Psalms – Chapter 148

Old Testament14 Verses

1Praise ye the Lord from the heavens: praise ye him in the high places.

2Praise ye him, all his angels, praise ye him, all his hosts.

3Praise ye him, O sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars and light.

4Praise him, ye heavens of heavens: and let all the waters that are above the heavens

5Praise the name of the Lord. For he spoke, and they were made: he commanded, and they were created.

6He hath established them for ever, and for ages of ages: he hath made a decree, and it shall not pass away.

7Praise the Lord from the earth, ye dragons, and all ye deeps:

8Fire, hail, snow, ice, stormy winds, which fulfil his word:

9Mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars:

10Beasts and all cattle: serpents and feathered fowls:

11Kings of the earth and all people: princes and all judges of the earth:

12Young men and maidens: let the old with the younger, praise the name of the Lord:

13For his name alone is exalted.

14The praise of him is above heaven and earth: and he hath exalted the horn of his people. A hymn to all his saints to the children of Israel, a people approaching to him. Alleluia.

Reflection for Today

The message of Psalms Chapter 148 unfolds within the broader narrative of prayer, praise, and the full range of human emotion before God. Catholic theology, drawing on the Psalms are the prayer book of the Church, prayed daily in the Liturgy of the Hours (CIC 2585-2589), sees in this chapter a call to deeper faith. The principle that God invites us to bring all our emotions to Him guides our interpretation.

The Church Fathers, including St. Augustine, St. Jerome, and St. John Chrysostom, devoted themselves to explaining Scripture for the faithful. Their insights, preserved in the Church's Tradition, continue to illuminate our reading. The Catechism reminds us that "the Church has always venerated the divine Scriptures as she venerated the Body of the Lord" (CIC 103).

As you engage with this chapter, bring your questions, struggles, and hopes to the text. God's Word addresses the whole person—mind, heart, and will. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we receive the grace to live what we read. May this chapter strengthen your faith and deepen your love for Christ and His Church.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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