Friday, January 31, 2014

Introductory Note on The Psalms

Note: When the same strophes and antiphons are used for the various uses of the psalms and canticles, the indexing is done in the standard format. When the same strophes are used, but with a different antiphon, the antiphon is placed below the index line. When different strophes are used (even if the antiphon is the same as another instance of the psalm or canticle) the complete text is provided with its index line.

We note that the authors and editors have taken a good deal of artistic licence with the text vs. accurate scriptural citation. We have attempted to provide as concise a compilation as possible.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Psalm 1


Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

#78C Solemnities C Context (6th Sunday in Ordinary Time C)-

#185 Weekdays I & II Context (Friday of the 2nd Week of Advent)

#220 Weekday Years I & II Context (Thursday after Ash Wednesday)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

#233 Weekday Years I & II Contest (Thursday of the 2nd Week of Lent)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

#344 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

#464 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time)
R. (Ps 40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

#469 Weekday Year II Context (Wednesday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)
R. (see Jn 8:12) Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

#476 Weekday Year I Context (Thursday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time)
R. (Ps 40:5) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

#479 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 30th Week in Ordinary Time)
R. (see Eph. 5:1) Behave like God as his very dear children.

#497 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)
R. (Rev. 2:17) Those who are victorious I will feed from the tree of life.

#510A Proper of Saints Context (St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Religious, Jan 4)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or: R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or: R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#549 Proper of Saints Context (St. John Baptist De La Salle, Apr 7)

#566B Proper of Saints Context (St. Rita of Cascia, May 22)
R. Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or: R. Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or: R. The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#595 Proper of Saint Context (St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Jul 5)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or:R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or:R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#598 Proper of Saints Context (St. Henry, Jul 13)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or: R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or: R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#636A Proper of Saints, Context, (St. Peter Calver, September 9)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or: R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or: R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#652 Proper of Saints Context (St. Bruno, Oct 6)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or:R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or:R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#674 Proper of Saints Context (St. Josaphat, Nov 12)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or: R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or: R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#739 Commons Context (Common of Holy Men and Women, 1.)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
or: R. (2a) Blessed are they who delight in the law of the Lord.
or: R. (92:13-14) The just will flourish like the palm tree in the garden of the Lord.

#808 Ritual Mass Context (For the Blessing of Abbots and Abbesses, 1.)
R. (40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

R. (see John 8:12) Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

Blessed the man who follows not
the counsel of the wicked
Nor walks in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the company of the insolent,
But delights in the law of the LORD
and meditates on his law day and night.
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

He is like a tree
planted near running water,
That yields its fruit in due season,
and whose leaves never fade.
Whatever he does, prospers.
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.

Not so the wicked, not so;
they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
For the LORD watches over the way of the just,
but the way of the wicked vanishes.
R. Those who follow you, Lord, will have the light of life.
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Commentary on Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

Psalm 1 serves as a preface to the whole book of psalms. The psalmist here exalts those who follow the Lord’s commands, and reflects upon the blessings they will receive. As in Romans 6:19ff, this selection emphasizes the contrast between the salvation of the just and the punishment of the wicked.

This wisdom psalm begins by extolling the virtue of those who follow the law. The focus is to look to God for guidance, and not to trust only in the counsel of men. Those who reject the law will be blown away like “chaff,” an image used in the Gospel as well (Matthew 3:12).

This portion of the psalm is later echoed in Isaiah 48:17-19, like an overlapped formula of covenant.  Blessed is the man who “delights in the law day and night,” but “the way of the wicked vanishes.” It also takes up the theme of following right paths and staying true to the teachings of God: “Blessed the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked nor walks in the way of sinners, nor sits in the company of the insolent, but delights in the law of the Lord and meditates on his law day and night.

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Fin

Psalm 5


Psalm 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7

#365 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 11th Week O)

R. (2b) Lord, listen to my groaning.

Hearken to my words, O Lord,
attend to my sighing.
Heed my call for help,
my king and my God!
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.

At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.

