Psalm 110

Psalm 110:1, 2, 3, 4

#169C Solemnities C Context (The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ)

#311 Weekday Year I Context (Monday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time)

#313 Weekday Year I Context (Wednesday of the 2nd Week in Ordinary Time)

#319 Weekday Year I Context (Wednesday of the 3rd Week in Ordinary Time)

#512 Proper of Saint Context (St. Hilary Jan 13)

#558 Proper of Saints Context (St. Pius V, Apr 30)

#568 Proper of Saints Context (St. Gregory VII, May 25)

#690 Proper of Saints Context (St. Damasus I Dec 11)

#721 Commons Context (Common of Pastors, 7.)

#772 Ritual Mass Context (For the Conferral of Holy Orders, 6.)
R. Christ the Lord, a priest for ever in the line of Melchizedek, offered bread and wine.
  or:
R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

#787 Ritual Mass Context (For the Conferral of Ministries, 2. Institution of Acolytes, 4.)*

#829 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 1. For the Church, 7.)*

#845 Mass for Various Needs Context (I. For the Holy Church, 5. For Priests, 5.)

#978 Votive Mass Context (The Most Holy Eucharist, 5.)
R. Christ the Lord, a priest for ever in the line of Melchizedek, offered bread and wine.
  or:
R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

R. (4b) You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The LORD said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand
till I make your enemies your footstool."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The scepter of your power the LORD will stretch forth from Zion:
"Rule in the midst of your enemies."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

"Yours is princely power in the day of your birth, in holy splendor;
before the daystar, like the dew, I have begotten you."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.

The LORD has sworn, and he will not repent:
"You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."
R. You are a priest for ever, in the line of Melchizedek.
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Commentary on Ps 110:1, 2, 3, 4

We are given the reference point used in Hebrews 5:1-10. The psalmist, David, reflects upon the call to service of the people. The final verse specifically mentions the high priest Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the ancient king of Salem (Jerusalem) who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). Like other kings of the time, he also performed priestly functions.

Psalm 110 thanks God for earthly authority, recognizing that it is only through the Lord's strength that authority is exercised. The psalmist uses Melchizedek as an archetype. He was a secular king in the time of Abraham who ruled on the spiritual side as well. Though he was not of the Hebrew race, he was nonetheless chosen by God to be priest, but not of the line of Aaron. Since the ancient text refers neither to his lineage nor his death, his office is seen as eternal, “You are a priest forever.”

CCC: Ps 110 447; Ps 110:1 659; Ps 110:4 1537
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Fin 2

*Citation is different in the index but the text is identical