In the traditional calendar this week we honour St Basil of Caesarea, “the Great”, Bishop and Doctor (d 379). His feast was transferred to January 2 in the post-conciliar calendar. He is one of the Cappadocian Fathers, along with his brother Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory of Nazianzus. He was a mighty foe of heresy, especially Arianism, and a commentator on Scripture.
Speaking of Scripture commentary, Basil offers beautiful reflections (Homily 11) on the value of the Psalms. A taste:
Now, the prophets teach one thing, historians another, the law something else, and the form of advice found in the proverbs something different still. But the Book of Psalms has taken over what is profitable from all. It foretells coming events; it recalls history; it frames laws for life; it suggests what must be done; and, in general, it is the common treasury of good doctrine, carefully finding what is suitable for each one. The old wounds of souls it cures completely, and to the recently wounded it brings speedy improvement; the diseased it treats, and the unharmed it preserves … A psalm forms friendships, unites those separated, conciliates those at enmity.
Who, indeed, can still consider as an enemy him with whom he has uttered the same prayer to God? So that psalmody, bringing about choral singing, a bond, as it were, towards unity, and joining the people into a harmonious union of one choir, produces also the greatest of blessings, charity. A psalm is a city of refuge from the demons; a means of inducing help from the angels, a weapon in fears by night, a rest from toils by day, a safeguard for infants, an adornment for those at the height of their vigour, a consolation for the elders, a most fitting ornament for women. It peoples the solitudes; it rids the market place of excesses; it is the elementary exposition of beginners, the improvement of those advancing, the solid support of the perfect, the voice of the Church. It brightens the feast days; it creates a sorrow which is in accordance with God. For, a psalm calls forth a tear even from a heart of stone. A psalm is the work of angels, a heavenly institution, spiritual incense.
The Handbook of Indulgences states that we can gain a plenary indulgence for devoutly reading Scripture for at least half an hour, and a partial indulgence for less.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.