Praise the LORD My Soul
Psalm 146 opens a collection of five alleluia psalms at the end of the book of Psalms. Each begins and ends by encouraging everyone to “Praise GOD!” which is the meaning of the Hebrew phrase hallelu-yah. This joyful set of psalms is a fitting conclusion for the book of Psalms, which in Hebrew is known as “Praise Songs” (Tehillim). Psalm 146 celebrates the good news that in human frailty and mortality, God remains trustworthy. God brings justice to those who have been economically and socially abused. People who are exploited, experiencing hunger and incarcerated, marginalized and powerless – the resident alien, orphans and widows – are given top priority. As children of God, we are called to act as God acts – caring for the marginalized.
Our God keeps faith for ever, giving food to the hungry,
justice to the poor, freedom to captives.
The Holy One opens blind eyes and straightens the bent,
comforting widows and orphans, protecting the stranger.
God loves the just but blocks the path of the wicked.
Zion, praise God! Your God reigns for ever,
from generation to generation. ALLELUIA!
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]