Let All the Earth
Cry Out to God with Joy
We return to the fullness of Easter rejoicing in celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Psalm 66 we celebrate the “tremendous deed” of the gift of the Holy Spirit poured into our hearts and flowing out, as the readings indicate into actions. We are to sing of God’s redemptive acts; witness to God’s acts with conviction; to do good with gentleness and reverence. The psalm reminds us that singing God’s praises for the gift of redemption is not a private activity but a public proclamation. All of creation gives praise to the God who saves, who forgives, who loves without boundaries. Are we aware of what God has done in our lives, how God has freed us, how God loves us? As we reflect on the psalm, let us think about the gifts of the Holy Spirit (wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety and fear of the Lord) and how they play a role our lives.
All earth, shout with joy to God!
Sing the glory of the Name!
Give glorious praise!
Say, “How awesome your works!”
All earth bows before you,
sings to you, sings to your name.
Come, see God’s wonders,
tremendous deeds for the people:
God turned sea into land,
they crossed the river on foot.
Let us rejoice then in God,
who rules for ever with might.
Come, listen, all who fear God,
as I tell what happened to me.
God did not reject my plea,
but pledged me constant love.
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]