Catechesis Notes for the Week — Psalm 50: A Song of Praise for the Proper Worship of the Lord—The true worship of God is not faith in ourselves, our own sacrifices, or our works of love that we offer to God in an attempt to earn His favor. Instead, the true worship of the Lord is a faith which desires to receive His forgiveness and help as a gift of His grace. Psalm 50 criticizes the sacrifices that were so often made in the Old Testament Church, not because they were bad (they were given to Israel by God), but rather because they were offered to God as their own good works to earn His favor. The true worship of God is a repentant heart that clings to His mercy for forgiveness, life, and salvation. The Lord alone is perfect and righteous. Out of Zion, His holy Church, He shines forth in the beauty of His righteousness to save repentant sinners. He calls us to faith in His gift of righteousness to offer to God thanksgiving and to pay our vows to the Most High. “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” True praise and worship of the Lord honors and gives all glory to Him who gave His life for us. “Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; and to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.”CP240811