The splendor of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory of God. We are also aware of his presence when we meditate on his commandments which are light and joy for the soul.
1* ① 2The heavens declare the glory of God;
the firmament proclaims the work of his hands.
3Day talks it over with day;
night hands on the knowledge to night.
4No speech, no words, no voice is heard –
5but the call goes on throughout the universe,
the message is felt to the ends of the earth.
6High above, he pitched a tent for the sun,
who comes out as a bridegroom from his pavilion,
or like a racer joyfully runs his course.
7Rising from one end,
it makes its circuit of the heavens,
and sets at the other end;
and nothing is hidden from its heat.
8The law of the Lord is perfect:
it gives life to the soul.
The word of the Lord is trustworthy:
it gives wisdom to the simple.
9The precepts of the Lord are right:
they give joy to the heart.
The commandments of the Lord are clear:
they enlighten the eyes.
10The fear of the Lord is pure,
it endures forever;
the judgments of the Lord are true,
all of them just and right.
11They are more precious than gold –
pure gold of a jeweller;
they are much sweeter than honey
which drops from the honeycomb.
12They are a light to your servant,
in keeping them they win a great reward.
13But who can discern one’s own errors?
Forgive the failings of which I am unaware.
14Preserve me from willful sin;
do not let it get the better of your servant.
Then shall I walk blameless
and innocent of serious sin.
15May the words of my mouth
and the meditations of my heart
find favor in your sight,
O Lord – my redeemer, my rock! ②
- This psalm is an invitation to sing the glory of God. This is manifested by the wonders of the heavens, especially the sun (vv. 1-7), and the Law (vv. 8-15). These two parts were doubtless, in former times, two different psalms.
The order in the vault of the sky is like a symphony. Do we know how to listen to it? Do we join other creatures in praising God our Creator? Do we perceive also the melody of the gospel message (Rom 10:18)? The Law of the Lord is more precious than gold, and sweeter than honey, it speaks to us of God and invites us to submit ourselves totally to him. - The term redeemer signified “avenger.” It also means savior.
In the “Imitation of Christ,” there is a section indicating other marvels of God:
Happy the one who listens to the Lord when he speaks to us interiorly, accepting from his lips the word of life and of happiness!
Happy the eyes that are closed to what is spectacular so as to be more attentive to the interior vision!
Recollect yourself in this way, my soul, shut the door of your senses, so that you may hear what the Lord, your God says to you.
