Penitence and Praise

Psalm 113

1 Alleluia.
Give praise, you servants of the Lord, O praise the name of the Lord.

2 Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and for evermore.

3 From the rising of the sun to its setting let the name of the Lord be praised.

4 The Lord is high above all nations and his glory above the heavens. R

5 Who is like the Lord our God, that has his throne so high,
yet humbles himself to behold the things of heaven and earth?

6 He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ashes,

7 To set them with princes, with the princes of his people.

8 He gives the barren woman a place in the house and makes her a joyful mother of children.
Alleluia.


Reflection

To me, this psalm and its uninhibited praise serve as a reminder of just who it is we’re preparing ourselves to meet at the end of Lent. Our penitence and reflection may, indeed should, lead us to uncomfortable places as we engage in self-examination. But the purpose of those exercises isn’t to sadden us; they are meant to free us from that which impairs our relationship with the One who created the universe, who will conquer death itself – and who has named and cherishes each of us.


Our God is one who has given us much to celebrate. So take note of the words of the Psalmist and “give praise, you servants of the Lord, O praise the name of the Lord!”

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