Fathers

Psalms 142

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I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him. I tell him my troubles. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my route. On the path in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me. Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul. I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, “You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living.” Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.

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What the Fathers say

Psalms 142:4

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

"I considered upon the right hand, and saw" [Psalm 142:4]. He considered upon the right hand, and saw: whoso considers upon the left hand, is blinded. What is to consider on the right hand? Where they will be to whom shall be said, "Come, you blessed of My Father," etc., [Matthew 25:34, 41] ...He goes on to say, "and there was none that knew me." For when you fear all things, who knows what you regard, whether you direct your eyes to the right hand or to the left? …

Exposition on Psalm 142 ↗

Jerome

I looked to the right hand and saw: and there was no one who knew me. If we make this psalm refer to the Lord, the Lord himself is speaking. All my disciples abandoned me, and fled. One had remained, Peter, who had promised himself, saying, "If I must die for you, I will not abandon you": and he too denied me. Therefore he said, I looked to him on the right hand, and he did not say on the left, because Peter did penance.

Homily 52, on Psalm 141 ↗