Fourth Sunday after Trinity

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The appointed readings for Fourth Sunday after Trinity (the Teaching Season) include another lesson from the Gospel of Luke (Luke 6:36-42) on the Parable of the Blind Leading the Blind and the concept of being merciful and the Epistle of Paul to the Romans (Romans 8:18-23) concerning the “first fruits of the spirit.” Neither of these readings easily admits of visual interpretation and for that reason there are no historical examples in our archive. Instead, I have chosen two images from the Stuttgart Psalter which interpret the meaning of verses from Psalm 91, the Psalm appointed when the service is Holy Communion on Trinity 4.

Psalm 91 is the basis for the Christian doctrine of the Guardian Angel. Psalm 91 is the third Psalm reading in the Anglican version of the Compline Office in our Bookstore Publication, Hear Us, O Lord: Daily Prayers for the Laity. The two illustrations interpret verses 5, 6 and 13. The Stuttgart Psalter, commonly known as the “Picture Book Psalter,” was produced at the Abbey of St. Germain-des-Pres, Paris, circa 820 A.D., under the supervision of the Blessed Alcuin of York, spiritual advisor to Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne. They were used in facing pages 264 and 264 in the AIC Bookstore Publication, The Prayer Book Psalter: Picture Book Edition. These colorful illuminations are possibly the finest examples of Christian art from the era of Charlemagne, who was dedicated to spreading Christianity throughout his realm. The Psalm number at upper right of the image was added into the manuscript at an unknown date in order to key the Psalter to the standard numbering system of the Psalms (vs. the Vulgate numbering).

Illumination of Psalm 91:5,6 concerning terrors by night and “the sickness that destroyeth in the noon-day.” Stuttgart Psalter, Cod. bibl. fol.23, Folio 107r, Wurttembergische Landesbibliothek, Stuttgart, Germany. Christ stands protected inside a circle from assault by six serpents. At the left of the image, on His right, is the Noon-day devil.
Detail based on Psalm 91:13 from an illumination in tempera and gold on parchment, Stuttgart Psalter, Cod. bibl. fol.23, Folio 107v, Wurttembergische Landesbibliothek, Stuttgart, Germany. Christ, holding a book and sword stands, as promised in verse 13, upon a lion and an adder as a hand from heaven reaches down in the upper right. On the left side of the image an angel protects Christ.

The final two verses (15 and 16) of Psalm 91 offer further explanation of these images: “15. He shall call upon me, and I will hear him; * yea, I am with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and bring him to honor. 16. With long life will I satisfy him, * and show him my salvati0n.”

Next week, the readings, especially, the Gospel verses on the calling of Peter and Andrew to be “fishers of men,”are often illustrated in Christian books and art. As always, thank you for your interest and support. Glory be to God for all things! Amen!

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Anglican Internet Church

Fr. Shibley is a retired Anglican clergyman who produces unique videos, podcasts and books explaining traditional Christian theology from an Anglican perspective. All materials are in layman's language with a minimum of technical or theological terms. All are available either free or at reasonable cost. The AIC Bookstore now includes 17 publications.

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