The Angel of God Will Rescue Those Who Fear
the Most High

Psalm 34 is a thanksgiving psalm. This psalm has a clear connection to the angel who guides Peter out of prison. Most of us will not see angels so clearly, but we can see and touch and taste Jesus’ very body and blood in every Eucharistic liturgy. The verses invite us to savor our personal experiences of God’s nourishing presence, give communal thanks to God and never be ashamed of our need for help. The psalmist, fresh from the experience of being saved by the Almighty from danger, calls on all the “lowly” to praise God who saves the poor who trust. The “lowly” are the defenseless, who can only turn to God. If the defenseless person prays, God will hear. Those who believe taste and see and “bless God at all times.” As you reflect on the psalm, think about where you see God present in your life.

I will bless you, O God, at all times, your praise always on my lips.
My soul makes its boast in you; the afflicted shall hear and be glad.
Glorify our God with me. Together let us praise God’s name.

I sought you, and you answered me; and delivered me from all my fears.
Look towards the Most High, and be radiant; let our faces not be ashamed.
These poor ones cried; you heard them, and saved them from all their troubles.
Your angel, O God, is encamped around those who revere you, to deliver them.

Taste and see that God is good! Happy are they who take refuge in you.

[verses taken from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]