I Will Praise Your Name Forever
The psalms generally fit into three genres: lament, thanksgiving and hymns of praise used in worship. A common theme was praise and thanksgiving. Even the lament psalms ended in praise of God. The principal themes of Psalm 145 for this 5th Sunday of Easter are praise and hints of inclusiveness. The verses center around God’s mercy and goodness as well as the glory of God’s reign. In the first reading, Paul and Barnabas rejoice that Gentiles are becoming members of the growing communities of Christians. So, the psalmist sings of a God who is compassionate to all; all God’s works are called to praise; God’s kingdom is for all ages and all generations. So, as Christians, we are called to “love one another” and together praise God Who is good all the time.
Gracious and merciful is God, slow to anger, full of love.
God is good in every way, merciful to every creature.
Let your works praise you, O God, your faithful ones bless you.
Let them proclaim your glorious reign, let them tell of your might.
Let them make known to all your might and glorious reign.
Your dominion lasts for ever, your rule for all generations!
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]