Today’s responsorial Psalm is Psalm 117, which, if I’m not mistaken, is the shortest chapter in the entire Bible:
R. (Mark 16:15) Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Praise the LORD, all you nations;
glorify him, all you peoples!
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
For steadfast is his kindness toward us,
and the fidelity of the LORD endures forever.
R. Go out to all the world and tell the Good News.
or:
R. Alleluia.
This is the shortest chapter, but there are some pretty important points here. The first is that relationship with God is open to everyone. The Psalmist first summons all the nations to God’s praise. “Praise the LORD, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples!” Praising God is not limited strictly to the nation of Israel.
And then we are told why we should be motivated to praise God. He has been faithful to us and his faithfulness endures forever. This faithfulness continues even when we are not faithful.
What about us? Do we need to see the call to relationship with God and the call to his praise as open to everyone? Is there anyone you hold a grudge or prejudice against? When has God shown his faithfulness to you?
Take today as an opportunity to praise God for his faithfulness.