Psalm 146

Psalm 146 is a song of praise. It reminds us to trust in God rather than in people. The psalm shows us that God is faithful and takes care of those in need. It tells us about God’s love and justice.

The psalm begins by urging us to praise the Lord with all our hearts. It warns us not to put our trust in powerful people, because they cannot save us. People are limited and will pass away, but God’s power and care last forever.

The psalm also describes how God helps those who are in trouble. God gives justice to the oppressed, food to the hungry, and freedom to those in chains. God cares for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow.

In the end, the psalm praises God as the eternal King who reigns over all. It reminds us that God’s reign is everlasting. Psalm 146 invites us to trust in God’s goodness and to praise Him always.

Psalm 146 is part of the last five psalms in the Book of Psalms, which are known as the “Hallelujah Psalms.” Each of these psalms begins and ends with the word “Hallelujah,” which means “Praise the Lord.” These psalms focus on praising God for His goodness and power.

Psalm 146 was likely written after the Jewish people returned from exile in Babylon. During this time, they were rebuilding their community and their faith in God. They had learned that trusting in human leaders alone led to disappointment. This psalm encouraged them to place their trust in God, who had always been faithful to them.

The psalm also reflects the teachings of the prophets, who often spoke about God’s care for the poor, the oppressed, and the needy. It reminds us that God is the true source of justice and help. The psalm calls us to praise God and to rely on Him, not on human strength.

For Catholics, Psalm 146 is a reminder to trust in God above all else. It encourages us to recognize God’s constant care and to respond with praise and trust, knowing that He is always with us.

One of the main themes in this psalm is trusting in God. The psalm warns us not to rely on human power. It reminds us that people are limited and cannot save us. Instead, we are called to trust in God, who is always faithful and never fails.

Another important theme is God’s care for the weak and needy. The psalm describes how God helps the oppressed, feeds the hungry, and frees those in chains. God also cares for the stranger, the orphan, and the widow. This reflects Catholic teachings on the importance of justice and caring for others.

The psalm also points to God’s eternal reign. It tells us that while human leaders come and go, God’s reign lasts forever. This teaches us about the unchanging nature of God’s kingdom and His rule over all creation.

For Catholics, these themes remind us to put our faith in God, who is always just and loving. We are called to trust in His care and to live out this trust by helping others, especially those in need.

Psalm 146 is still important for us today. In a world where people often rely on money, power, or technology, this psalm reminds us that true security comes from God alone. Human solutions can fail, but God’s care and protection never do.

The message of helping those in need is also very relevant. We see many people suffering from poverty, injustice, and loneliness. The psalm encourages us to trust that God cares deeply for them and calls us to do the same. We are invited to be instruments of His justice and compassion in the world.

Finally, the psalm’s focus on God’s eternal reign gives us hope. In a world that is constantly changing, it is comforting to know that God’s love and care are constant. This gives us confidence to face challenges, knowing that God is always with us.

For Catholics today, this psalm is a reminder to put our trust in God, to care for others, and to find hope in God’s unchanging presence.

Trusting You, Lord, in All Things

Lord, help me trust You in every moment.
When I’m tempted to rely on my own strength, remind me that You are always with me.
When I face challenges, give me the courage to lean on You, knowing that You never fail.

Teach me to care for those who are hurting.
Open my eyes to see the needs of others.
Show me how to help the lonely, the poor, and those who feel lost.
May I reflect Your love in my actions every day.

Guide me when I feel uncertain or afraid.
Remind me that You are in control, even when life is confusing.
Help me to remember that Your reign is eternal, and Your care for me never ends.

Thank You for being my constant support.
When the world feels unstable, I find peace in Your presence.
Help me to praise You in good times and bad, trusting that You are always good.

Lord, I want to follow You with my whole heart.
Help me to live with gratitude and trust.
May my life be a reflection of the faith I have in You, now and always. Amen.

Psalm 146 is often used in the Catholic Mass, especially during Ordinary Time. It is a joyful call to trust in God rather than in human leaders. This psalm reminds us that God is always faithful. He helps those in need, heals the broken, and brings justice to the oppressed.

In the lectionary, Psalm 146 is sometimes used as a responsorial psalm. It is paired with readings that talk about God’s care for the poor and lowly. For example, it appears in the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B and the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year A. It helps us remember that God’s kingdom is different from the world’s ways. God lifts up the weak and gives hope to the hopeless.

When we pray this psalm at Mass, we join our voices in praise. We say with joy, “Praise the Lord, my soul,” and trust in God’s goodness every day.

Click on a link below for resources and information about the responsorial psalm on a specific date.

3rd Sunday of Advent Year A

God Lifts Up the Lowly

Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 reminds us that God is strong and kind. He never forgets the people who are hurting. He brings justice to those who are treated unfairly. He feeds those who are hungry and helps people who feel trapped. God heals what is broken and brings light to those in darkness. He cares about people others often forget, like the poor, the sick, and those who live far from home.

