Papal Commentary on Psalm 122(123)

[stumbler]

“An Exchange of Glances”

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 15, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of Benedict XVI’s address at today’s general audience, which he dedicated to a reflection on Psalm 122(123). The audience was in St. Peter’s Square.

---

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Unfortunately, you have suffered under the rain. Let’s hope the weather will improve.

1. In a very incisive way, Jesus affirms in the Gospel that the eyes are an expressive symbol of the innermost self, a mirror of the soul (see Matthew 6:22-23). Well, Psalm 122(123), which was just proclaimed, is summarized in an exchange of glances: The faithful one lifts his eyes to the Lord and waits for a divine reaction, to perceive a gesture of love, a look of benevolence.

Not rarely, there is talk in the Psalter of the gaze of the Most High who “looks down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there are any that act wisely, that seek after God” (Psalm 13[14]:2). The Psalmist, as we heard, makes use of an image, that of the slave and maid who look to their master for a liberating decision.

Although the scene is linked to the ancient world and its social structures, the idea is clear and significant: This image taken from the world of the ancient East, is used to exalt the adherence of the poor, the hope of the oppressed, and the availability of the just to the Lord.

1. The Psalmist is waiting for the divine hands to move, as they will act according to justice, destroying evil. For this reason, often in the Psalter the one praying lifts his eyes full of hope toward the Lord: “My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net” (Psalm 24[25]:15), while “my eyes grow dim with waiting for my God” (Psalm 68[69]:4).

Psalm 122(123) is a plea in which the voice of a faithful one is united with that of the whole community: In fact, the Psalm goes from the first person singular – “I lift up my eyes” – to the plural – “our eyes” and “mercy upon us” (see verses 1-3). The hope is expressed that the Lord’s hands will open to shower gifts of justice and freedom. The just man waits for God’s gaze to reveal itself in all its tenderness and goodness, as one reads in the ancient priestly blessing of the Book of Numbers: “The Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you: the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace” (Numbers 6:25-26).

1. The importance of God’s loving glance is revealed in the second part of the Psalm, characterized by . . . .

---

Full commentary

 

[savone]

Thanks for posting this, stumbler. One thing I’m learning about His Holiness is that his writings are not a “quick read.”

How we do, indeed, wait for “God’s gaze to reveal itself in all its tenderness and goodness.” Amen.

 

[Saint_Andrew]

Hello

The psalm are good to read and have good purpose also for the modern ages.

God Bless
Saint Andrew.