You hate all evildoers.
You destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the Lord abhors.
R. Lord, listen to my groaning.
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Commentary on Ps 5:2-3ab, 4b-6a, 6b-7

“Psalm 5 offers not only a prayer that may be used in worship of God, but also a mirror of mankind without God.” [1]  It is an individual lament contrasting the saving power of God with the lies of evil people. In these strophes, the psalmist pleads that God will visit judgment on those who lie and commit evil deeds.

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Psalm 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8

#378 Weekday Year II Context (Tuesday of the 13th Week O)

R. (9a) Lead me in your justice, Lord.

At dawn I bring my plea expectantly before you.
For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

You hate all evildoers;
you destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the Lord abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

But I, because of your abundant mercy,
will enter your house;
I will worship at your holy temple
in fear of you, O Lord.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 5:4b-6a, 6b-7, 8

Psalm 5 is a lament, pleading for rescue from those who are evil and do not follow the statutes of God. The love of God is for his faithful people, and those who do not follow his law “the Lord abhors.

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Psalm 5:5-6, 7, 12

#437 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 23rd Week O)

R. (9) Lead me in your justice, Lord.

For you, O God, delight not in wickedness;
no evil man remains with you;
the arrogant may not stand in your sight.
You hate all evildoers.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

You destroy all who speak falsehood;
The bloodthirsty and the deceitful
the LORD abhors.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.

But let all who take refuge in you
be glad and exult forever.
Protect them, that you may be the joy
of those who love your name.
R. Lead me in your justice, Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 5:5-6, 7, 12

Psalm 5 is an individual lament contrasting the saving power of God with the lies of evil people. In these strophes the psalmist asks that, while the wicked should be cast down, the just should receive his mercy and salvation.

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Fin

[1] The Word Biblical Commentary, Psalms 1-50, Volume 19 © 2004 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. p. 88.

Psalm 4


Psalm 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8

#360 Weekday Year II Context (Tuesday of the 10th Week O)

R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.

When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?
Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

Know that the Lord does wonders for his faithful one;
the Lord will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

O Lord, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
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Commentary on Ps 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8

Psalm 4 is an individual lament. In these strophes, we hear the trust the psalmist has in God whose saving works cause the faithful to tremble in awe of God’s mercy.

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Psalm 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

#47B Solemnities B Context (3rd Sunday E B)

R. (7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
or:
R. Alleluia.

As soon as I lie down, I fall peacefully asleep,
for you alone, O LORD,
bring security to my dwelling.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 4:2, 4, 7-8, 9

Psalm 4 is an individual lament. In these strophes we hear the trust the psalmist has in God whose saving works cause the faithful to tremble in awe of God’s mercy. Assurance of God's mercy and protection brings the peace that sets hearts to rest and gives joy to life.

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Fin

Psalm 2


Psalm 2:7bc-8, 10-12a

#212 Weekday Year I & II Context (Monday Following Epiphany)

R. (8ab) I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.”
R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.

And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
R. I will give you all the nations for an inheritance.
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Commentary on Ps 2:7bc-8, 10-12a

Psalm 2 is one of the Royal Psalms. In this passage we are reminded that God has adopted us as his sons and daughters. The language used is the formal adoption language of the time. The second strophe gives force to the service to God required by that adoption.

CCC:  Ps 2:7-8 2606; Ps 2:7 441, 653, 2836
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Psalm 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9

#267 Weekday Years I & II Context (Monday of the 2nd Week of Easter)

R. (see 11d) Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

Why do the nations rage
and the peoples utter folly?
The kings of the earth rise up,
and the princes conspire together
against the LORD and against his anointed:
"Let us break their fetters
and cast their bonds from us!"
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

He who is throned in heaven laughs;
the LORD derides them.
Then in anger he speaks to them;
he terrifies them in his wrath:
"I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD.
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.

The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you.
Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish."
R. Blessed are all who take refuge in the Lord.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 2:1-3, 4-7a, 7b-9

Psalm 2 is one of the “Royal Psalms.” In this passage we are reminded that God has adopted us as his sons and daughters. The language used is the formal adoption language of the time. The selection focuses on the true ruler of heaven and earth - the Lord - not, as the psalmist points out, worldly kings who do not fear the Most High God.  There is an image used in Psalm 149 in which the Lord empowers the people to cast off their fetters, and use them to bind the secular rulers who oppress them (Psalm 149:8). The song sings of their steadfast commitment to bring this word to the Gentiles, freeing them from their idols.  The first strophe is quoted by the apostles in Acts 4:23ff.

