Psalm 96 is well known for its beauty and support of praise. This might be one of the psalms that St. Ignatius might have meditated on and moved him to believe that we are created to praise, honour and serve God. On my recent trip to the West Coast, I did rejoice at the sea’s roar and all that fills it. I was blessed to walk in the tall forests and felt not only all the trees singing but also my soul.

What is it about beauty that transforms humans? An hour in nature has to be as healing as a drug sometimes, and with less ill effects on the body. I sat by the river one day with my cousin, after our stroll through tall, glorious trees and shimmering light. A crow came by and parked itself on a rock in the river, cawing crassly, but even that did not unsettle me. The sound of the river skipping over the rocks was enough to calm me as we sat there silently.

As I left, I could sing a new song to the Lord and declare God’s glory amongst the nations. God’s work are marvellous indeed!

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

Where do the seas roar and the fields exult for you?
How can you sing a new song to the Lord and declare God’s glory?

Prayer

Sing, sing a new and glorious song
to the creative Creator who has
made all things good,
who restores our souls
by having the earth rejoice, the sea roar,
the fields exult, and the trees sing.
How blessed are we to have such beauty
to bathe our senses.
Glory to God
Now and always.

Amen.