Catechesis Notes for the Week — Psalm 124: Blessed be the Lord Who Defends His Own—Psalm 124 is another Psalm of Ascents sung by the congregation of Israel in blessing for the Lord’s defense of His people. “If the Lord had not been on our side, we would have perished at the hands of our enemies.” The Lord blesses and defends His Church according to His promise of salvation to us. He is faithful to us even though our faith often wavers in confidence. This psalm gives encouragement today in the face of persecution and the attempts of those who would destroy the Church. For this protection we pray, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not given us as prey…Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers…Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth” and He will not let us down.