1. TYPE OF PSALM: It is a psalm of instruction and praise
Psalm 89 (88) recalls David's election as king of Israel after the Lord rejected Saul for not obeying him (1 Sam 16: 1-13). In him the fidelity of God is sung that never ends.
2. READ THE WORD.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever;” in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout; in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk. At your name they rejoice all the day, and through your justice they are exalted.
You are the splendor of their strength, and by your favor our horn is exalted. For to the LORD belongs our shield, and the Holy One of Israel, our king.
What does the text say?
vv. 2-3. In the readings for this Sunday's Mass we read only a few verses from this long psalm made up of 53 verses. The central theme is the faithfulness of the Lord. Throughout it, over and over again, it is stressed that it is part of his identity, of his being, in the way that he is faithful to his promises.
vv.16-17 All those who recognize him as their God (the chosen People), those who praise him, should feel happy and proud. For the more his works are known in creation and in history, the more worthy they are of admiration. He has done everything wonderfully and when we have needed Him, he has always saved us.
vv. 18-19 King David's election marked a new covenant with God's people. This king was not perfect, his behavior and his decisions were not always correct and put him far from the commandments of God. But despite those mistakes and those human infidelities, God never left him alone, he kept true to his promise to protect his chosen one and his descendants.
1. MEDITATE ON THE WORD. Does this reading say anything special to you?
God's great mercy lasts forever, so her praise should also last forever. When we think we are in trouble we have some relief in complaining; but we do more, we get joy, by praising God trusting that he will not leave us alone. Then our complaints become thanksgiving.”
4. PRAY WITH THE WORD. What do you say to God?
God is good to us, so both you and I can say the Lord's mercies I will sing forever:
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness. For you have said, “My kindness is established forever;” in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness
5. CONTEMPLATE THE WORD. How does your look change?
We often base our understanding of God on our human experience, with our limitations, with the good or bad feelings that prevail in each of us. So we can say that God is good or bad as we are doing in life. But Psalm 89 reminds us that God is good, faithful, merciful, that he does not pay evil for evil, but will always act in our favor
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