Psalms – Chapter 61

Old Testament13 Verses

1Unto the end, for Idithun, a psalm of David.

2Shall not my soul be subject to God? for from him is my salvation.

3For he is my God and my saviour: he is my protector, I shall be moved no more.

4How long do you rush in upon a man? you all kill, as if you were thrusting down a leaning wall, and a tottering fence.

5But they have thought to cast away my price; I ran in thirst: they blessed with their mouth, but cursed with their heart.

6But be thou, O my soul, subject to God: for from him is my patience.

7For he is my God and my saviour: he is my helper, I shall not be moved.

8In God is my salvation and my glory: he is the God of my help, and my hope is in God.

9Trust in him, all ye congregation of people: pour out your hearts before him. God is our helper for ever.

10But vain are the sons of men, the sons of men are liars in the balances: that by vanity they may together deceive.

11Trust not in iniquity, and covet not robberies: if riches abound, set not your heart upon them.

12God hath spoken once, these two things have I heard, that power belongeth to God,

13And mercy to thee, O Lord; for thou wilt render to every man according to his works.

Reflection for Today

In Psalms Chapter 61, the Church invites us to listen attentively to God's Word within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God.

The Second Vatican Council reminded the faithful that Scripture should permeate Catholic spirituality (Dei Verbum, 21-26). Psalms Chapter 61 supports that call by drawing attention to the moral law as path to freedom within the wider message that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him.

If this passage raises questions, seek the Church's teaching through the Catechism, a faithful priest, or sound Catholic commentaries. Private interpretation must remain in harmony with the Magisterium (CIC 756).

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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