Psalm 112

Psalm 112 is a short and clear prayer that shows what a faithful life looks like. It praises those who fear the Lord and live according to His commands. These people are kind, honest, and generous. They are not afraid because they trust in God.

This psalm shows the blessings that come to those who live a good life. It speaks about their children, their homes, and their peace of mind. It reminds us that following God brings stability and joy. Even when things are hard, they are not shaken.

Psalm 112 also shows how the good life touches others. The person who follows God helps the poor and shares what they have. Their kindness brings light to the world. The psalm makes it clear that good people leave a mark, and others notice.

This psalm is often used in Sunday and weekday Mass readings. It connects well with Gospel themes about mercy and trust in God. It helps us reflect on how to live with faith, hope, and love in everyday life.

Psalm 112 comes from Book V of the Book of Psalms. Book V includes Psalms 107 to 150. These psalms were likely gathered after the return from exile in Babylon. Many of them focus on trusting God and living a faithful life in hard times.

The author of this psalm is not named. Like many psalms, it may have been written by a wise teacher or leader in Israel. Some scholars think it was used to teach people how to live in a way that pleases God. It fits well with other wisdom writings in the Bible, like Proverbs.

This psalm is written as an acrostic. That means each line begins with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. This style helped people remember it more easily. It also shows that the psalm is a complete picture of the good life from A to Z.

It was likely prayed or sung by small groups or in the temple. People used it to remind themselves that good comes from living with honesty, kindness, and faith. It gave hope to those trying to live well, even when others did not.

One main theme in this psalm is trust in God. The person who fears the Lord does not live in fear. They are steady even when things go wrong. This connects with the Catholic idea of hope. We believe God is with us always, even in hard times.

Another theme is caring for others. The good person gives to the poor and shows mercy. This matches Catholic teaching about charity and justice. We are called to help those in need and treat others with kindness and fairness.

The psalm also speaks about lasting blessings. The good person’s family, name, and actions continue even after death. This reminds us of the communion of saints. Catholics believe that a life lived with love and faith has meaning that continues beyond this world.

Lastly, the psalm shows a contrast. The wicked feel angry when they see good people succeed. But the faithful live in peace. This is a message about choosing the right path, even when it is not easy.

This psalm still speaks to us today. It shows what a faithful life looks like in daily choices. Trust in God, generosity, and kindness are not old ideas. They are still needed in our world right now.

Many people today feel stressed or afraid. This psalm reminds us to stand firm. It tells us that peace comes from trusting God, not from having perfect lives. It gives us a simple message: live with faith, do what is right, and help others.

In a world full of noise and pressure, this psalm is like a quiet voice. It tells us that small acts of goodness matter. They shine like light in the dark. Giving to the poor or being honest can seem small, but they are part of something much bigger.

For Catholics, this psalm supports the way of Jesus. He taught us to love God and care for others. Psalm 112 shows us how to live that out, one step at a time.

Shine Through Me, Lord

Lord, help me trust You when things are hard.
When I feel stressed or afraid, remind me You are near.
Give me courage to do what is right,
even when others don’t.

Show me how to be kind every day.
Help me notice people who feel left out.
Let me give what I can,
not just things, but time and care.

Keep me steady when life changes fast.
Don’t let fear or anger take over.
Teach me to stay calm
and hold on to Your peace.

Let my choices bring light to others.
Help me be honest, fair, and strong.
Use my small acts of love
to make the world better.

Thank You for walking with me.
Thank You for calling me to live with purpose.
Make my life a quiet light
that points others to You.

Psalm 112 is used several times in the Catholic lectionary. We often hear it during Ordinary Time, especially when the readings talk about trusting God or helping others. It reminds us that good people shine in the world, even when life is hard.

This psalm helps the Church teach us how to live. It shows us what it means to walk with God each day.

