Psalm 119.  Ad Dominum

Homesick in exile

In this Psalm we give expression to our longing for heaven: the Holy Eucharist is like an oasis in the desert of life.  Heaven is home; on earth we must always feel like strangers.

May God help us

Ad Dóminum cum tribulárer clamávi: * et exaudívit me.
2  Dómine, líbera ánimam meam a lábiis iníquis, * et a lingua dolósa.

When I was in trouble, I called upon the Lord, * and he heard me.
2  Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, * and from a deceitful tongue.

Punishment of our enemies

3  Quid detur tibi, aut quid apponátur tibi * ad linguam dolósam?
4  Sagíttæ poténtis acútæ, * cum carbónibus desolatóriis.

3  What shall be given unto thee, or what shall be added unto thee, * to a deceitful tongue?
4  Even the sharp arrows of the mighty, * with hot burning coals.

Homesick for heaven

5  Heu mihi, quia incolátus meus prolongátus est: habitávi cum habitántibus Cedar: * multum íncola fuit ánima mea.
6  Cum his, qui odérunt pacem, eram pacíficus: * cum loquébar illis, impugnábant me gratis.

5  Woe is me, that I sojourning is prolonged; I have dwelt with the inhabitants of Kedar : * my soul hath long dwelt among them.
6  With them that hated peace I was peaceable : * when I spake unto them, they fought against me without cause.