Psalm 117

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the Bible. It has only two verses. Even though it is short, it has an important message. This psalm reminds us that everyone is called to praise God. It is not just for one group. It is for all people.

This psalm is full of joy. It tells the nations to praise the Lord. It speaks of God’s kindness and faithfulness. These are things we can always count on. God’s love is not limited. It lasts forever.

Psalm 117 is also a reminder of unity. It invites all people, not just the people of Israel, to worship. That was a new idea at the time. But we now see how this connects to Jesus. Through Him, all people are welcome into God’s family.

This psalm is often used in worship. It is short, but powerful. It is full of praise. It teaches us to be thankful for God’s love. And it reminds us that God’s care is for everyone.

This short song is found in Book Five of the Psalms. The Psalms are grouped into five sections, kind of like the first five books of the Bible. Book Five starts at Psalm 107 and goes to Psalm 150. These psalms were likely used during worship at the Temple.

We do not know for sure who wrote this psalm. Some people think it might have been written after the people of Israel returned from exile. They had been taken far from their land and later were allowed to come home. This time of return brought hope and joy. It also reminded the people of God’s faithful love.

The message of this psalm goes beyond Israel. It tells all nations to praise the Lord. That was a big idea in those days. People usually thought of gods as belonging to one group or place. But this psalm shows that the Lord is God of all.

Even though the psalm is short, it fits into the bigger story. God’s love is not just for one people. From the start, His plan was for the whole world. This little song points to that big truth.

This psalm speaks clearly about two big ideas: God’s love lasts forever, and His truth can be trusted. These are both key parts of our Catholic faith. We believe that God’s love does not end. He keeps His promises, even when we fall short.

The psalm also reminds us that God is not just for one group. All nations are called to praise Him. This points to the Church’s mission. Jesus told His followers to go out to all the world. The Catholic Church still follows this today, reaching out to people everywhere.

Another theme is praise. The whole psalm is a call to give thanks and worship. In our Mass, we do this together as one people. We lift our voices in joy, just like this psalm says.

Lastly, this psalm points to Jesus. He is the one who brings all nations together. Through Him, we see how God’s love and truth are shared with the whole world. This tiny song opens the door to the big message of the Gospel.

Even though this psalm is very old, its message still matters today. We live in a world with many problems. People are divided by country, race, and language. But this psalm reminds us that God loves everyone. All people are called to praise Him. That is a good reminder in a time when many feel left out or forgotten.

The psalm also speaks about truth. In today’s world, it can be hard to know what is true. But God’s truth does not change. His word stays the same. His promises are real. When we feel lost or confused, we can come back to this simple truth: God is faithful.

We also need reminders to be thankful. Life can be busy or hard. It is easy to complain or forget the good things. This psalm helps us pause and say thank you to God. His love is still with us, day after day.

At Mass, in prayer, or even during a walk outside, we can echo this psalm. We can say, “Praise the Lord!” just like the psalm teaches. It is a short line, but full of meaning. It helps us look beyond ourselves and remember the One who gives us hope.

You Are Always With Us

God, you care about everyone.
Not just people in one place, but all over the world.
Thank you for your love that never stops.
Thank you for staying close when we feel lost or alone.

Help us to praise you in our daily life.
At school, with friends, on the bus, at home.
Even when we are busy or tired, remind us to stop and say thank you.
Let your truth guide us in the choices we make.

Show us how to welcome others.
Teach us to be kind, to listen, and to share your love.
Help us remember that your message is for all people, not just a few.
You are always with us, and we are never alone.

Psalm 117 shows up in the lectionary more than you might think. Even though it is only two verses long, it is used in both daily and Sunday Mass. It is often chosen when the Church wants to highlight joy, praise, and the call to all nations.

This psalm fits well with readings about the mission of the Church. It goes along with stories about sharing the Good News with others. It also connects to readings that talk about God’s love for all people, not just one group.

Sometimes this psalm is used on feast days of saints who shared the Gospel in faraway places. It reminds us that the Church is for the whole world. It also fits well with celebrations that focus on unity and praise.

Because it is short and joyful, it is easy to remember. Many people know the lines by heart. When it is used in the liturgy, it lifts our voices and points us back to God.

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

God’s Love Is for Everyone

Psalm 117 is a call for all people to praise God. It reminds us that God’s love is not just for one group. It is for every nation and every person. His kindness does not change, and His care lasts forever. No matter where we live or who we are, we are all invited to know Him and thank Him.

The response from the Gospel of Mark tells us what to do with this good news—we are sent to share it. Jesus gave this mission to His followers, and it continues today. We are not meant to keep God’s love to ourselves. We are called to tell others, to spread joy, and to live in a way that points to God’s truth. This psalm is short, but it reminds us of our big mission: to go out and share the good news with the whole world.

9th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

A Message Worth Sharing

Psalm 117 is full of joy and praise. It calls on every nation to lift their voices to God. It reminds us that His love is strong and lasting. God’s faithfulness does not fade or fail. People from every place are invited to join in giving thanks.

The response from Mark sends us on a mission. We are not just called to praise— we are also called to share. God’s love is for everyone, and we are asked to spread that good news. In our words and actions, we can show others the kindness and truth of God. This is part of what it means to follow Jesus.

It is also used at weekday Masses:

• Friday of the 3rd Week of Easter – Psalm 117:1bc, 2, Mark 16:15: Eternal Love and Faithfulness
• Wednesday of the 27th Week in Ordinary Time II – Psalm 117:1bc, 2, Mark 16:15: Spread the Good News
• The Conversion of Saint Paul – Psalm 117:1bc, 2, Mark 16:15: Universal Praise and Faithfulness
• Saint Thomas, Apostle – Psalm 117:1bc, 2, Mark 16:15: Proclaim the Good News

Why is Psalm 117 so short?

Psalm 117 has only two verses. It is the shortest psalm in the Bible. But even in just a few words, it shares an important message. It calls everyone to praise God and reminds us of His love.

What is the main message of this psalm?

The main message is that all people should praise the Lord. It tells us that God’s love is strong and His truth lasts forever.

Who is this psalm written for?

It is written for everyone. It speaks to all nations and all people. It reminds us that God’s care is not limited to one group.

Does this psalm connect to Jesus?

Yes. Jesus opened the way for all people to know God. This psalm points to that idea. It fits with the mission of the Church to bring the Gospel to the world.

Can I use this psalm in my prayer life?

Yes. It is short and easy to remember. You can pray it when you want to thank God or praise Him. It is a good psalm to say in the morning or anytime during the day.

Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm in the Bible. It has only two verses, but its message is strong. It calls all nations and all people to praise the Lord. It reminds us that God’s love never ends and that His truth will always stand.

This psalm is part of Book Five in the Book of Psalms. Some think it was written when the people of Israel returned from exile. It was a time of hope and joy. This short psalm helped them praise God together.

The Catholic Church often uses this psalm in the liturgy. It is heard on feast days, in daily Mass, and on Sundays. It matches well with the message of the Gospel and the mission of the Church. It reminds us that the Good News is for the whole world.

Even today, this psalm speaks to us. It gives us hope and reminds us to give thanks. In a world that often feels divided, this psalm brings us together. It points us back to God’s love and faithfulness.

Take a few moments today to read Psalm 117. It’s very short—just two verses—but it says a lot. It can be a great way to start or end your day. Let its words help you pause and give thanks.

After reading, we’d love to hear from you. How do these verses speak to you right now? Does this psalm help you feel more connected to God or others? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.