Psalm 103: 1-4, 8, 10, 12-13
This week’s responsorial psalm is from Psalm 103, a praise of divine goodness. It emphasizes God’s mercy, forgiveness, and the transformative power of divine compassion, making it a fitting responsorial for our readings today.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
The psalmist begins by calling on their own soul to praise and worship the Lord. To “bless” God means to honor and give thanks for his goodness, acknowledging his greatness and kindness.
The fact that this praise comes from their soul (nephesh), their innermost being, implies a deep, heartfelt praise that comes from every part of the person.
and all my being, bless his holy name.
The psalmist wants every part of their existence — every emotion, every thought — to be dedicated to blessing God, emphasizing total devotion.
In the ancient Jewish world, names held great significance, far beyond being a mere identifier. They were often considered an embodiment of a person’s essence, character, and even destiny.
When the psalmist calls for God’s holy name to be blessed, he is praising God not only for his actions but for his very essence — his holiness, purity, and majesty.
Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.
The psalmist wants to bless God for all the good things he has received from him, without forgetting a single one.
He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.
The psalmist begins to enumerate the reasons for his call to praise God. All of God’s wonderful deeds flow from his lovingkindness (hesed) and compassion (răhamîm).
Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
This echoes God’s self-revelation to Moses at Mount Horeb (Exodus 34:6-7), a reminder of God’s divine attributes and enduring commitment to his people.
Not according to our sins does he deal with us, nor does he requite us according to our crimes.
God acts out of his own infinite mercy, refraining from inflicting upon us the punishment our actions deserve.
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our transgressions from us.
“As far as the east is from the west” is an image of infinite separation. God removes our sins completely, not just partially or temporarily, but entirely.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him.
God’s mercy is likened to a father’s compassion for his children. It suggests tender care, understanding, and protection, as a loving father would have for his vulnerable children.
This is ample reason to praise and bless the LORD!
Sunday Readings 