The Waters of the River Gladden the City of God

The Waters of the River Gladden the City of God

In this song of Zion, Psalm 46, the Holy One is hymned as making the holy city a sure refuge to worshipers, who are terrified by a seemingly collapsing world. Substitute the temple in Jerusalem with the Basilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of the diocese of Rome and the seat of the pope (the bishop of Rome). It is considered the mother church for Catholics throughout the world. Psalm 46 has images of baptism, in both flowing water and God’s dwelling. As we pray this psalm, how does the church – place and people – nurture and support our faith and discipleship?

God is our refuge and strength, a helper in time of trouble.
We shall not fear though the earth should rock,
though the mountains fall into the depths of the sea

There is a river whose streams gladden the city of God,
the holy place of the Most High
God is within, it shall not be moved;
God will help it at the dawning of the day.

The God of hosts is with us; the God of our ancestors is our refugel
Come, behold the works of our God,
who has wrought wonders on the earth.

[verses adapted from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]