Psalm 85:9-14

Our responsorial psalm for this week comes from Psalm 85, a communal lament that looks back on God’s past acts of mercy toward Israel while pleading for renewed restoration after a time of distress.

It is a fitting selection for today’s celebration because it echoes the theme of trusting in God’s saving presence, even in times of fear and uncertainty.

I will hear what God proclaims; the LORD — for he proclaims peace to his people.

The community seems to have suffered some kind of adversity that they cannot overcome on their own. This adversity may have been related to the many obstacles they faced as they returned from the Babylonian exile, which included the daunting task of rebuilding the city of Jerusalem and the temple while surrounded by hostile nations.

In faith, they turn to God, attentive to his word, confident that he speaks not judgment but peace (shalom) to his faithful.

Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, 

Despite their trials, the people are not without hope. Their reverent trust (“fear of the Lord”) grounds their assurance that God’s saving help is already drawing near.

In Scripture, “fear of the Lord” is not a sense or terror; it refers to an attitude of awe, obedience, and fidelity that recognizes God’s authority and goodness.

glory dwelling in our land.

After their return from exile, rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem was a central focus, as it was considered the dwelling place of God’s presence among them; i.e., “glory dwelling in our land.”

Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 

Here the psalm beautifully personifies key covenant attributes:

• kindness (hesed, also translated as “lovingkindness”) is unfailing love,
• truth (emet) is covenant faithfulness and reliability,
• justice (saddîq) is God’s righteousness and fairness,
• peace (shalom) is the wholeness or harmony that results from the covenantal relationship.

Portraying them as meeting or kissing signifies fulfillment and harmony — God’s mercy and justice are not opposed, but perfectly united.

Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven.

The psalmist uses imagery of fertility to describe the flourishing of God’s attributes on earth. This description of salvation is one of the most beautiful to be found in Scripture.

Many commentators see this as a description of the Incarnation, the union of Godhead and human nature in Jesus Christ.

The LORD himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase.

Many of the Israelites returning from Babylon were impoverished, and the land was not as fertile as it once was. Part of the hoped-for salvation is related to economic prosperity and the restoration of the land’s abundance.

However, the fruitfulness that flows from God’s blessing extends to both material and spiritual restoration: economic prosperity and the fullness of life that comes from right relationship with God.

Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps.

Justice, one of the divine attributes of God, is here portrayed as a forerunner, preceding God and making a way for him. This suggests that every action of God is imbued with his own justice, and he leaves a trail of righteousness wherever he goes.

This description of God’s active presence and his transformative influence on the world represents the very salvation the people ardently long for and await with assurance.