Our God Is Ruler, the Most High Over All the Earth

Our God Is Ruler, the Most High Over All the Earth

Pagan nations surrounding Israel typically boasted their gods demonstrated sovereignty by mighty deeds such as storms, earthquakes, battles. In Psalm 97, the Israelites boasted that their God was the “Most High over all the earth.” On this Feast of the Transfiguration Jesus is revealed as shining with the glory of God. We are called to profess allegiance to him by listening to all that he teaches. So, our singing of Psalm 97 is no idle boast but we sing about the glory of Jesus, Most High over all the earth. God, the humble Ruler, walks with us in every part of our life, most specially when we are suffering.

The Most High God rules:
the earth is eager, joy touches distant lands.
God is wrapped in thunder cloud,
throned on justice, throned on right.

Mountains melt down like wax
before the Most High, the ruler of all.
Overhead God’s justice resounds,
a glory all people can see.

You, O Most High,
you reach high in majesty above the earth,
far higher than any other god.

[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]