Psalm 1 is used as the responsorial psalm for today’s Eucharist. Psalms 1 and 2 are really an introduction to the Psalter or Book of Psalms. These two psalms speak of the two underlying principles that support not only the other 148 psalms but also the heart and soul of the Hebrew Scriptures as a whole.
Psalm 1 is a meditation on the importance of the “Law” in the life of the Israelite. It is important to remember that the “Law” refers to the covenant relationship that was made at Sinai (Horeb) during the Exodus. This relationship is the single most important element in the entire Old Testament. The psalmist sings: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers. Rather, the law of the LORD is his joy; and on his law he meditates day and night (Psalm 1:1-2). Throughout the Hebrew Scriptures including the Torah, the Histories, the Prophets, and the Wisdom Literature, the covenant that Israel made with God is the foundation of all that is written. So the Book of Psalms opens with a meditation on the life of the person who is in right relationship with God.
Psalm 2 is a song about the promised Messiah. After the covenant relationship, the hope of Israel in the promised deliverer offers a reason for maintaining that right relationship. When the Messiah comes, those who have persevered in living the covenant will be saved.
This two-fold introduction also serves those of us who are Christian as well. I once read a commentary on the psalms that said that the Church has taken the prayers of Israel – the psalms – and poured water over them, baptizing them and making them the prayers of the Christian as well as the Israelite. This is a very accurate way of describing the “love affair” that the Church has with the psalms. Each and every time the Church gathers in prayer, the psalms are part of that prayer. We recognize that our covenant with God is based upon the new commandment that we have been given by Jesus, the Messiah. Consequently, the prayer we find in Psalm 1 is still very much an accurate statement. We are indeed blessed if we do not stray from our relationship with God who has sent us Jesus as our Messiah.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator