Psalm 138: 1-3, 6-8

The responsorial psalm for this Sunday is from Psalm 138, a hymn of thanksgiving that celebrates God’s faithfulness and attentiveness to those who call upon him.

It connects beautifully with Abraham’s bold prayer for Sodom in our first reading, which is rooted in trust that God listens.

I will give thanks to you, O LORD, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise; I will worship at your holy temple.

This psalm, attributed to King David, reflects with gratitude on his experiences of God’s goodness and looks forward with comfort to the continued outpouring of God’s grace. He has come to the temple to worship and witness publicly to the goodness of God.

In ancient Israelite thought, the temple was a microcosm of heaven; thus, to worship in the temple was to stand “in the presence of angels (’elōhîm)”.

Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise.

The reason for the psalmist’s gratitude is God’s faithfulness to the covenant commitment. This is clear from the presence of technical covenant language: lovingkindness (hesed) and truth (’ěmet).

When I called, you answered me; you built up strength within me.

The psalmist recalls a moment of distress when he called upon the Lord and was heard.

Notice that God did not remove the trial, but gave him the interior strength to endure it. This is a hallmark of divine grace: God empowers the faithful to endure, not merely escape.

The LORD is exalted, yet the lowly he sees, and the proud he knows from afar.

Though transcendent, God is intimately concerned with the humble.

The proud remain distant — not by divine exclusion, but by their own self-sufficiency.

Though I walk amid distress, you preserve me; against the anger of my enemies you raise your hand. Your right hand saves me.

God’s “right hand” signifies his power and favor.

Even in affliction, the psalmist trusts in divine protection.

The LORD will complete what he has done for me; your kindness, O LORD, endures forever; forsake not the work of your hands.

The psalm closes with a confident plea that God will not abandon the psalmist, whom he lovingly formed.

God’s covenant commitment will endure forever.