CCC: Ps 2:1-2 600; Ps 2:2 436; Ps 2:6-7 745; Ps 2:7-8 2606; Ps 2:7 441, 653, 2836
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Psalm 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab

#283 Weekday Years I & II Context (Friday of the 4th Week E)

R. (7bc) You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.

"I myself have set up my king
on Zion, my holy mountain."
I will proclaim the decree of the LORD:
The LORD said to me, "You are my Son;
this day I have begotten you."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.

"Ask of me and I will give you
the nations for an inheritance
and the ends of the earth for your possession.
You shall rule them with an iron rod;
you shall shatter them like an earthen dish."
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.

And now, O kings, give heed;
take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
with trembling rejoice.
R. You are my Son; this day I have begotten you.
or:
R. Alleluia.
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Commentary on Ps 2:6-7, 8-9, 10-11ab

Psalm 2 is a “royal psalm.” The proclamation of adoption is set in legal terms of the day to establish the relationship between people and God. We hear in this language the baptismal adoption we received, making us God’s children and favored above all creation.

CCC: Ps 2:6-7 745; Ps 2:7-8 2606; Ps 2:7 441, 653, 2836
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Psalm 2:1-3, 4-6, 10-12a

#879 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 12. For Persecuted Christians, First Option)

R. (11e) Blessed are all who put their trust in the Lord.

Why do the nations rage
  and the peoples utter folly?
The kings of the earth rise up,
  and the princes conspire together
  against the LORD and against his anointed:
"Let us break their fetters
  and cast their bonds from us!"
R. Blessed are all who put their trust in the Lord.

He who is throned in heaven laughs;
  the LORD derides them.
Then in anger he speaks to them;
  he terrifies them in his wrath:
"I myself have set up my king
  on Zion, my holy mountain."
R. Blessed are all who put their trust in the Lord.

And now, O kings, give heed;
  take warning, you rulers of the earth.
Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice before him;
  with trembling pay homage to him.
R. Blessed are all who put their trust in the Lord.
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Commentary on Ps 1-3, 4-6, 10-12a

Psalm 2 is one of the “Royal Psalms”. In this passage we are reminded that God has adopted us as His sons and daughters. The language used is the formal adoption language of the time. The selection focuses on the true ruler of heaven and earth - the Lord.  Not, as the psalmist points out, worldly kings who do not fear the Most High God.  There is an image used in Psalm 149 in which the the Lord empowers the people to cast off their fetters and use them to bind the secular rulers who oppress them (Psalm 149:8). The song sings of their steadfast commitment bring this word to the gentiles, freeing them from their idols.  The first strophe is quoted by the Apostles in Acts 4:23ff.

CCC: Ps 2:1-2 600; Ps 2:2 436
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Fin

Psalm 3


Psalm 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

#323 Weekday Year II Context (Monday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time)-

#498 Weekday Year I Context (Tuesday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time)

R. (6b) The Lord upholds me.

O LORD, how many are my adversaries!
Many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
“There is no salvation for him in God.”
R. The Lord upholds me.

But you, O LORD, are my shield;
my glory, you lift up my head!
When I call out to the LORD,
he answers me from his holy mountain.
R. The Lord upholds me.

When I lie down in sleep,
I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.
I fear not the myriads of people
arrayed against me on every side.
R. The Lord upholds me.
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Commentary on Ps 3:2-3, 4-5, 6-7

Psalm 3 is a lament, singing of the plight of one attacked and oppressed by enemies on all sides. These strophes are clearly an echo of King David’s sorrow, as all that the Lord has given to him seems to be at risk with no sign that God will come to his aid. In spite of this apparent abandonment, the singer has faith that God will continue to defend his servant.

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Fin

Psalm 8


Psalm 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9

#306 Weekday Year I Context (Tuesday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time)

#264 Weekday Years I & II Context (Thursday in the Octave of Easter)
R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
or:
R. Alleluia.

