"Kiss of Peace": A Reflection on The Psalm for July 15th, 2018: Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Psalm 85 : An entreaty to God, trusting His steadfast Love and Faithfulness

'To the choirmaster: A Psalm of the Sons of Korah'

The history of the sons of Korah is intriguing in itself and it is the story of a Family Kohath, who were given certain responsibilities (i.e., Ministries) at the time of Moses. In short, they rebelled and wanted more power and were punished for their heresy and greed. Their sons however, were young and did not perish. They remained faithful to God. Generations later, Samuel the prophet arose from the line of Korah.
 At the time of King David (approx.1000BC), they became great leaders in choral and orchestral music in the Tabernacle (Litugical musicians). Eleven Psalms are attributed to the sons (descendants) of Korah; they are beautifully poetic and express longing for God, and deep devotion. Their history is reminiscent of the world situation today. So many people and families have rejected God and have given up faith and hope as their ancestors did. And yet God always calls us back, and His steadfast Love and Faithfulness waits for our response. How amazing that God never tires of our folly.


"Show us Your steadfast Love O Lord and grant us Your salvation"

Psalm 85:8-13

8  Let me hear what God, the Lord will speak for He will speak Peace to His people.
    to His saints, to those who turn to Him in their hearts.
9  Surely His salvation is at hand for those who fear Him,
    that His glory may dwell in our land.


What a powerful request and statement of hope echoing through the ages, "let me hear"… "I will listen"… "surely His salvation is at hand". Another translation reads "His help is near for those who fear Him.” All the wonderful gifts He has given us are 'helps' to our salvation. We need only to turn to Him in faith and trust. I find myself wondering how open I am to both listening to what God has to say, and to using the gifts He has given, so that "glory may dwell in our Land".


10  Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;
      Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.
11  Faithfulness will spring up from the ground,
     And righteousness will look down from the sky.


This verse is a beautiful example of the Psalm bridging the Old and New Testament. Four key themes of the Covenant are Love, Faithfulness, Righteousness and Peace.

“There are four times these four all come together. The first time is in the Incarnation. Jesus fully embodied both righteousness and peace; He is the very incarnation of God's love and faithfulness. The second time occurred on the Cross. There is no greater expression of God's love nor sign of his covenant than the Cross. The third time occurs in the mystery of the Eucharist—an ongoing reminder of the Sacrifice of Christ,  which brings love, faithfulness, righteousness and peace together. The fourth time when these great realities will all come together still await us. We are called to demonstrate that these verities of the Covenant will someday converge in a way which brings healing to nations and gives unceasing praise and glory to God”1

"Faithfulness will spring up from the ground" as we once again renew our commitment to God and to His message of salvation. And Righteousness, our Saviour, abounding in steadfast love reaches out to us.


12  Yes, the Lord will give what is good, and our land will yield its increase.
13  Righteousness will go before Him and make His footsteps a way.


At the time of the Psalmists (even as now) people suffered from famine and natural disasters. They often equated the blessings of the land with a sign that God 'smiled on them' and that He had not broken His covenant in spite of their unfaithfulness. Having worked in a poor country for a short while, where one saw misery and death due to starvation, I can see why the Psalmists often speak of green fields and rich harvests as being a sign of God's blessing. 

In the final line of the psalm, the Psalmist further conveys his belief and wonder at the immeasurable mercy of God and thankfulness for the gift of peace; 'not as the world gives'.  I think of times when I have experienced 'spiritual famine'. And yet, God does not break His covenant. In Jesus we have the incredible gift of His mercy in the Sacrament of Penance; steadfast love and faithfulness, "righteousness will go before Him and peace shall follow in His steps”.

Perhaps a strange conclusion, but I am continually in awe of these wonderful and ancient prayers. May God be praised!  Alleluia! And thanks to the sons of Korah for using their gifts--allowing God to work through them, and leaving us this beautiful Psalm. There is mention that these Psalms were used in Liturgy in David's time, and in the Synagogue in Christ's time. Perhaps Jesus sang this Psalm (certainly not in English), with knowledge of each one of us from ages past and present and yet to come. May we find peace and joy in singing this Psalm to Him this weekend. Amen.

Lynda Tyler

1. Timothy Tennent… Psalm 85

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