The Old Testament does not contain any clear doctrine of the resurrection. In the religious life of Israel, especially as it is manifested in the Psalms, however, there is a very definite hope of salvation, of liberation from all suffering and distress. This strong hope is an antecedent to the doctrine of the resurrection, which was manifested and affirmed by Jesus' resurrection from the dead.

"You are my Rock": in today's responsorial Psalm God is called our "rock". Indeed, the word "Rock" serves as a name, title or "definition" for God, the source of our security and strength.

The image of God as our rock occurs very frequently in the Psalms. We almost certainly must understand it as a resurrection image. We may think of death as a swamp or marsh which threatens to swallow us up in a bottomless pit. We can attain security and safety, however, by clinging to the rock which is God. Jesus put all his trust in God and the grace of the resurrection came as reward and vindication. If strength gives courage, the best courage of the Christian is ultimately that which is born of the resurrection of Jesus.