O God, Let All the Nations Praise You
Today’s readings challenge us to include, welcome and invite all. God is not only the ruler of people, but of the whole earth. Psalm 67 was a song of thanksgiving for the harvest which expressed the ever-widening reach of God’s blessings not only to Israel but to all nations, even to the ends of the earth. This psalm is a psalm with world vision. In singing this psalm we pray that all peoples be brought into the circle of God’s embrace. We pray that God’s blessings will become a visible sign of salvation to the entire world. The psalm celebrates God’s justice and asks the world to be open to divine guidance. May all people experience an awe moment in the grandeur of God and then praise the Most High One. May all people experience the radical hospitality of God by experiencing welcome in the Church.
Favor and bless us, O God. Let your face shine on us,
revealing your ways to all peoples, salvation the world over.
The world will shout for joy, for you rule the planet with justice.
In fairness you govern the nations and guide the peoples of earth.
Let the nations sing your praise, every nation on earth.
O God, continue your blessing, may the whole world worship you.
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]