BOOK OF PSALMS?

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” ––Psalm 23:1

Many people reading this are Catholic. We tend to think of Bible passages in terms of a Sunday Mass. We focus on the first reading, which is generally from the Old Testament. Next, we think about the second reading. It’s often an exhortation from St. Paul. The Liturgy of the Word reaches its high point with the Gospel proclamation (see Mk 13:10). But there’s an important collection of verses tucked between the first and second readings. Do we give equal attention to the Psalm? It can be overlooked.

Catholic monks take a different approach. The Psalms form the heart of their communal prayer life. Many monasteries pray and sing all 150 Psalms each week. This practice has remained consistent for centuries. Why? Even though many passages are attributed to King David or his scribes, monks recognize Jesus as the inspiration and subject of the Psalms. In fact, David calls Jesus his Lord: “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at My right hand till I make Your enemies Your footstool’ ” (Ps 110:1; see Mt 22:41-45; cf Rv 22:16). Examine the Psalms and you’ll find suffering (Ps 31:10-14), glory (Ps 24:7-10), distress (Ps 102:3, 5) and joy (Ps 33:1, 3). You’ll see Jesus through and through.

Today’s Psalm may be the most familiar. Countless souls have found comfort in the 23rd Psalm’s inspired verses. How will it encourage you? Study, pray, sing, and live the Psalms.

PRAYER: Father, challenge and console me as I study the Book of Psalms.
PROMISE: “Even though I walk in the dark valley I fear no evil; for You are at my side with Your rod and Your staff that give me courage.” ––Ps 23:4
PRAISE: St. Isidore craved knowledge. He authored an encyclopedia that was used as a textbook for nine centuries! Pope St. John Paul II declared him patron of the internet in 1997.