One common time we hear this psalm is on the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time during Year A. It connects with the Gospel where Jesus tells us to be the light of the world. The psalm gives a picture of what that light looks like in real life—kindness, honesty, and trust in God. Click on a link below for more information and resources for a specific responsorial psalm.

5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A

A Steady Light in Hard Times

Psalm 112:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 praises a person who lives with kindness, fairness, and trust in God. Even when life is hard or news is bad, he stays calm and steady. His faith gives him strength. He is remembered for his goodness because he lives the right way and treats others with care.

The psalm also shows how this person helps the poor and gives generously. He does not live for himself. His good works shine like a light in the dark. People around him see his faith through his actions. This is a reminder that living with justice and mercy brings lasting joy and honor.

Psalm 112 also comes up during some weekday Masses and on feast days of saints who lived with faith and gave to the poor. It fits well on those days because it honors lives filled with good works.

• Friday of the 6th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6: Blessed is the One Who Follows the Lord
• Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 112:1-2, 3-4, 5-6: Blessings of Those Who Fear the Lord
• Feast of Saint Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr – Psalm 112:1-2, 5-6, 7-8, 9: Blessed Are the Gracious
• Tuesday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 112:1-2, 7-8, 9: Trusting in the Lord
• Monday of the 9th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 112:1b-2, 3b-4, 5-6: Blessed Are Those Who Fear the Lord
• Wednesday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 112:1b-2, 4-5, 9: Blessed Is the One Who Is Generous and Helps the Needy
• Saturday of the 31st Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 112:1b-2, 5-6, 8a and 9: Blessed Are Those Who Honor the Lord
• Wednesday of the 11th Week in Ordinary Time I – Psalm 112:1bc-2, 3-4, 9: Blessed is the One Who Fears the Lord

Who is the person being praised in this psalm?

The psalm praises a person who fears the Lord and follows His ways. This person is kind, generous, and honest. They trust God and do what is right.

Why is this psalm important for Catholics?

It teaches us how to live as followers of Jesus. It shows that a good life is full of faith, mercy, and care for others. These are values we try to live out as Catholics.

Is Psalm 112 only about rewards?

No. It talks about blessings, but not just money or success. It speaks of peace, courage, and a good name. These come from trusting God and doing good.

How does this psalm fit with the teachings of Jesus?

Jesus told us to love God and love others. This psalm shows that kind of life. Helping the poor, being fair, and not being afraid are all part of following Him.

Can we pray this psalm today?

Yes. It is a good prayer for anyone who wants to live with faith and hope. It reminds us to stay steady and kind, even when things are hard.

What if I don’t feel strong in faith?

This psalm doesn’t talk about being perfect. It talks about trusting God day by day. Even small acts of goodness matter. God sees them all.

Psalm 112 gives us a picture of a good and faithful life. It shows us what it looks like when someone fears the Lord and walks in His ways. This person is kind, fair, and generous. They help the poor and trust in God. Their life is steady, even when hard things happen.

This psalm reminds us that living with faith brings peace. It doesn’t mean everything goes perfectly. But the person who trusts in God stays strong. They do not give in to fear or anger. Their goodness brings light to the world, like a lamp in the dark.

Catholics see this psalm as a guide for daily life. It connects with the teachings of Jesus. He told us to be salt and light. Psalm 112 helps us see how. A good life is not about big acts. It is about steady faith and small kindnesses.

The psalm also reminds us that goodness lasts. Even after someone dies, their kindness is remembered. Their children are blessed. Their name is honored. This is not just about success. It is about living in a way that pleases God and brings joy to others.

Take a few minutes today to read Psalm 112. Read it slowly and think about the kind of life it describes. Ask yourself, “What part of this psalm speaks to me right now?” You don’t need to understand every line. Just let the words guide your thoughts.

After you read, come back and share your thoughts in the comments. What stood out to you? Do you see yourself in this psalm? Maybe you’re trying to live this way, or maybe you know someone who does. Your story could help others reflect too.