Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-9

This week’s responsorial psalm comes from Psalm 95, which regularly opens the Liturgy of the Hours, the Church’s official prayer. It begins with joy and praise, but also carries a warning not to harden our hearts against the Lord.

Just as Habakkuk is urged to wait in faith for God’s vision to be fulfilled, the psalm reminds us to listen and trust even when God seems silent.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD; let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.

The psalm opens with an invitation to joyful praise.

God is called “the rock of our salvation,” an image of stability, refuge, and steadfast protection — fitting for the One who rescues and sustains his people.

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

The summons is repeated, this time to enter God’s presence, likely evoking temple worship or pilgrimage.

Gratitude and song are the proper response to God’s saving power.

Come, let us bow down in worship; let us kneel before the LORD who made us.

A third invitation to praise calls not only for joy but for humility.

God is both Creator of the universe and the One who has formed his people into a covenant community.

For he is our God, and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

The familiar shepherd image conveys God’s intimate care, protection, and guidance. In biblical times, shepherds took total responsibility for their sheep, caring for them and protecting them even at the risk of their own lives.

Together, the images of rock and shepherd highlight God’s strength and tenderness as a protector.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, where your fathers tempted me; they tested me though they had seen my works.”

The psalm shifts from invitation to warning. Recalling Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness (Exodus 17:1-7; Deuteronomy 6:16), the community is urged not to repeat the sins of their ancestors, who demanded proof of God’s care despite having witnessed his gracious deliverance of them from Egyptian bondage.

God desires faith and willing obedience, not hardened hearts.