesus learned, recited and sung these psalms, often quoting them in his teachings and in his experiences. His disciples would be familiar as they were passed around and sung as they traveled. Psalms were typically led by a cantor (lead singer). Oftentimes, Psalms were either sung or read responsively (back and forth) between cantor and congregation. This was an ancient worship practice that has been passed on and continues to be passed on centuries later, in many different forms. Thus, the psalms have been passed onto us and encourage us to express faith in God in a myriad of the human emotions---abandonment, betrayal, grief, despair, thanksgiving, praise, adoration, etc. In Psalm 85, the tone is one of faith and hope as the psalmist expresses faith in the Lord to deliver them from their hardships. While living in some form of division and war, the psalmist expresses their belief in a saving Lord as they dream for a place where “steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other.” (Ps. 85:10).

Psalm 85:8-13

 I will listen to what the Lord  God is saying;

  for you speak peace to your faithful people and to those who turn their  hearts to you.

 Truly, your salvation is very near to  those who fear you,

  that your glory may dwell  in our land.

  Steadfast love and faithfulness have met together;

  righteousness and peace have  kissed each other.

 Faithfulness shall spring up  from the earth,

  and righteousness shall look  down from heaven.

  The Lord will indeed  grant prosperity,

  and our land will  yield its increase.

 Righteousness shall go be-fore the Lord

  and shall prepare for  God a pathway.

Mark 6:14-29

 King Herod heard of [the disciples’ preaching,] for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.”  But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.”  But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

   For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her.  For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”  And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not,  for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him.  But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee.  When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.”  And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.”  She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.”  Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”  The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her.  Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison,  brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother.  When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.