Introit of First Sunday of Advent

Psalm 24:1-3

To Thee have I lifted up my soul: in Thee, O my God, I put my trust, let me not be ashamed: neither let my enemies laugh at me: for none of them that wait on Thee shall be confounded. Ps. Show me, O Lord, Thy ways: and teach me Thy paths. V. Glory be to the Father

Haydock

Verse 1. David. This word alone occurs in Hebrew. Septuagint and St. Jerome add also Psalm. (Haydock) — St. Augustine and Theod.[Theodotion or Theodoret] agree with the Vulgate. (Calmet) — These variations prove that we cannot depend much on the titles; and the learned do not look upon them as the word of God. The psalm may have been composed, when David was persecuted by his son, (Berthier) or by Saul. It may also allude to the captives. This is the first of the seven alphabetical psalms. The 33d, 35th, 110th, 111th, 118th, and 144th, are of the same description, being written in this manner (Calmet) on account of their importance, (Kimchi) or to help the memory, (Berthier) or for copies, to teach young people to write. (Grotius) — Each verse forms a distinct sentence, not much connected with the rest. We perceive some derangement in the present Hebrew copies of this psalm, as the letters are not in proper order, though it might easily be restored by altering the divisions (Calmet) than their Thalmudical songs. (Pellican in Psalm lxxxv. 9.) — The Septuagint and St. Jerome seem to have had better copies. Christ, the Church, (Calmet) or any pious soul, may address this fervent prayer to God under affliction. — Lifted up in a true spirit of prayer, (Berthier) with fervour and confidence, Deuteronomy xxiv. 15., and Lamentations iii. 41. (Calmet) — Attention is requisite to obtain a petition, (Worthington) as well as fervour, &c. (Haydock)

Verse 2. In thee. Hebrew bec. Thus the second verse will properly begin with b, (Capel; Houbigant) though the Jews place my God first, as it is in the Vulgate, Deus meus, in te, &c. (Haydock) Ashamed. Septuagint (Complutensian) adds, “for ever.”

Verse 3. Laugh. Saying scornfully where is their God? (Calmet) — Wait. This is often urged (Isaias xlii. 23.) as comprising all the science of a spiritual life. We must neither despair nor omit the means of salvation. (Berthier) — Those who hope for the accomplishment of God’s promises, will not be disappointed. (Calmet)

⇦ Back to First Sunday of Advent