Within the Book of Psalms, there are certain Psalms
known as the “Hallel” Psalms. These are songs of praise,
which get their name from the Hebrew expression
“Hallelujah”, which means “Praise the Lord.” Hence, our
own expression “Alleluia.” These Psalms consist of
Psalms 113 through 118, Psalm 136, (known as the
“Great Hallel”), and Psalms 146 through 150.
Today’s Responsorial is taken from Psalm 146, the first
of the final grouping of “Hallel” Psalms. Each of the
Psalms in the group begins and ends with “Praise the
Lord.” The Psalm’s theme suggests that the only happy
man is the one who trusts in God. This is clearly stated in
verse 5 of the Psalm, (which is not included in the
responsorial): “Happy is he whose trust is in the God of
Jacob whose hope is in the Lord his God.” We see from
the verses that follow that man is frail but God is all-
powerful and that He looks after the weak and those in
need. This reflects what we see in the First Reading,
from Isaiah: “…be strong, fear not! Here is your
God…He comes to save you.” As Isaiah predicts
salvation comes from God, so too does our Responsorial,
both of which reflect today’s Gospel in which our Lord
opens the deaf man’s ear that he might hear. Surely
these are things of which we might fittingly say: Praise
the Lord!