We hear this psalm on Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent. It is a time of joy as we wait for Jesus. This joyful psalm tells us why we can trust God. He defends the weak and protects those in need. He watches over widows and orphans. He stops those who try to do harm. He is a King who will never stop ruling with love and care. This gives us hope as we wait for the coming of Christ.

4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

God Cares for the Weak

Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 tells us how much God cares about people who are struggling. He helps the hungry, the blind, the sick, and those in prison. He gives strength to people who feel low and lifts them up. He watches over those who are often forgotten, like strangers, widows, and orphans. God always does what is right and fair. He never gives up on His people.

We hear this psalm on the Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time, when the Gospel teaches about the Beatitudes. It fits perfectly, showing us that God’s kingdom is different from the world. He blesses those who are poor in spirit and close to Him. He stands against evil and brings hope to those who trust in Him. His reign never ends. This message reminds us to stay faithful and care for others, just as God does.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

God Who Always Helps

Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10 is a song of praise for a God who never fails. He gives help to people who are hurting or in need. He feeds the hungry and frees those who are stuck or trapped. He heals the blind and lifts up those who are weighed down. God cares deeply for people who are left out or treated badly.

We hear this psalm on the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time during Year B. It reminds us that God’s love is strong and steady. He protects strangers, orphans, and widows. He works against evil and defends what is good. His rule never ends, and He stays faithful from one generation to the next. This is a reason to rejoice and trust Him each day.

26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

God Stands with the Poor

Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 tells us that God is always on the side of the weak and the needy. He helps the hungry, the blind, and those who are stuck or hurting. He lifts up people who have been pushed down. He gives care to strangers, orphans, and widows. God sees their needs and does not turn away.

On the 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C, this psalm reminds us that God rules with justice. He works against evil and defends those who try to live right. His care lasts through every age. We are called to praise Him and follow His example by helping others, especially those who are often forgotten.

32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

The Lord Stays True and Strong

Psalm 146:7, 8-9, 9-10 celebrates how God always keeps His promises. He helps those in need, gives food to the hungry, and frees people who feel trapped. He brings healing and lifts up those who are bent down by sadness or struggle. God never forgets the poor or the sick. He protects those who have no one else to help them.

On the 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, this psalm reminds us to trust in God’s care. He supports widows and orphans and watches over strangers. He stops those who do wrong and rules with justice that never ends. His love and power last forever. This is a reason for us to give praise and live with hope.

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Psalm 146 is also heard on weekdays:

• Thursday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time – Psalm 146:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6ab: Praise and Trust in the Lord
• Friday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time – Psalm 146:1b-2, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10: Praise the Lord, My Soul
• Tuesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time – Psalm 146:2, 5-6ab, 6c- 7, 8-9a: Sing Praise to the Lord
• Friday of the 20th Week in Ordinary Time – Psalm 146:5-6ab, 6c-7, 8-9a, 9bc-10: God’s Justice and Mercy
• Thursday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time – Psalm 146:7, 8-9a, 9bc-10: The Lord’s Care for the Needy

What is the main message of Psalm 146?

The main message of Psalm 146 is to trust in God rather than in people. It reminds us that God is faithful, cares for those in need, and rules forever. We should praise God and rely on Him in all things.

Why does Psalm 146 warn against trusting in people?

Psalm 146 warns against trusting in people because human power is limited. People can fail and pass away. In contrast, God’s power and care are everlasting. Only God can truly save and protect us.

How does Psalm 146 relate to helping others?

Psalm 146 emphasizes that God cares for the poor, the oppressed, and those in need. It encourages us to do the same. As Catholics, we are called to follow God’s example by helping those who are suffering or in need.

What does Psalm 146 say about God’s reign?

Psalm 146 says that God’s reign lasts forever. While human leaders come and go, God’s rule is eternal. This teaches us that God’s love and justice are constant, no matter what happens in the world.

How can Psalm 146 be relevant in my life today?

Psalm 146 is relevant today because it reminds us to trust in God rather than in worldly things. It encourages us to care for others and find hope in God’s unchanging presence. This can guide us in our daily lives and in how we treat others.

Psalm 146 is a psalm of praise that reminds us to trust in God above all else. It begins by urging us to praise the Lord with our whole being. The psalm warns us not to place our trust in human leaders because they are limited and will eventually pass away. Instead, we are encouraged to trust in God, who is always faithful and whose care never ends.

The psalm highlights God’s special care for those in need. It describes how God gives justice to the oppressed, feeds the hungry, and frees those who are imprisoned. God also watches over the stranger, the orphan, and the widow, showing that His love extends to everyone, especially those who are vulnerable.

Finally, Psalm 146 praises God as the eternal King. Unlike human leaders, God’s reign is everlasting. This psalm calls us to trust in God’s unchanging power and care. It also invites us to respond with praise and to live in a way that reflects our trust in Him.

Take a moment to read Psalm 146 today. Reflect on its message of trust and praise. Think about how it speaks to your own life and your trust in God. After reading, share your thoughts in the comment section.

How does this psalm inspire you? What part of it speaks to you the most? Your experience could encourage others, so don’t hesitate to share. Let’s grow together in our faith and trust in God.