Pope concludes talks on Psalms, urges praying the Liturgy of the Hours

November 16, 2011

On November 16, Pope Benedict XVI concluded a series of weekly talks on the Psalms, which he had described as a "school of prayer."

At his Wednesday public audience, the Pope spoke on Psalm 110, opening with the observation that it has been “beloved by the ancient Church and by believers of all times.” The Psalm has always been recognized as a Messianic text, he said.

Psalm 110 begins: “The Lord says to my lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, till I make your enemies your footstool.’”The reference is to Jesus, the Pontiff said, and to his definitive triumph over evil.

The Psalm also points toward Christ’s priestly action, with the line: “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Mechizedek.”

Finally, the Pope remarked, the Psalm closes with a portrayal of "the triumphant sovereign who, with the support of the Lord, having received power and glory from Him, opposes his enemies, defeating adversaries and judging nations.”

“As we pray this Psalm,” Pope Benedict concluded, “we acclaim the victory of our risen Lord and King, while striving to live ever more fully the royal and priestly dignity which is ours as members of his Body through Baptism.”

Closing his public remarks, the Pope told the 15,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square that his series of talks had been designed to show how the Psalms “reflect the different situations in life and various attitudes that we have toward God.” He repeated his recommendation to use the Psalms in prayer, and especially encouraged the faithful to adopt the habit of praying the Liturgy of the Hours.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Praying the Psalms Enriches Our Relationship with God (VIS)
• Pope Benedict : The triumph of love (Vatican Radio)
• Love is stronger than hatred and evil (L'Osservatore Romano)