Catechesis Notes for the Week — Psalm 54: A Prayer for Deliverance from the Enemies of Christians—Psalm 54 was prayed by David on the occasion of King Saul’s attempts to murder him.  The Ziphites had betrayed David to Saul. Saul had departed from the Word of God and despised the Lord for having anointed David to succeed him as King. David would not lift his hand against his enemy, but rather commended himself to God and prayed for the Lord to deliver him. David’s example is a pattern for us and Christ’s Church under persecution and suffering. Our only weapon is the Word of God and faith that clings to the Lord’s promise of protection. In our battle against the forces of darkness and the enemies of our faith, our protection can never be the force of human arms but must always and only be the Word of God the protection that the Lord promises to those who are faithful to Him. So we, with the whole Church on earth, pray with David, “Save me, O God, by Your name, and vindicate me by Your strength. Hear my prayer, O God; Give ear to the words of my mouth…oppressors have sought after my life; they have not set God before them. Behold, God is my helper; The Lord is with those who uphold my life. He will repay my enemies for their evil.”  This is of inestimable comfort in the face of persecution and suffering for the faith.CP240728