#516B Proper of Saints (Context) (Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children, Jan 22)
R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

R. (see 7) You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

O LORD, our Lord,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
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Commentary on Ps 8:2ab and 5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 8 is another of the songs of thanksgiving.  In this selection we hear the title “son of man” used.  It is, in this instance, referring to all the faithful as opposed to Jesus.  The song reflects on the creation account from Genesis, and how God gave man dominion over the life he had created. The humility expressed in this song has the same sense of questioning humility found in Hebrews 2:5-12. It also marvels at the fact that God made his creation subject to man.

(Note: The psalm response implies that the Son of God has been given rule over the works of his own hands, contradicting the psalmist’s lyric which clearly intends to refer to the Genesis creation account. Verse 7, from which the response was said to have been taken reads in the NAB: “You have given him rule over the works of your hands.” “Him” refers to humankind in this psalm.)

CCC: Ps 8:2 300, 2566; Ps 8:6 2566, 2809
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Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

#166C Solemnities C Context (Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity C)

#330 Weekday Year I Context (Tuesday of the 5th Week in Ordinary Time)

#510/1 Proper of Saints Context (The Most Holy Name of Jesus, Jan 3)

#753 Ritual Mass Context (I. For the Conferral of Christian Initiation, 1. Catechumenate and Christian Initiation of Adults, Christian Initiation Apart from the Easter Vigil, 1.)
R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
or: R. (Ephesians 5:14) Wake up and rise from death: Christ will shine upon you!

#904 Mass for Various Needs Context (III. In Various Public Circumstances, 17. For the Beginning of the Civil Year, 1.)

#947E Masses for Various Occasions Context (III. In Various Public Circumstances, 26A. In Thanksgiving to God for the Gift of Human Life. 1.)

R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

All sheep and oxen,
yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
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Commentary on Ps 8:4-5, 6-7, 8-9

Psalm 8 is a song of thanksgiving for the creation event described in Genesis. The song marvels at God’s great work, his creation, and the life he gave us. The singer expresses the humility of a people who, through no merit of their own, God has made little less than angels and given a place of honor. Having done all this, mankind accepts great responsibility for stewardship.

CCC: Ps 8:6 2566, 2809
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Psalm 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7

#472 Weekday Year II Context (Saturday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time)

R. (7) You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

O LORD, our LORD,
how glorious is your name over all the earth!
You have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babes and sucklings
you have fashioned praise because of your foes.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars which you set in place—
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

You have made him little less than the angels,
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
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Commentary on Ps 8:2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7

Psalm 8 is another of the songs of thanksgiving.  In this selection we hear the title “son of man” used.  It is, in this instance, referring to the people not to Jesus.  The song reflects on the creation account from Genesis, and how God gave man dominion over the life he had created.

CCC: Ps 8:2 300, 2566; Ps 8:3 559; Ps 8:6 2566, 2809
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Psalm 8:4-5, 6-7a, 7b-9

#884 Mass for Various Needs Context (II. For Public Needs,  13. For the Country or a City or for Those Who Serve in Public Office or for the Congress or for the President or for the Progress of Peoples, 1.)

R. (2ab) O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers,
  the moon and the stars which you have set in place-
What is man that you should be mindful of him,
  or the son of man that you should care for him?
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

Yet you have made him little less than the angels,
  and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him rule over the works of your hands.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!

Putting all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen,
  yes, and the beasts of the field,
The birds of the air, the fishes of the sea,
   and whatever swims the paths of the seas.
R. O Lord, our God, how wonderful your name in all the earth!
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Commentary on Ps 8:4-5, 6-7a, 7b-9

Psalm 8 is another of the songs of thanksgiving.  In this selection we hear the title “son of man” used.  It is, in this instance referring to the people as opposed to Jesus.  The song reflects on the creation account from Genesis and how God gave man dominion over the life he had created. The singer expresses the humility of a people whom, through no merit of their own, God has made little less than angels and given a place of honor. Having done all this, mankind accepts great responsibility for stewardship.

CCC: Ps 8:6 2566, 2809
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Fin