Make a Joyful Noise

A Reflection on the Psalm for November 13th, 2022:
Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

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Psalm 98

R. The Lord is coming to judge the peoples with equity. 

Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre, with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord.

R. The Lord is coming to judge the peoples with equity.

Let the sea roar, and all that fills it; the world and those who live in it. Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy at the presence of the Lord.

R. The Lord is coming to judge the peoples with equity.

For the Lord is coming, coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity. 

R. The Lord is coming to judge the peoples with equity.

What an image! The entire world erupting in joyous song in praise of the Lord! In fact, this psalm is the inspiration for the beloved Christmas hymn “Joy to the World,” written in 1719 by Isaac Waats. Every year at Christmas my heart is filled to bursting when we carry this traditional song out of the church into the stillness of Christmas Eve. Voices of all ages, joined together, proclaiming the Good News that Christ has come. Let Heaven and nature sing!

My husband is an elementary school music teacher. Most years I have attended his school’s Christmas concert, and have always marvelled how after each class has given their individual performance, he gathers them all together for the finale. As the children clamour into one space, he steps in front of them, lifts his arm and quiets an entire school of children. For weeks before this concert, these children have rehearsed the finale song in their classrooms and at home until every teacher and parent knows the words of the song and can sing right along. The young members of the band who began in September with their new instruments have progressed from producing off-key individual notes to being able to listen to their bandmates and work together, producing a beautiful little symphony to accompany the voices. The children are dressed in their personal best, beaming proudly and looking out from the stage to wave excitedly at family members. Eyes focused on their teacher, they trust in his plan for this finale. Every student works together, blending their gifts, and for a few moments the world is perfect. 

The perfection of this finale moment is how I picture the world could be if we simply praised Him all the time. The rocks, mountains, trees, and seas would join us in joyfully proclaiming the Lord as King, each sound different but perfectly blended together. And like the proud parent He is, He would delight in our praise – smiling at us dressed in our best, singing off key and shuffling our feet, waving at Him, so excited that He has come to hear our song. Every heart will have prepared Him room, and He will receive even the sourest of notes when presented in humble sincerity. His right arm is raised in victory, and our eyes are focused on Him, knowing that His finale is planned and executed with perfection. If we see His hand in everything, sharing our praise of His works with the world, we will be judged with equity. For it is not by our works that we are to be saved – His grace and mercy will save those who believe and trust in Him. 

Let us pray. Father God, thank You for everything! For the joys, the trials, the sorrows, the gifts. Let me always praise You in everything, for You have done glorious things! From the rising to the setting of the sun, and in the darkness of the night, I glorify Your name and give You thanks. Amen.




Sandy Graves

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