Italy
1. On the Sunday in which in the Gospel we contemplate Jesus multiplying the loaves and fish, the Church invites us to recite some verses of Psalm 144, a wonderful alphabetic song, in which the first word of each verse begins with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet in succession. The Psalm is a festive praise to the Lord, celebrated as a loving and tender sovereign, concerned for all his creatures.
2. In the first movement (vv. 3-12) God is not only not indifferent to history, but, on the contrary, has a plan for it, a design of harmony and peace, to whose fulfillment the Lord also calls faithful humanity with its active collaboration. How much we need this proclamation, we who see ourselves surrounded by wars, oppression, and violence that seem to condition the journey of humanity!
3. In the second movement (vv. 13-20) God manifests his loving faithfulness especially towards humanity, and in particular towards the poor. He bends down like a father over his creatures, provides food for all living beings, sustains those who waver, lifts up those who are prostrate in the dust. That is why the psalmist’s last word is an invitation to universal and cosmic praise: “My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” (v. 21).
Psalm XX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
13 August 2026