Psalm 103: 1-4, 9-12

This week’s responsorial psalm is from Psalm 103, a praise of divine goodness. It offers a beautiful and comforting reflection on God’s boundless love and forgiveness, making it a perfect selection to complement this week’s scripture readings.

Bless the LORD, O my soul;

Typically the word “bless” is used as a prayer for God’s presence or a grace for the future; in this case, it’s a call to praise God for blessings already received. The psalmist is actually addressing this command to himself.

The Hebrew word nephesh (“soul”) is a rich and multifaceted term that is often translated as “soul” or “self” in English, but its meaning extends beyond a single-word translation. In general, it seeks to capture the complexity of human existence. Here, nephesh refers to the innermost essence of a person, including their consciousness, emotions, desires, and individuality.

This is not merely a spiritual or immaterial reality; it encompasses every aspect of the person. This interpretation is confirmed by the phrase “all my being,” which immediately follows.

and all my being, bless his holy name.

In Hebrew culture, a person’s name is deeply intertwined with their very being and identity. To bless someone’s name is to bless the entirety of that person.

The practice of honoring God’s name is seen throughout the Hebrew Bible. When God revealed his name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), it signified his divine and transcendent nature. Praising God’s name, therefore, reflects a sense of reverence for the holiness and uniqueness of God.

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.

The psalmist is grateful to God for all the good things he has received from him; his desire is to never forget a single one.

He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion. He will not always chide, nor does he keep his wrath forever. Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.

Some of the many blessings that flow from God are enumerated, including forgiveness of sins, healing, redemption from despair, and being adorned with kindness and compassion.

The words used for “kindness” and “compassion” are hesed and răhamîm, which are covenant terms and serve as a reminder of God’s covenantal love.

For as the heavens are high above the earth, so surpassing is his kindness toward those who fear him.

The passage ends with two images that describe the breadth of God’s devotion, both conveying an immeasurable distance.

First is the expanse between the heavens and the earth. The heavens are considered an infinite realm, far beyond human comprehension or measurement.

As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.

The second image is the figure of speech “as far as the east is from the west.” Unlike “north” and “south,” which meet at the poles, “east” and “west” continue infinitely in opposite directions, emphasizing an immeasurable separation.

The psalmist is claiming the same limitlessness for God’s lovingkindness. Out of covenant love, God puts our transgression so far from us that the distance cannot even be imagined.

This is ample reason to praise and bless the LORD!