Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, archangels
For many people, Worship and Praise do not come easily. We’re comfortable asking God for what we want, and thanking God for what we receive. But praising, adoring, or worshiping our Lord… some people may ask, “why do we have to do that?”
Well, for one, God is God, and as the Creator of the Universe, he deserves it. But like all good acts, it can benefit us as well. In today’s first reading, we see a fantastic vision of The Majesty of the Father as Kingship is bestowed on Jesus Christ. When I read this, sitting in my chair, with my little concerns about work and children and all the changes in my life, I can’t help but notice that what keeps me up at night is pretty small compared to the awesome might of God.
Praising God helps us remember that we are small, and God is very big. Jesus’s mercy is enormous when compared to even our worst sins and most gripping addictions. The Holy Spirit’s loving presence is so much closer and more penetrating than any emotional pain we suffer.
Consider for a moment your deepest experience of the Lord’s presence in your life… Hold that memory for a moment…Now, imagine Jesus saying to you what we says to Nathaniel: “You believe because of that? You will see much greater things!” Amen! What else can we do but praise God for promises like that!
Sometimes we don’t know how to praise God. How many times can I say “God is great” before getting tired of hearing myself? Thankfully, there are songs and hymns to sing. There are silent prayers of awe when we become especially aware of the Spirit’s presence. And, there are the psalms. Today’s psalm is an especially good example:
‘I will sing praises with the angels!’
‘I will remember your Kindness, O God.’
‘You answered me and built up strength within me!’
‘Great is a glory of the Lord.’
Let us praise the Father Almighty! Let us sing songs to Jesus for his saving mercy! Let us pray the psalms in the Spirit! Let us remember how very small we are, and how great and powerful is our Loving God!
Chris Neiport