The lecture revolves around the call of the psalm to praise the Lord from now and forever, that is, at all times and in all circumstances. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III confirms that praise should not stop because of tribulations or trials, because praise is the only work that begins on earth and continues into eternity. It is a taste of the Kingdom and a sign of life with God that does not end.
Second: God Who Is High Yet Bends Toward the Humble
The psalm explains the greatness of God who dwells in the heights, and above all nations and above the heavens is His glory. Yet with this exaltation, He looks to the humble and His glory does not prevent Him from drawing near to the simple and the poor. In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, the true greatness of God appears in His humility and love, as He draws near to sinners and lifts up the contrite.
Third: Raising the Poor from the Dust
The meditation focuses on the work of God who raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap to seat him with the princes of His people. This is an image of divine grace that changes a person regardless of his condition. God is not ashamed of human weakness, but raises him to great glory, as He did with sinners who became saints and with the humble who became pillars in the Church.
Fourth: A Call to Humility and Hope
The psalm carries a message of hope for every fallen or despairing soul. Let no soul despair no matter how it has fallen, because God is able to raise it. At the same time, it warns against pride, for God resists the proud and looks to the humble. Humility is the way to true exaltation.
Fifth: The Barren Soul and the Joyful Mother of Children
The psalm also explains the image of the barren soul that has not borne virtues, and how God transforms it into a joyful mother of children. This is a spiritual call for the person to allow the work of the Holy Spirit within him, so that he may bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, and peace. Life with God is not merely existence in the Church, but practical fruitfulness in virtue and evangelism.
The General Spiritual Message
The main message is that God is great in His exaltation, wondrous in His humility, and rich in His grace. He calls the person to continual praise, sincere humility, firm hope, and living spiritual fruit. God lifts up the humble, transforms spiritual poverty into richness by grace, and makes the barren soul fruitful and joyful in His house.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”
Meditations on the Psalm “Praise the Lord, O Young Men” – Part 2
First: Continuous Praise at All Times
The lecture revolves around the call of the psalm to praise the Lord from now and forever, that is, at all times and in all circumstances. His Holiness Pope Shenouda III confirms that praise should not stop because of tribulations or trials, because praise is the only work that begins on earth and continues into eternity. It is a taste of the Kingdom and a sign of life with God that does not end.
Second: God Who Is High Yet Bends Toward the Humble
The psalm explains the greatness of God who dwells in the heights, and above all nations and above the heavens is His glory. Yet with this exaltation, He looks to the humble and His glory does not prevent Him from drawing near to the simple and the poor. In the Coptic Orthodox perspective, the true greatness of God appears in His humility and love, as He draws near to sinners and lifts up the contrite.
Third: Raising the Poor from the Dust
The meditation focuses on the work of God who raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap to seat him with the princes of His people. This is an image of divine grace that changes a person regardless of his condition. God is not ashamed of human weakness, but raises him to great glory, as He did with sinners who became saints and with the humble who became pillars in the Church.
Fourth: A Call to Humility and Hope
The psalm carries a message of hope for every fallen or despairing soul. Let no soul despair no matter how it has fallen, because God is able to raise it. At the same time, it warns against pride, for God resists the proud and looks to the humble. Humility is the way to true exaltation.
Fifth: The Barren Soul and the Joyful Mother of Children
The psalm also explains the image of the barren soul that has not borne virtues, and how God transforms it into a joyful mother of children. This is a spiritual call for the person to allow the work of the Holy Spirit within him, so that he may bear the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, and peace. Life with God is not merely existence in the Church, but practical fruitfulness in virtue and evangelism.
The General Spiritual Message
The main message is that God is great in His exaltation, wondrous in His humility, and rich in His grace. He calls the person to continual praise, sincere humility, firm hope, and living spiritual fruit. God lifts up the humble, transforms spiritual poverty into richness by grace, and makes the barren soul fruitful and joyful in His house.
“For better translation support, please contact the center.”