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Brookline Carmel Bulletin
May 22, 1960
J M J T
Cogitatio Sancta
(Holy
Meditation)
Thoughts on the Psalms
(by a Tertiary)
Tertiaries are required,
unless dispensed; to daily recite the “Little Office of the Blessed Virgin” in the
form approved by the Church, that is, the Invitatorium and Nocturn of the current day with
Lauds, the four Hours, Vespers, and Compline.
These consist, for the most part, of a series of Psalms. A Tertiary who recites these Psalms with the
proper disposition cannot help but wonder at their origin, their
intention. As to their origin, most of
the one-hundred and fifty known Psalms are reputed to have been written by
David; as to their intention, despite instances where some theologians may
differ as to the interpretation of the translations, they are intended to
manifest the important role God should play in our daily living. It is this last point that Tertiaries should
keep in mind when reciting the “Little Office.” (“Weigh
the intention, not the action” writes Thomas a` Kempis in his Imitation of Christ.)
The translations of the
Psalms follow either the Hebrew or the Vulgate. In each of these
translations there is a variance in the numbering. Our numbering of the Psalms corresponds with that of the
Vulgate. In the Hebrew text, which
is followed by some modern versions, verses 22-39 of Psalm 9 are treated as a
separate psalm and numbered as Psalm 10; while Psalms 146 and 147 are given as
one Psalm. Thus the Vulgate numbers 10
to 147 correspond to numbers 11 to 147 of the Hebrew or other reckonings. As one becomes attracted to the Psalms he
searches for sources, which will give him more information as to their history
and significance. Among many excellent
books on the Psalms is one entitled The Psalms – A prayer Book, published
by Benziger Brothers. This book
contains an Apostolic Letter written by the late Pope Pius XII on the Psalms,
and explains their purpose and their place in the Mass, as well as giving a
commentary and reflection on each Psalm and Canticle.
As followers of Christ and
members of His Church, we should give the Psalms a place of importance in our
lives in keeping with their importance in the life of Christ and His
Church. During His public life,
especially during His Passion, Jesus Christ made frequent reference to
them. The central theme of Psalm 21 is
“The Passion.” It starts with the words “My God, My God, why has Thou
forsaken me?” The Mass is
replete with quotations from the Psalms, beginning with a portion of Psalm 42
in the prayers recited by the celebrant at the foot of the altar. Psalm 116, in its entirely, is frequently
used as a Hymn at the end of benediction or Vespers. Verses from the Psalms, down through the centuries, were used and
are used by religious throughout the world as the basis for sermons, spiritual
thoughts, and meditations.
As Tertiaries, we should
regard the daily recitation of the “Little Office of the Blessed Virgin” as a
privilege. We should meditate on the
intention of each Psalm before reciting it.
The Psalms could be the basis for the mental prayer and spiritual
reading required in Chapter XI of the Rule of the Third Order. Each Psalm contains verses which in
themselves could be applied to any occasion, providing the “spiritual lift”
necessary for greater confidence in God, the acceptance of our daily crosses,
the overcoming of temporary dryness, etc.
It is only when Tertiaries appreciate the Little Office in the light of
the Psalms that they take on their real meaning, serve their intended purpose,
and become a means whereby a Tertiary may arrive at his ultimate goal,
Christian perfection, which only comes to him “whose hands are sinless, whose heart is
clean, who desires not what is vain, nor swears deceitfully to his neighbor” (Psalm
23).
* * *
“Tertiaries, and all others
who recite the Little Office, even when alone, are using the words of the
Church, in union with the Church, on behalf of the Church… A solitary voice is
not really solitary; it shares in the power and efficacy promised where there
are ‘two or three gathered together’ in Christ’s name. However weak, however weary, it swells the
chorus of prayer.” (Our Lady’s Hours, by Mary Perkins Ryan, published by Newman Press,
1946).
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