Psalms – Chapter 98

Old Testament9 Verses

1A psalm for David himself. The Lord hath reigned, let the people be angry: he that sitteth on the cherubims: let the earth be moved.

2The Lord is great in Sion, and high above all people.

3Let them give praise to thy great name: for it is terrible and holy:

4And the king's honour loveth judgment. Thou hast prepared directions: thou hast done judgment and justice in Jacob.

5Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore his footstool, for it is holy.

6Moses and Aaron among his priests: and Samuel among them that call upon his name. They called upon the Lord, and he heard them:

7He spoke to them in the pillar of the cloud. They kept his testimonies, and the commandment which he gave them.

8Thou didst hear them, O Lord our God: thou wast a merciful God to them, and taking vengeance on all their inventions.

9Exalt ye the Lord our God, and adore at his holy mountain: for the Lord our God is holy.

Reflection for Today

The message of Psalms Chapter 98 unfolds within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. Catholic theology, drawing on the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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