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Office Of Readings | Week 10, Saturday, Ordinary Time | A Reading From The Discourse Of Saint Ambrose On The Psalms | I Will Sing With The Spirit And I Will Sing With The Mind Also
‘I shall sing in spirit and with understanding.’
‘I Shall Sing In Spirit, And With Understanding’
Saint Ambrose begins his meditation on the Psalms by praising their special role in Scripture: not simply as theological texts, but as a unique blending of prayer, beauty, and doctrine. He writes that a psalm is ‘a blessing on the lips’, ‘a cry of happiness’, and ‘a promise of peace and harmony’. Such language reflects the early Christian sense that the Psalms were the heartbeat of both private devotion and public worship — the school of prayer, to use a phrase echoed by Saint Augustine and, centuries later, by Pope Benedict XVI.
Historical And Theological Context
In the 4th century, when Ambrose was Bishop of Milan, Christianity had emerged from persecution into imperial favour. The Psalms, long central to Jewish worship, became a cornerstone of Christian liturgy and monastic life. Ambrose introduced antiphonal singing into the Latin West and was deeply invested in using sacred music as a means of forming the heart and mind in God.
He saw the Psalms as more than sacred poetry. They were, he says, ‘a gymnasium for the soul’ — a place of training in virtue, confession, praise, and lament. In a largely oral culture, the psalms offered a way of internalising Scripture through song. For Ambrose, singing the Psalms was not entertainment, but edification: a source of strength by day, and solace by night.
Patristic Comparisons
Ambrose’s esteem for the Psalms is echoed by Saint Augustine, who considered them the voice of Christ speaking in and through the Church. Like Ambrose, Augustine believed that in the Psalms we find every human emotion made holy by being directed to God. He wrote, ‘If the Psalm prays, you pray; if it laments, you lament; if it rejoices, you rejoice.’
Ambrose also draws directly from Saint Paul, referencing 1 Corinthians 14:15 — ‘I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also’. This Pauline exhortation affirms the union of devotion and intellect, of feeling and faith, which is so central to Ambrose’s theology. For him, the psalmist is not only a singer but a prophet and teacher; his music teaches as it moves.
Musical And Spiritual Imagery
Ambrose’s most powerful image is that of the Christian soul as a lyre. Just as David used the ‘dead gut of strings’ to produce harmony, so must the believer die to sin and let virtue create harmony in their life. The music of the Psalms is not merely audible — it is lived. It is the song of repentance, thanksgiving, justice, and love.
This musical vision is deeply theological. Ambrose suggests that true harmony comes not from vocal talent but from the sanctified life. The Christian, by tuning their soul to the divine will, becomes a living psalm — a song of praise ascending to God. In this way, he presents the Psalter as both mirror and model: it reflects our inner struggles and leads us into the song of heaven.
A Reading From The Discourse Of Saint Ambrose On The Psalms | I Will Sing With The Spirit And I Will Sing With The Mind Also
What is more pleasing than a psalm? David expresses it well: Praise the Lord, for a song of praise is good: let there be praise of our God with gladness and grace. Yes, a psalm is a blessing on the lips of the people, a hymn in praise of God, the assembly’s homage, a general acclamation, a word that speaks for all, the voice of the Church, a confession of faith in song. It is the voice of complete assent, the joy of freedom, a cry of happiness, the echo of gladness. It soothes the temper, distracts from care, lightens the burden of sorrow. It is a source of security at night, a lesson in wisdom by day. It is a shield when we are afraid, a celebration of holiness, a vision of serenity, a promise of peace and harmony. It is like a lyre, evoking harmony from a blend of notes. Day begins to the music of a psalm. Day closes to the echo of a psalm.
In a psalm, instruction vies with beauty. We sing for pleasure. We learn for our profit. What experience is not covered by a reading of the psalms? I come across the words: A song for the beloved, and I am aflame with desire for God’s love. I go through God’s revelation in all its beauty, the intimations of resurrection, the gifts of his promise. I learn to avoid sin. I see my mistake in feeling ashamed of repentance for my sins.
What is a psalm but a musical instrument to give expression to all the virtues? The psalmist of old used it, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, to make earth re-echo the music of heaven. He used the dead gut of strings to create harmony from a variety of notes, in order to send up to heaven the song of God’s praise. In doing so he taught us that we must first die to sin, and then create in our lives on earth a harmony through virtuous deeds, if the grace of our devotion is to reach up to the Lord.
David thus taught us that we must sing an interior song of praise, like Saint Paul, who tells us: I shall pray in spirit, and also with understanding; I shall sing in spirit, and also with understanding. We must fashion our lives and shape our actions in the light of the things that are above. We must not allow pleasure to awaken bodily passions, which weigh our soul down instead of freeing it. The holy prophet told us that his songs of praise were to celebrate the freeing of his soul, when he said: I shall sing to you, God, on the Lyre, holy one of Israel; my lips will rejoice when I have sung to you, and my soul also, which you have set free.
