Catechesis Notes for the Week — Psalm 129: Commemorating the Lord’s Deliverance of His People from Oppression—Throughout her history, the Children of Israel had many who rose up against her. Often these enemies visited God’s judgment upon Israel for her rebellion against the Lord, but that did not change the Lord’s favorable disposition toward Israel. Israel was still His chosen one, and He did not tolerate the enemies of Israel to gloat over her, even when His judgment was visited upon her. Psalm 129, a psalm of Ascent, celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness in delivering her from all her enemies. The whole congregation of Israel prayed as one man: “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth,” Let Israel now say — “Many a time they have afflicted me from my youth; yet they have not prevailed against me.” The enemies of Israel were like farmers who plowed long furrows on her back, yet the Lord delivered her. Psalm 129 also claims the Lord’s promise to “bless those who bless Israel and to curse those who curse her,” by saying, “Let all those who hate Zion be put to shame and turned back.” The promise of deliverance that the Lord made to the Old Testament Church applies to the New Testament Church today. In the end, God will vindicate His people who put their trust in Him. We pray for this daily, even as we accept the chastening of the Lord for our good.CP211017