Catholic Commentary on Psalm 148

"Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted; his splendour is above the earth and the heavens." (Psalm 148:13)

The Universal Choir

Psalm 148 is the great summons to cosmic praise, calling every element of creation from the highest heavens to the depths of the earth to praise the name of the LORD. The choir is assembled in two movements: first from above, the heavens, the angels, sun and moon and stars, the waters above the skies; then from below, the sea creatures and the depths, lightning, hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds, mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars, wild animals and cattle, small creatures and flying birds. Then the human community: kings, peoples, princes, rulers, young men and women, old and young together.

St. Francis of Assisi drew his Canticle of the Sun directly from this psalm, inviting Brother Sun and Sister Moon and Sister Earth to join the choir. The Catechism draws on the cosmic dimension of Psalm 148 in its teaching on the renewal of creation at the end of time: the praise that creation is summoned to in this psalm will be fully and permanently offered when the universe is transformed and shares in the glory of the risen Christ (CCC 1046). The choir has been rehearsing since creation. At the end, it will perform without flaw. His name alone is exalted; his splendour is above the earth and the heavens.

Living the Word

Brothers and sisters, you are one voice in the cosmic choir of Psalm 148. The sun and the stars are singing. The mountains and the cedars are singing. The sea creatures and the birds are singing. And you, young and old, are called to add your voice. Do not make the choir wait for you.

Prayer

Praise the LORD from the heavens, praise him in the heights above. Praise the LORD from the earth, you sea creatures and all ocean depths. Let them praise the name of the LORD, for his name alone is exalted, his splendour above the earth and the heavens. Praise the LORD! Through Christ our Lord. Amen.