According to Fr. Giussani, if we are unwilling to relive in some way the history of the people of Israel, we cannot fully understand the Christian experience. In fact, the story of Israel is—as Saint Paul says—a pedagogical preparation for Christ, that is, through this the Mystery aimed to teach man that God is one and that He realizes His plan in history by choosing a point in time and space. The Psalms, in the form of poetic song, tell this ongoing dialogue between God and His people.
There are some aspects, according to Fr. Giussani, that the Psalms prompt us to consider. First of all, the Psalm represents the man with whom God has established the ancient covenant: thus, it helps to understand the death and resurrection of Christ. Without the Eucharist, however, the experience of the Psalms would not suffice—the Eucharist, in fact, is the true “cornerstone.” In this sacrament the person who takes part is transformed in the same way as the bread and wine on the altar, becoming body and blood of Christ. The Psalms, therefore, invite every Christian to respond to the urgency for His commandment to enter the experience of life. What is needed for this identification between Christ and the individual to happen, though, is time. Secondly, the Psalm reveals that all man’s feelings are saved. No fear, temptation, uncertainty are to be removed—everything is understood to be made new. Finally, the Psalm recalls the presence of the “enemy,” of Evil. Enemies are the ones who do not consider the Fact of Christ, who do not start from His commandment.
That is why we need to judge, to avoid choosing what would show itself as perfect, whereas it is only ephemeral. Memory is faithfulness to the Fact we have been given. For this identification between Christ and the individual to bear fruit, the individual must say “yes” to the memory. Indeed, nothing happens automatically. The fact that this “cornerstone” may become a possibility for joy in life depends on the freedom of the individual. The decision for existence is all about preserving the memory of this Fact.
On this journey, even temptation is a way in which God can call us back to the “cornerstone.” Paradoxically then, evil has its meaning in letting us reach the Presence. For it is in the face of trial that the “stone” comes forth, and no trial is more terrible than sin. Thus, temptation and evil are valuable for a deeper recovery.
The result of this attitude of memory that characterizes a Christian’s life is all in this statement from Psalm 16, “My life will be preserved.” Our desire for perfection continually rises from this certainty and affects everything, our eating and drinking, our sleeping and working. For this coincidence between instant and meaning to happen, a Christian just needs to face of the contents of memory.

The volume includes some of the commentaries on the Psalms that Fr. Giussani delivered over the years at various gatherings and conferences, particularly with members of Memores Domini. To understand the depth and originality of the Author’s approach, a few have been chosen as examples.

What Is Man That Thou Art Mindful of Him? (Psalm 8)
The Psalms describe man as “man,” with all his feelings and all the contradictions in which he finds himself. Out of “the mouth of babes and infants, thou hast founded a bulwark”: only by remaining as a child is man able to understand the power of God. “When I look at […] the stars which thou hast established; what is man […] that thou dost care for him? Yet thou hast made him little less than the angels, and dost crown him with glory and honor.” God has crowned every “I” with glory and honor—herein lies the ultimate dignity of every person, in whatever condition he or she may be in. The reason for this dignity, that is unique among all creatures, is related to the dominion God has given man over created reality. The degradation of man is also born right here. Indeed, the illusion and pretense of feeling powerful, of perceiving oneself as the “measure of all things,” has confused human reason. God gives value to the individual “I” because it is direct relationship with Him—the “I,” in fact, is that point where nature becomes aware of a dependence that constitutes it. Thus, work is the way in which man realizes his person, that is, taking over what God has started.

Thy Steadfast Love Is Better Than Life (Psalm 63)
“My soul thirsts for thee”: for each one of us, our days are defined by a longing for fulfillment. However, we never truly have what we want. That is why, in all things, we faint for the origin from which all reality flows.  “I have looked upon thee in the sanctuary”: the sanctuary is that place where those who recognize Him come together. In His dwelling place all reality has been looked upon and judged in the light of the great Presence. “My soul clings to thee; thy right hand upholds me”: this image describes the purity and originality of created man. Christ came to reestablish reality in the authenticity in which the Mystery created it. Christ established the form of our relationship with Him and it coincides with a familiarity in which each one of us is called to be part of the Mystery. This phrase from Psalm 63, therefore, consecrates the physicality of His presence in the vocational companionship. From this definite point, mercy and yearning for the world gain momentum. His face is revealed in the gladness of those who have met Him. This gladness, however, does not coincide with a superficial smile but with recognizing the ultimate positivity of being. For this reason, it is born of certainty, the certainty of the Presence. Saying that “there is Paradise,” in fact, means that this moment has an eternal value. Certainty always gives gladness.

The Lord Is My Strength and My Song (Psalm 118)
“What can man do to me?”: not even the evil that always characterizes human experience can prevent the love of Christ. The victory that overcomes the world, therefore, is faith. The certainty and comfort that come in facing the vocation to virginity all lie in the call of Psalm 118, “His steadfast love endures for ever.” This means that the choice is made by an Other who draws life into the building of His kingdom. In the face of “enemies” who attack a Christian’s heart and life every day, we cannot be passive. We are called to a “work” that shares in God’s action against evil and falsehood.  “The Lord is my strength and my song”: this is what the poor man says, the one who has nothing. “I shall not die, but I shall live, and recount the deeds of the Lord”: this phrase of the Psalm describes the victory Christ realizes through Easter, shaking Christians out of the distraction in which they normally live. By standing before His presence, we can become aware of the steadfast love with which God permeates our lives. That is why this sentence is a test of the capacity of our heart for renewal, for wonder before His endless mercy.