Psalm 48 - Again, These Sometimes Write Themselves

(Another post that is “too long for email…”)

So today, the Psalm lifts up a celebration of the greatness of God by comparing God’s power and majesty to that of Zion (another way of talking about Jersalem and the mountain upon which it resides). The Psalm sings of the beauty of Zion, the steadfastness of it (kings and princes come and go, but the mountain stands firm), the walls and fortifications hold up against invaders, and within the walls once experiences love, protection, and nurture. But it is about much more than just bricks and mortar, but instead the Psalmist is singing of the one around whom the city is built.

Well, like yesterday, this is a day where a reflection kind of writes itself after our main thing today - a visit to Blarney Castle, about 30 minutes outside of Cork. Blarney Castle is one of the best preserved castles in Ireland today and much of what the Psalm sings of about the city of Jerusalem, one can still see at the castle in Blarney today. The castle is nearing 600 years since the current structure was completed but the initial building began around 1200. And still the castle largely stands as it did centuries ago. Yes, there are aspects that once were there that are no more (wooden floors between the levels, for example) but the walls, steps, and towers are largely the same.

In addition, there is such great beauty all around the castle as well - lush green fields off to one side, a forest to the other, flowers in bloom behind, and some of the most majestic and unique trees I’ve seen in a long time.

But there is also a deep sense of spirit within and around the castle. A room that might have been the priest’s quarters as well as a space that might have served as a chapel within. On the grounds are places once used (and maybe still today) by druids and even a tiny cave that was thought to have been a hermitage for a local monk.

And yes, I did kiss the Blarney Stone...

In addition, I did get out to get some exercise this morning - a 3½ mile walk along one of the greenways in Cork and we saw some sun along with a lot of people walking their dogs. (Scout, if you are reading this, we miss you!)

We’ll see what tomorrow has in store...

Grace, Peace, Love, and Joy,
Ed

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