While praying this psalm I thought of the universal Church.

May the Lord answer in time of trial

may the name of Jacob’s God protect you.

-         O holy Church, founded by Christ

May he send you help from his shrine

and give you support from Zion.

May he remember all your offerings

and receive your sacrifice with favor.

-         May the offerings of all the members of your church be received by you, O Christ.  May our sacrifice of praise reach you.

May he give you your heart’s desire

and fulfill every one of your plans.

May we ring out our joy at your victory

and rejoice in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your prayers.

-         The heart’s desire of the Church and all her children is union with Christ; her plans to bring all souls to Christ.  May we rejoice in the victory of your cross, O Christ.

I am sure now that the Lord

will give victory to his anointed,

will reply from his holy heaven

with the mighty victory of his hand.

-         Hope fulfilled – the victory has indeed been the Word’s.

Some trust in chariots or horses

but we in the name of the Lord.

They will collapse and fall,

but we shall hold and stand firm.

-         The gates of hell will not prevail against you, O Church.

Give victory to the king, O Lord,

give answer on the day we call.

-         Return, O Lord, and transform your Church suffering into Church triumphant.