Psalm 8:4-9

The responsorial psalm for today is taken from Psalm 8, a hymn of awe and reverence before the majesty of God — a God who creates, sustains, and crowns humanity with dignity. It echoes the Trinitarian themes at the heart of today’s feast.

When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars which you set in place — what is man that you should be mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?

The psalmist contemplates the vastness of the night sky and is moved to awe. The grandeur of creation stirs a profound question: Why would the Creator of such magnificence pay attention to frail, finite human beings?

The Hebrew terms used here intensify this sense of wonder. Ĕnôsh highlights human mortality and frailty, while the parallel construction using ben-’ādām (“son of man”) reinforces this vulnerability.

In light of the cosmic scale of creation, humanity seems puny and insignificant — yet God’s care remains personal and deliberate.

You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor. 

What is often translated as “angels” is actually the Hebrew plural for “gods” (’ĕlōhîm). The psalmist here claims that human beings have been created just a little less than supernatural beings, highlighting their elevated status in creation.

You have given him rule over the works of your hands, putting all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever swims the paths of the seas.

This language recalls the opening chapter of Genesis, where humanity is created in the image and likeness of God and given dominion over the earth and its creatures (Genesis 1:26-28).

This dominion is not one of domination, but of stewardship. The imagery of creatures being “under his feet” conveys authority, yet in the context of biblical kingship — especially in Israel — it implies delegated rule. Kings were meant to govern as God’s representatives, not in their own right.

Likewise, humanity’s role is not autonomous. Dominion is exercised under God’s law and in accord with God’s purposes. The honor given to humankind carries with it a sacred duty: to care for creation with reverence, humility, and responsibility.

While their choice by God is an incalculable honor, it is also a tremendous responsibility.