My Soul,
Give Praise to My God
Today we again sing praise using Psalm 146. This psalm is the first of the four “Alleluia” psalms which conclude the Book of the Psalms. Didn’t we just sing that? Two months ago. Do you remember the words? The “psalm lifts up the privileged place of the oppressed, captive, hungry, and blind, as well as of the stranger, the widow, and the fatherless in the eyes of God. These individuals, who are so often pushed to the margins of society where they can be ignored by those who do not know their struggles, are at the center of God’s attention and care.” The readings challenge us to bring about God’s will and support the poor and oppressed and celebrate the gifts they bring.
The God of Jacob secures justice for the oppressed,
Gives food to the hungry,
Sets captives free.
God gives sight to the blind;
raises up those who were bowed down.
God loves the just; protects strangers.
The fatherless and the widow God sustains,
But the way of the wicked God thwarts.
The Almighty shall reign forever;
Your God, O Zion, through all generations.
Alleluia.
[Verses adapted from Lectionary for Mass, © 1969, 1981, 1997, ICEL.]