Psalm 132:6-7, 9-10, 13-14

The responsorial psalm for our vigil Mass comes from Psalm 132, a liturgical hymn celebrating the ark’s arrival in Jerusalem and God’s covenant with David.

Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of Jaar.

This verse recalls the rediscovery of the Ark of the Covenant after its capture by the Philistines (cf. 1 Samuel 4-7). For years, the Ark remained in Kiriath-jearim, a town west of Jerusalem. Here, the site is referred to poetically as “Jaar,” a shortened form meaning “forest,” drawn from “Kiriath-jearim,” which means “city of forests.”

The Ark’s return marks a renewal of devotion and the restoration of God’s visible presence among his people.

Let us enter his dwelling, let us worship at his footstool.

This is a call to worship in the presence of God, whose glory was believed to dwell above the Ark. It invites reverence at the place where heaven and earth meet.

May your priests be clothed with justice; let your faithful ones shout merrily for joy.

The psalm turns to intercession, asking for righteousness among God’s ministers and joy among his people.

For the sake of David your servant, reject not the plea of your anointed.

This petition recalls God’s covenant with David and seeks favor for the anointed king.

For the LORD has chosen Zion; he prefers her for his dwelling. “Zion is my resting place forever; in her will I dwell, for I prefer her.”

Zion, the city of God, symbolizes God’s chosen place of presence.

In the mystery of the Assumption, this psalm finds new meaning — Mary is taken into heaven, where God dwells eternally. She becomes the resting place of divine love, the Ark enthroned in glory.