Prayer With Jesus
Lord God,
You have given us the Psalms as a sacred songbook for the journey of faith.
Through their words, may we learn to weep with the sorrowful, rejoice with the faithful, and praise You with a heart made clean.
Teach us to sing with the spirit and with understanding,
That our lives may echo the harmony of Your peace,
And our actions be music rising to Your throne.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Glossary Of Christian Terms
- Psalm: A sacred song or hymn, particularly one of the 150 in the biblical Book of Psalms, traditionally attributed to King David.
- Psalter: Another term for the Book of Psalms, often used to refer to versions arranged for liturgical use.
- Antiphonal singing: A method of singing where two groups or choirs alternate verses or phrases.
- Catechesis: Religious instruction given to a person in preparation for Christian baptism or confirmation.
- Lyre: A stringed instrument used in ancient times, often associated with King David in the biblical tradition.
- Die to sin: A theological expression referring to turning away from sinful behaviours and embracing a new life in Christ.
- Harmony (spiritual): In this context, living in alignment with God’s will, producing a life of virtue and peace.
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Scripture: John 14:27 ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.’ In this verse, Jesus offers his peace to his disciples, a peace that is different from what the world provides. This divine peace is deep, abiding, and capable of calming troubled hearts and dispelling fear. It is a peace that surpasses all understanding and is rooted in the presence and promises of Christ. Prayer Dear Jesus, I come before you, seeking your peace in my life. The world around me is filled with chaos and uncertainty, but I know that your peace can calm the storm within my heart. Help me to trust in you more deeply, to rest in your promises, and to feel your presence in every moment. Fill me with your peace that surpasses all understanding, and help me to be a vessel of your peace to those around me. Amen. Personal Reflection What areas of your life are causing you anxiety or fear? How can you invite Jesus’ peace into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced Christ’s peace amidst turmoil. Meditation On Prayer And Gospel John 14:27 reveals a profound truth about the nature of Jesus’ peace. Unlike the fleeting and often superficial peace offered by the world, Jesus’ peace is enduring and deeply transformative. This peace is not dependent on external circumstances but is anchored in the character and promises of Christ. As we navigate through life’s challenges, it’s crucial to understand and embrace this divine peace. Jesus’ peace is rooted in his presence. When he says, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you,’ Jesus is assuring us of his continual presence. This peace is a gift that flows from his abiding presence in our lives. It is a reminder that we are never alone, no matter what we face. his presence brings comfort and security, allowing us to rest even in the midst of life’s storms. Furthermore, Jesus contrasts his peace with the peace that the world gives. The world’s peace is often conditional and temporary, based on circumstances that can change in an instant. In contrast, Jesus’ peace is steadfast and eternal. It is a peace that reassures us in our deepest fears and anxieties, reminding us that he is in control. This peace transcends our understanding, as it is grounded in the eternal and unchanging nature of God. To experience Jesus’ peace, we must cultivate a relationship with him. This involves spending time in prayer, meditating on his word, and seeking his presence in our daily lives. It also means surrendering our worries and fears to Jesus, trusting that Jesus will provide and protect. As we draw closer to Jesus, his peace fills our hearts and minds, transforming our outlook and calming our spirits. One practical way to embrace Jesus’ peace is through prayer and meditation. By setting aside time each day to be still before the Lord, we create space for his peace to fill us. Reflecting on scriptures like John 14:27 can remind us of his promises and help us focus on his presence. Additionally, practicing gratitude can shift our focus from our worries to the many blessings in our lives, further opening our hearts to his peace. Another aspect of embracing Jesus’ peace is learning to let go of control. Often, our anxiety stems from a desire to control our circumstances. Jesus invites us to trust in his sovereign plan, even when we do not understand it. By surrendering our need for control and placing our trust in Him, we open ourselves to the peace that comes from knowing that He holds all things in his hands. Living in Jesus’ peace also means becoming peacemakers in our relationships and communities. As we experience his peace, we are called to extend that peace to others. This involves forgiving those who have wronged us, seeking reconciliation, and promoting harmony wherever we go. By being agents of his peace, we reflect his love and grace to a world in desperate need of his presence. Prayer Lord Jesus, Your peace is a precious gift that the world cannot give. In times of turmoil and distress, remind me to turn to you. Let your peace guard my heart and mind, dispelling all fear and anxiety. Teach me to trust in your unfailing love and to rest in your promises. Help me to be a peacemaker, sharing your peace with those around me. May your peace reign in my heart, my home, and my relationships. Thank you for your constant presence and the gift of your peace. Amen. Scripture: Matthew 5:9 ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’ Blessing May the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your heart and mind, guiding you through every challenge and bringing you comfort and joy. May you rest in his unending peace and share it generously with those around you. Amen.
