Psalms — Chapter 132

ECCE QUAM BONUM ET QUAM IUCUNDUM. Lapide: Psalm 132 — "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Lapide: the great psalm of fraternal charity, the scriptural basis of monastic and religious community life. "Bonum et iucundum" — both good (morally excellent) and pleasant (experientially delightful): fraternal unity is not dour duty but genuine joy. Lapide: the comparison to the precious ointment poured on Aaron's head and the dew of Hermon — both images of superabundance and overflowing: true charity cannot be contained but flows from person to person, from community to world.