“Praise the Lord,” my soul cries out, “For he has rescued me from harm”; He has not let my enemies triumph over me.
From my youth, they have opposed me, But the Lord has been my strength and my shield; He has kept me safe from harm.
May those who seek to harm me be put to shame, And may they be like grass on the rooftops, withering away; But I will put my trust in the Lord forever.
The Lord is righteous and just, And he has delivered me from the hands of the wicked; May all who fear him praise his holy name.
I have endured much suffering, But the Lord has brought me through the fire and into a spacious place; May his name be praised forevermore. Amen.
The background of Psalm 129
Psalm 129, also known as “De Profundis,” has a long and rich history in the Catholic Church. It is a prayer of trust in God’s mercy and deliverance, and has been used for centuries as a means of expressing sorrow and hope in times of trial.
The psalm is said to have originated during the Babylonian exile, when the Jews were held captive in a foreign land. It expresses the people’s longing for God’s mercy and their trust in his steadfast love.
In the Christian tradition, Psalm 129 became an important prayer of penitence and hope. It was often recited during times of mourning and grief, and was seen as a way of acknowledging our sins and trusting in God’s forgiveness.
During the Middle Ages, Psalm 129 was used as a form of public penance. Penitents would recite the psalm as a way of expressing their sorrow for their sins and seeking God’s mercy.
Today, Psalm 129 is still an important part of the Catholic liturgy. It is often recited during the season of Lent, when Catholics reflect on their sinfulness and their need for God’s mercy and grace.
The psalm has also inspired many works of art and music, including a setting by the composer Josquin des Prez. Its words continue to offer comfort and hope to people of all faiths, serving as a reminder of God’s love and mercy even in the darkest of times.