Psalm 15:2-5
Our responsorial psalm for this week comes from Psalm 15, which describes a liturgical scrutiny at the entrance to the Temple court. The Israelite wishing to be admitted had to ask the Temple official what conduct was appropriate to God’s precincts. The answer emphasizes virtues relating to one’s neighbor.
This psalm is our responsorial psalm for today because it echoes and deepens the central theme of the readings: hospitality as a pathway to divine presence.
One who walks blamelessly and does justice;
“Walk” expresses a consistent way of living. It evokes the biblical notion of journeying in faithful covenant with God.
The foundation of this way of life is justice, a characteristic of God. Justice is the divinely established norm against which everything else is measured.
who thinks the truth in his heart and slanders not with his tongue.
Living in justice begins interiorly: right thoughts born of God’s truth shape one’s speech.
Integrity is not performative — it’s rooted in a heart aligned with God.
Who harms not his fellow man, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor;
The Hebrew rēʿeh (“fellow man”) is better translated as “companion,” as it includes the idea of personal closeness and is not gender-specific.
Virtue is tested not in abstract ideals but in intimate, everyday interactions.
by whom the reprobate is despised, while he honors those who fear the LORD.
In Wisdom teaching, there is a theme of choosing one of two ways, as seen here.
In biblical usage, to “despise” (bazah) often means to regard as unworthy of honor or admiration. Therefore, despising the reprobate isn’t about wishing harm or withholding compassion; rather, it’s a refusal to glorify or emulate those who reject God’s ways.
Some people wrestle with how this fits alongside Jesus’ command to love our enemies. Catholic teaching holds both truths together: we are to love even those we find morally repugnant, and yet not admire or imitate their ways. It’s a paradox that invites us into deeper spiritual maturity.
Who lends not his money at usury and accepts no bribe against the innocent.
The just person avoids exploiting the vulnerable.
In ancient Israel, charging interest to those in need was a moral failure. Similarly, accepting bribes undercuts justice, especially when it harms the innocent.
While the economic practices of ancient Israel differ from most modern Western societies, the moral principle remains: economic integrity is essential to covenant fidelity
One who does these things shall never be disturbed.
A person who fulfills these conditions is pleasing to the Lord; therefore, their life is on sure ground.
Note how the requirements are not related to ritual cleanness or sacrificial offerings; they have to do with upright behavior towards others as laid down by God’s covenant with his people (Exodus 20:1-17).
This psalm is borne out to the fullest in the life of Jesus Christ, who taught that love of God cannot be separated from love of neighbor.
Sunday Readings 