the first word of each of the strophe’s eight verses begins with this same letter. Through continual repetition, the entire psalm highlights one theme: being rooted and anchored in the Torah— God’s revelation, instructions, promises, words, and covenant. Appreciation of this psalm [119] is a good test of one’s understanding of the psalms as prayers. From the literary point of view, it does not reach a high level. It is monotonous, repetitious. . . . In short, the style is pedestrian, the construction mechanical, the thought-content unoriginal and meager. And yet, rightly considered as a religious text, this is a great composition. It is intended to be a foundation or starting point for personal prayer. In this it corresponds somewhat to the Rosary, and its ABC has the function of our “beads.” Deliberately, the same simple ideas and aspirations are repeated over and over, to help the mind of the one reciting it to concentrate on one thought, and to rouse his heart to aspirations of love. Individual verses, with their simple affirmation or urgent appeals, are not meant to be intellectually analyzed and studied (though, as a matter of fact, in their very simplicity they are rich in implications, and a whole theology could be constructed from this psalm). The author . . . undertook to build a launching pad, from which the devout soul might soar to loving contemplation of the unthinkable goodness of God. He knew what he meant to do, and he did it well. —R.A.F. MacKenzie, SJ, Old Testament Reading Guide
Reflect! 1. Reflect on Psalm 1 as the gateway to the Book of Psalms. What do these descriptions tell you about the role and importance of this psalm? About the significance of the whole Book of Psalms? Keep these ideas in mind as you read and pray the psalms in this guide. page 28 | Session 1
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11/14/12 2:50 PM