Suffering With Joy

Praying the Psalms – Psalm 47

December 4, 2010

King David Playing the Zither, Andrea Celesti (1637-1712 Venice), oil on canvas, private collection

Jenny at Just a Minute hosts today’s wonderful meme, so visit her to read other reflections on this psalm.

This psalm cries out joy from beginning to end.  Father Paschal Botz, O.S.B. writes:

…We must consider this Psalm a festive processional hymn at the installation of God’s Ark in its place of primacy amid a great conclave of people (1Kg. 8:6).  The throng responds with great shouts and trumpet blasts, for this is the triumph of their God over all that claims greatness.

But the Psalm is also forward-looking and universal, as it invites all peoples to bend their knee. This prophetic intent finds fulfillment only in Christ, and that determines the way we pray it.  We celebrate His universal sovereignty over the chosen people of the God of Abraham.  The King of the universe is also the King of history. All generations must acclaim Him.  Our turn has come to fulfill the oracles of prophecy and to join the universal chorus of praise.

vs. 1-5 All you peoples, clap your hands, shout to God with cries of gladness, for the Lord, the Most High, the awesome, is the great king over all the earth.  He brings peoples under us; nations under our feet.  He chooses for us our inheritance, the glory of Jacob, whom He loves. [Our God, the terrible, the awesome, the One to be reverenced above all - we sing of His mercy, His power, His loving kindness.  How else to respond to our inclusion into the family of Christ, the glory of Jacob, our inheritance by Baptism? We did nothing to deserve this blessing, but because we are His creatures and are special to Him, He gathers us to Himself.  I gaze at Him in open-mouthed wonder.]

vs. 6-7 God mounts His throne amid shouts of joy; the Lord, amid trumpet blasts.  Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our king, sing praise. [Not only man, but the angels are to sing praise.  For us, starting with that first night in Bethlehem, the angels set the example, calling the lowliest of the low, the shepherds, to come and adore.

His first throne the manger, His second throne the cross, His final throne of glory at the right hand of the Father; we, the lowly, fall on our knees and prostrate ourselves before Him.  Overcome, we rise, seize our neighbor, and sing and dance with joy. We have been redeemed and are in the company of all that is pure, all that is holy.

I recapture these moments of praise when I direct my heart to Him as I go about my ordinary activities and when I am in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament - when I visit the Church or assist at Mass.]

vs. 8-10 For king of all the earth is God; sing hymns of praise.  God reigns over the nations, God sits upon His holy throne.  The princes of the peoples are gathered together with the people of the God of Abraham. For God’s are the guardians of the earth; He is supreme. [God created all peoples of all times for Himself.  At the end of time all who have surrendered to Him will gather together from every family and nation.

Our eyes of faith can see this clearly, but the rulers of this world do not see or acknowledge Him as supreme. Out of this blindness arises the afflictions of war, of poverty, of greed, of lust for power.

Lord, grant all world leaders the grace to see that they answer to You, that You are supreme, and that of themselves they can do no good.  Lord, let it be that all world leaders bow down to You and sing Your praises.]

V.  Praised be Jesus Christ!

R.  Now and forever.  Amen.

(Click on the link above to read why I am ending my posts with this.)

Tags: joy, psalms