Psalm 24 Binds Us Together in Prayer

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Catholic, creation, Grief
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Greetings on this the Solemnity of All Saints
Readings: Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14; Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12a

Summary

The liturgy of All Saints (Solemnity) and the liturgy of All Souls Days (Commemoration) are in perfect harmony of the Order of Christian Funerals. With the exception of one psalm, which I will describe shortly, all the same sacred readings as available in the Funeral Liturgy. The funeral liturgy has many options for Old Testament, New Testament and Gospel readings but these stand out as central to our prayers:

  1. The Prayer with the Dead alive in Heaven. Dedicated to all who have entered heaven, including the saints recognized by the Church and those not but who pray with and for us and work with the Lord to help us in our militant struggles.
  2. The Prayer for the Dead alive but suffering. Dedicate to those who have recently died and need our prayerful aid to reach Heaven. They too are learning to pray for others and pray for us as we pray for them.
  3. The Prayer by the Dead for the Militant Earthbound. Both those in Heaven and those in Purgatory pray for us. In the first case, it is their passion in the Lord and in the second case their purification.

When we are able to have a Christian burial these readings are used. If for whatever reason you are not able to make a funeral of a loved one, these Holy Days allows us to pray for them together in the same way we would or did in a Funeral with Mass or a Funeral without Mass liturgy we had for them or wished we had for them. Today is a perfect day to remember them.

A purple liturgical stole with gold embroidery and fringe, symbolizing solemnity and reverence in religious ceremonies.

So Saturday and Sunday are particularly helpful to us in our grief, in our hopes and in the expression of trust in the divine. He has overcome death for us and for our eternal joy.

All of this bound to the liturgy described by the 24th Psalm. Which, in summary, expresses the Liturgy of the Holy Mass.

Old Testament Readings

  • Revelation 7:2-4, 9-14
  • Wisdom 3:1-9, Wisdom 4:7-15, Isa 25:6-9

Psalmology

  • Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
  • Psalm 24:1bc-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 – the stand out.

New Testament Readings

  • 1 John 3:1-3
  • Romans 5:5-11 or Romans 6:3-9 (options) or 1 Cor 15:51-57, Phil 3:20-21, 2 COR 4:14-5:1

Gospel Readings

  • Matthew 5:1-12a
  • John 6:37-40, Jn 14:1-6, Jn 14:2:13-22

Psalm 24

Psalm 24 is considered a Liturgical Psalm. It parallels perfectly the purpose and flow of the Holy Mass. It has a specific flow:

  1. It commemorates the entry of God and the people into the Temple (The Mountain – Entrance procession and song of praise in the Church).
  2. The praise of creation – the works of the Lord – natural and salvific (Pentitential Rite, Gloria).
  3. The people affirm their belief in God (Apostle’s Creed).
  4. We bow low in supplication and awe (Prayers of the Faithful).
  5. Lift High your gates – the elimination of barriers to salvation and the New Jerusalem (Liturgy of the Eucharistic Sacrifice).

The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers. Who may go up the mountain of the LORD? Who can stand in his holy place? “The clean of hand and pure of heart, who has not given his soul to useless things, what is vain. He will receive blessings from the LORD, and justice from his saving God. Such is the generation that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.” Lift up your heads, O gates; be lifted, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. Who is this king of glory? the LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in war. Lift up your heads, O gates; rise up, you ancient portals, that the king of glory may enter. Who is this king of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the king of glory (PS 24).

Mass, in particularly Funeral Mass

This is why we recommend very powerfully that a Funeral Mass be said for those who have died. In the Mass and in the funeral rite, the Christian community keeps watch with one another in prayer to the God of Mercy and to find strength in Christ’s presence. We celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death, commend our brother/sister to God’s tender mercy and compassion, seeking strength in the paschal mystery (the Passion of Jesus). As one body in Christ in signs and symbols, word and gesture that each believer, through baptism, shares in Christ’s death and resurrection. And one day all the elect will be raised up and united in the kingdom of light and peace.

Reflection

“Salvation comes from our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven. (Rev 7:10b, Jn 3:2, Matt 5:12a).

Personal Reflection

On this occasion remember your beloved dead. Come to Mass today and tomorrow. Pray for them, and pray with them. Pray with heaven and earth for the good of all creation.

Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110125.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

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