Psalms – Chapter 97

Old Testament9 Verses

1A psalm for David himself. Sing ye to the Lord a new canticle: because he hath done wonderful things. His right hand hath wrought for him salvation, and his arm is holy.

2The Lord hath made known his salvation: he hath revealed his justice in the sight of the Gentiles.

3He hath remembered his mercy and his truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4Sing joyfully to God, all the earth; make melody, rejoice and sing.

5Sing praise to the Lord on the harp, on the harp, and with the voice of a psalm:

6With long trumpets, and sound of cornet. Make a joyful noise before the Lord our king:

7Let the sea be moved and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein.

8The rivers shall clap their hands, the mountains shall rejoice together

9At the presence of the Lord: because he cometh to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with justice, and the people with equity.

Reflection for Today

Psalms Chapter 97 presents themes of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God that Catholic tradition has long cherished. the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589). The teaching that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him remains as relevant today as when first written.

The Church reads Scripture within the context of the liturgy, where the Word of God is proclaimed and celebrated. The Catechism teaches that "in the liturgy, God speaks to his people and Christ is still proclaiming his Gospel" (CIC 1088). This chapter, when read in the context of the Church's worship, takes on deeper meaning.

Catholic biblical scholarship, guided by the Magisterium, helps us understand both the historical context and the spiritual meaning of these texts. The four senses of Scripture—literal, allegorical, moral, and anagogical—open up the richness of God's Word. May your reading of this chapter bear fruit in holiness and service to others.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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