Give Praise

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“He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me” Psalm 50:23

We are made to worship. We are made to praise. We need to praise. Give praise – give your heart to God!

Some people come to Mass on Sunday and sing (many don’t do anything but stand and stare).

How often are we Catholics put to shame by the world? Go to a concert or sporting event, you’ll see worship and praise. Go to a Catholic Church where the King of kings resides in the Eucharist, maybe see empty shells.

I remember being at work downtown several years ago. The Penguins had just won the Stanley Cup and the city was celebrating with a huge parade. Tens of thousands or more were in attendance. All a cheering and praising the team and trophy as it passed. I took the day off to be part of this celebration. The next day, the trophy moved on, the team went to play golf, the fans scattered and the barricades vanished. I realized at that moment what little earthly trophies mattered. For nearly 3/4 of a year, ‘we’ pursued this result. ‘We’ won and then next day, it was gone.

Yet, we go to Church, before the Great God of the universe, the King of kings, and though there, we aren’t even present let alone giving worship to Him.

“I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.” Psalm 86:12

Do you offer all the praise of your heart when you come before God? Whether we are taking about Mass, prayers, a Praise Nation Festival of Praise or whatever.

I have a heart of praise. When I attend Mass, I lift my hands in praise at the Gloria, the Alleluia, the Hosanna. In humble praise, I hit my knees as I receive the Lord in the Eucharist. Even as I walk around the Church after Mass, taking photos for our Faith on the Road feature, I am giving praise to God for the things man has built to honor Him.

But, when I’m at an event like a Praise Nation PGH Festival of Praise or an Emmaus retreat, I can guarantee the only thing lifted higher than my voice or hands in praise is my heart. My most joyous prayers come from praise. When I am offering Praise and worship of God Most High, my feet leave the surly bonds of this world. When I can unite my actions with praising and worshiping God, I feel complete.

Everything we do needs to come from a heart of praise. But, no acts that we do in our lives should be rivaled by the praise we give to Jesus at Holy Mass, when we are truly in His Divine Presence. Stop praising things of this world and give all your praise to the only thing that matters – God on High!

“Praise the LORD, my soul! I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God while I live.” Psalm 146:1-2