Psalms – Chapter 74

Old Testament11 Verses

1Unto the end, corrupt not, a psalm of a canticle for Asaph.

2We will praise thee, O God: we will praise, and we will call upon thy name. We will relate thy wondrous works:

3When I shall take a time, I will judge justices.

4The earth is melted, and all that dwell therein: I have established the pillars thereof.

5I said to the wicked: Do not act wickedly: and to the sinners: Lift not up the horn.

6Lift not up your horn on high: speak not iniquity against God.

7For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert hills:

8For God is the judge. One he putteth down, and another he lifteth up:

9For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup of strong wine full of mixture. And he hath poured it out from this to that: but the dregs thereof are not emptied: all the sinners of the earth shall drink.

10But I will declare for ever: I will sing to the God of Jacob.

11And I will break all the horns of sinners: but the horns of the just shall be exalted.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 74 contributes to the biblical theme of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God, which Catholic teaching develops throughout the Catechism. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The enduring truth that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him calls us to response.

The Second Vatican Council's Dei Verbum teaches that "Sacred Scripture is the speech of God as it is put down in writing under the breath of the Holy Spirit" (DV 9). This chapter, like all Scripture, is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

Catholic tradition encourages daily engagement with Scripture, whether through the Liturgy of the Hours, personal reading, or group study. The Catechism teaches that "prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man" (CIC 2653). May your reading of this chapter be a true encounter with the living God.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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