“I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us.” (Isaiah 63:7)
Who is this coming from Edom, from Bozrah, with his garments stained crimson? I have trodden the winepress alone; from the nations no one was with me. Then the hymn of remembrance: I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us, yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said: surely they are my people, children who will be true to me; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them.
The Catechism identifies the remembrance of divine kindnesses as the foundation of biblical prayer: the liturgical anamnesis that recounts what God has done grounds the confidence that God will continue to act (CCC 2644).
Brothers and sisters, I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised. Memory is the beginning of praise. Before you can sing his praises, you must remember his kindnesses. In all your distress he too was distressed. He was not a distant observer of your suffering but a participant in it. Remember that. Tell it. Praise follows.
Lord God, we will tell of your kindnesses, the many good things you have done. In our distress you were distressed. In your love and mercy you redeemed us. We praise you. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.