Homily 8, on Psalm 74
Latin source: Germanus Morin (ed.), Sancti Hieronymi Presbyteri Tractatus sive Homiliae in Psalmos , Anecdota Maredsolana III (Maredsoli, 1897) — public domain. Psalm numbering follows the Septuagint/Vulgate (Morin).
For the end, do not corrupt, a psalm of Asaph, a song. In the Hebrew it does not have "for the end," but has "to the victor." And the Seventy translators did not err greatly, since victory is something perfected. Well did he say, For the end, do not corrupt. This phrase is interpreted in many ways. David says even to one of his friends: "Do not corrupt him" — that is, Saul. See what he says. And in another place we read that David blessed the Lord because his hands were kept — that is, that he should not slay Saul. And so we too, when we do not kill anyone, our hands are kept. Some say that this psalm was composed by David and sung by Asaph; others, however, that Asaph himself both composed and sang it. Therefore, according to the Seventy, he says this: O Lord, who have kept me from laying my hand upon your anointed Saul, keep me even to the end.
We will confess to you, O God. Here "we will confess" does not signify penance, but glory. And we will call upon your name. The name of God is Father: for previously he was unknown. For the Lord says: "Father, I have revealed your name to men." For every son is the name of the father.
We will tell of your wondrous works. This the Church says, this the multitude of believers says. We will tell of your wondrous works. This verse is joined with the preceding ones, but the one that follows is spoken in the person of the Lord: for so the ancients interpreted it.
When I shall have received the time, I will judge righteousness. For now he is not a judge, but he will be: for if he were now a judge, sinners would not be lifted up and obtain riches in the world. Does this scandalize you, that the righteous flee, and sinners persecute them? Does this scandalize you, that iniquity reigns in the world? Hear the Lord saying: When I shall have received the time, I will judge righteousness. For the time of judgment has been reserved. In the present there is no judgment, but a contest. "For the Father does not judge anyone, but has given all judgment to the Son." But hearing this, do not be scandalized and say that the one who receives from the one who gives is lesser; but see what he says in the Gospel: "For the Father does not judge anyone, but has given all judgment to the Son: because he is the Son of man." He renders the reasons why he received judgment: because he is the Son of man. You hear "Son of man," and do you doubt why he received it?