Give to God Glory and Honor
The exiled Israelites are going home!! There is rejoicing and praising God. Their freedom comes from a ruler who does not know their God. God, indeed, works in mysterious ways. God alone is God, even when unrecognized or experienced in unexpected ways. Psalm 96 is an enthronement psalm, honoring the Holy One as ruler of Israel. This psalm calls us to give God “glory and praise” and announce God’s sovereignty over all nations. During this “surreal” time, we also are challenged to give honor and praise to our God who is calling us to embrace a new song in trying times. The greatest “glory and honor” we can give God is an obedient heart. God continues to work in mysterious ways.
O sing to God a new song; sing to God, all the earth!
Declare your glory among the nations, your wonders among all the peoples.
You are great and worthy to be praised: to be feared above all gods.
The gods of the nations are idols; but you made the heavens.
Give to God, you families of peoples, give to God glory and power!
Give glory to God’s holy name; bring an offering, and enter God’s courts!
Worship in the temple of the Most High. O earth, tremble before the Almighty.
We proclaim to all nations: “You, God, are sovereign.”
[verses from People’s Companion to the Breviary © 1997 by the Carmelites of Indianapolis]