Praise the Lord 

   “Praise the Lord, for he is good; for his mercy endures forever;” (Psalm 136: 1) 

   We just finished Thanksgiving, a time to remember all the blessings the Lord has bestowed on us.  Now we are approaching Christmas, when the Word of God took flesh and became a man among us, bringing forgiveness and salvation.  The urging of Psalm 136 to praise the Lord, is indeed proper at this time of year.

   But not all praise the Lord regularly.  Some seem to forget about God except at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  How sad, that so much time passes when people virtually ignore the many blessings of God.

   Each year at this time and again at Easter churches begin to fill up with those who rarely come to Mass at any other time.  They are easy to spot, they are the ones who are confused about where to sit, when to stand, and when to kneel.  In a very unchristian-like manner some look at these visitors as interlopers; with disdain, almost as if to say, “Why are you here now?  You never are any other time.”   I can understand the thought, but shouldn’t we instead be praying that this experience, this visit, will be the one that opens their heart to God?  If only one has their faith re-ignited, a great blessing has occurred.  As Jesus said, “I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over on sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance. (Luke 15: 7).

   Let’s practice what Psalm 136 tells us and praise the Lord, for He is good.  Let us praise Him for bringing wayward sinners home and welcoming them into His family.  Let us praise Him for sustaining the faithful in their battle against evil, promising them eternal happiness to come.  Let us praise Him for all His many blessings.

Lord, may we praise You in all things.

Help us to look to You always.

Bring those who have strayed back home.

Encourage them to stay and fight the good fight. 

Amen