The psalms are prayers from the time before Christ and were used in Jewish liturgies. As a school of prayer, they continue to provide us with the language of prayer.
A section of a psalm, usually no more than three or four verses, is used in the Liturgy of the Word every day at Mass. It is called the Responsorial Psalm because it is intended to be a response or echo of the first reading of the day.
On the Sundays in Ordinary Time, the first reading itself is chosen as a preparation for the gospel of the day, so we find that the psalm, while echoing the Old Testament reading, also anticipates the gospel. However, in the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter, since the first reading has no deliberate connection with the gospel, neither is there a thematic connection between the psalm and the gospel.
This book of reflections on the responsorial psalms is offered to all who wish to draw more sustenance for their prayer from the liturgical readings of each Sunday.
To attain the full benefit of these reflections it will be necessary to read them in conjunction with the other readings.
Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap is currently based at Father Mathew Quay, Cork.
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