Psalm 145:1b-2, 8-9, 10-11
Chapter 145
1
God’s Greatness and Goodness
I will extol you, my God and King; I will praise your name forever.2
I will praise you, day after day; and exalt your name forever.
8
Compassionate and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in love.
9
The Lord is good to everyone; his mercy embraces all his creation.
10
All your works will give you thanks; all your saints, O Lord, will praise you.
11
They will tell of the glory of your kingdom; and speak of your power,
Commentaries
145
When we reflect on what God has done for us, we remember that this is what God has always done; the never-ending stream of divine love carries along our lives. To the eternal God, eternal praise be given.
The central focus of the ‘reign of God’ links this psalm with the heart of Jesus’ preaching, ‘the Kingdom of God’ (cf. Mk 1:13-14), which should continue to grow in society. That is why we need to pray this psalm while saying: ‘Your kingdom come.’
The psalmist gives all praise to God, as we should too. He praises God’s love and mercy and how He saves those who call out for help. In verse 19, he says, ‘He fulfills the wish of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.’ Did Jesus not do exactly that? In Luke 23:42, one of the criminals said to Jesus, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ And Jesus, in verse 43, replied, ‘Truly, you will be with me today in paradise.’ So, all we need to do is ask, believing He will grant it, and we will receive everything we ask for.