Monday

Psalm 53

Leviticus 23:26-41

Revelation 19:1-8

Examples of praise occur so often in Sacred Scripture that we have to acknowledge its importance. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea and knew they were finally free of Egypt’s influence, their joy was so great that they played music and sang songs and danced. When Mary met with Elizabeth, she praised God, saying, “My soul declares the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God” for all the wonderful things that God has done. Zechariah was moved to speak overwhelming praises to God for the joy that was coming to humanity. Later, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, the praises and exuberance of the people were so great that the priests warned Jesus to quiet them, but Jesus told them that the great joy that God’s Kingdom had come was so intense that even if every human tongue was silent, the rocks and stones would sing out-because all of creation is filled with happiness and excitement!

Praise is an indispensable part of the spiritual life. During the season of Lent we “bury” our Alleluias but joy comes in the morning and the sorrow and suffering of the cross is the journey through hell to heaven. Like I used to say to my preschool class, “Can’t go over it, Can’t go around it, gotta go through it!”