1. The sequence of Psalms from 112[111] to 117[118] was sung during the most important and joyful feasts of ancient Judaism, especially during the celebration of the Passover. This series of hymns of praise and thanksgiving to God were called the “Egyptian Hallel” because, in one of them, Psalm 114 A [113], the exodus of Israel from the land of oppression, Pharaonic Egypt, and the marvelous gift of the divine covenant are recalled in a visual poetic way. The last Psalm that seals this “Egyptian Hallel” is the Psalm 117[118], just proclaimed, which we have already meditated on in an earlier commentary (cf. General Audience, 5 December 2001; ORE, 12 December 2001, p. 11).
2. This hymn clearly reveals its liturgical use in the Temple of Jerusalem. In fact, as it unfolds, we see a procession going forward, from among “the tents of the just” (v. 15), that is, the homes of the faithful. They exalt the protection of the divine hand, that can protect the just and believing, even when invaded by cruel adversaries. The Psalmist uses expressive imagery: “They compassed me about like bees; they blazed like a fire among the thorns. In the Lord’s name I crushed them” (v. 12).
After escaping from this danger, the people of God break into “shouts of joy and victory” (v. 15) in honour of the Lord’s right hand [which] was raised and has done wonders (cf. v. 16). Thus there is a consciousness that we are never alone, left to the mercy of the storm unleashed by the wicked. In truth, the last word is always God’s, who, even if he permits the trial of his faithful, never hands him over to death (cf. v. 18).
3. At this point it seems that the procession reaches the end the Psalmist suggests with the image of “the gates of holiness” (v. 19), that is the Holy Door of the Temple of Zion. The procession accompanies the hero to whom God has granted victory. He asks that the gates be opened to him, so that he may “give thanks to the Lord” (v. 19). With him “the just enter” (v. 20). To express the harsh trial that he has overcome and his consequent glorification, he compares himself to a “stone which the builders rejected” that then “has become the cornerstone” (v. 22).
Christ will use this image and verse, at the end of the parable of the murderous vinedressers, to announce his passion and glorification (cf. Mt 21,42).
4. By applying the Psalm to himself, Christ opens the way for the Christian interpretation of this hymn of confidence and gratitude to the Lord for his hesed, his loving fidelity, that echoes throughout the Psalm (cf. Ps 117[118], 1.2.3.4.29).
The Fathers of the Church made use of two symbols. First of all, that of the “gate of justice” on which St Clement of Rome commented in his Letter to the Corinthians: “For many gates stand open: the gate of justice is the gate of Christ, and all are blessed who enter by it and direct their way “in holiness and justice’, accomplishing all things without disorder” (48,4: I Padri Apostolici, Rome 1976, p. 81; The Apostolic Fathers, Letter of Clement of Rome to Corinth, Thomas Nelson and Co. 1978, p. 44).
5. The other symbol, linked to the previous one, is the “rock”. We will therefore let St Ambrose guide our meditation with his Exposition of the Gospel according to Luke. Commenting on Peter’s profession of faith at Cesarea Philippi, he recalls that “Christ is the Rock” and that “Christ did not refuse to give this beautiful name to his disciple so that he too might be Peter, and find in the rock the firmness of perseverance, the steadfast solidity of the faith”.
Ambrose then introduces the exhortation: “Try hard also to be a rock. However, to do this, do not seek the rock outside yourself but within yourself. Your rock is your actions, your rock is your thoughts. On this rock your house is built, so that it may never be battered by any storm of the evil spirits. If you are a rock, you will be inside the Church because the Church is on the rock. If you are inside the Church, the gates of hell will not prevail against you” (VI, 97-99: “Opere Esegetiche” IX/II [Exegetical Works], Milan/Rome, 1978: Saemo 12, p. 85).
Blessed John Paul II
General Audience, 12 Februaury 2003
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Psalm 118 (117) Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, Let the sons of Israel say: I called to the Lord in my distress; It is better to take refuge in the Lord The nations all encompassed me; I was thrust down, thrust down and falling, |
The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; his right hand raised me. The Lord’s right hand has triumphed; I shall not die, I shall live and recount his deeds. I was punished, I was punished by the Lord, but not doomed to die. Open to me the gates of holiness: The stone which the builders rejected O Lord, grant us salvation; Blessed in the name of the Lord We bless you from the house of the Lord; Go forward in procession with branches From The Psalms: A New Translation © |
