Catechesis Notes for the Week — Psalm 128: A Prayer of Blessing for Those Who Fear the Lord—Psalm 128 is a companion psalm to 127, which extols the gift of marriage and children. The foundation for God’s blessing in the home is the fear of the Lord and walking in His ways. To do what God has given us to do, according to His Word, gives great satisfaction. “When you eat the labor of your hands, you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you.” The fruitfulness of the wife for a faithful Christian husband is not only in the children she bears but, as she receives the love of her husband, she has the capacity and blessing of bearing the fruit of faithful love and service for her children. When the fear of the Lord is the foundation of family life, children are like olive plants around the table. “Thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” The references to Zion and Jerusalem indicate that the Lord’s blessing comes from His Church through the comforting preaching and life-giving gifts of the Sacraments. Those who fear the Lord gather regularly to receive His peace in the Divine Service.