Psalms – Chapter 79

Old Testament20 Verses

1Unto the end, for them that shall be changed, a testimony for Asaph, a psalm.

2Give ear, O thou that rulest Israel: thou that leadest Joseph like a sheep. Thou that sittest upon the cherubims, shine forth

3Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasses. Stir up thy might, and come to save us.

4Convert us, O God: and shew us thy face, and we shall be saved.

5O Lord God of hosts, how long wilt thou be angry against the prayer of thy servant?

6How long wilt thou feed us with the bread of tears: and give us for our drink tears in measure?

7Thou hast made us to be a contradiction to our neighbours: and our enemies have scoffed at us.

8O God of hosts, convert us: and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.

9Thou hast brought a vineyard out of Egypt: thou hast cast out the Gentiles and planted it.

10Thou wast the guide of its journey in its sight: thou plantedst the roots thereof, and it filled the land.

11The shadow of it covered the hills: and the branches thereof the cedars of God.

12It stretched forth its branches unto the sea, and its boughs unto the river.

13Why hast thou broken down the hedge thereof, so that all they who pass by the way do pluck it?

14The boar out of the wood hath laid it waste: and a singular wild beast hath devoured it.

15Turn again, O God of hosts, look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vineyard:

16And perfect the same which thy right hand hath planted: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself.

17Things set on fire and dug down shall perish at the rebuke of thy countenance.

18Let thy hand be upon the man of thy right hand: and upon the son of man whom thou hast confirmed for thyself.

19And we depart not from thee, thou shalt quicken us: and we will call upon thy name.

20O Lord God of hosts, convert us and shew thy face, and we shall be saved.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 79 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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