Lord, go up to the place
of your rest.
In our current translation of the Bible (NABRE) Psalm 22, verse 3 reads, “Yet
you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the glory of Israel.”
The King James Bible give us a more colorful image, “O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.”
Other translations see the Lord God sitting on a throne of praise: “…you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” This enthronement has become a popular image in contemporary Christian hymns and songs.
Other translations see the Lord God sitting on a throne of praise: “…you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” This enthronement has become a popular image in contemporary Christian hymns and songs.
Psalm 132, which we used in today’s responsorial psalm, praises God as he
takes his seat on “the place of your rest.”
The ancient Hebrews might sing, “If other nations have thrones of gold or
silver or varnished wood, we have a throne of God’s praises – which endures
forever.”
Catholic have honored Mary as the Seat of Wisdom, and as we celebrate the memorial of Saint Scholastica, we remember her, the sister of Saint Benedict, as a wise woman. Wisdom is a kind of throne for the Lord. This tradition appears even in our secular universities, where "chairs" are endowed to maintain an institution of learning.
Our Christian tradition also recalls Jesus' throne, the cross. Only faith can see its glory; the rest of the world is bemused, at best, by our praises.
On this Monday morning, the heart takes refuge in the simpler story of
Mark 6 and the crowds who flock to Jesus. He is so beautiful we cannot resist
his drawing power, nor would we fight the tide of humanity that rushes toward
him. We need God’s healing mercy; humankind cannot hope to survive without it. Caught
up in wonder, we add our praises to his throne. Go up Lord to the place of your rest, upon our praises.
Our Christian tradition also recalls Jesus' throne, the cross. Only faith can see its glory; the rest of the world is bemused, at best, by our praises.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.