Blog

May Those Who Sow in Tears Reap With Shouts of Joy

On Mar 11, 2010 ⋅ No comments

This meditation is based on a passage for March 11, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Psalm 126

Reflection and Question: Scholars agree that this psalm was first sung about 700 BC when the Jews in Babylon traveled to Jerusalem, back home, even if they had never lived there before. It offers wonderful images of the joy and gratitude felt when we receive our heart’s desire. I think of all the tears sown by GLBT people in the church because they are denied recognition and dignity, and their loved ones, who are forced so often to conceal or provide justification for those they love. I imagine the day coming when we will reap with shouts of joy. And it can only happen when those who disagree with us also carry in the sheaves. In what way are you in exile?

Prayer: Restore us to wholeness, O Healer, 
like newborn babes who have never strayed from You!
May all who go forth weeping tears of repentance, bearing seed for sowing,
Come home to You with shouts of joy, leaving sorrow behind.
(Nan C. Merrill, Psalms for Praying, from Psalm 126, p, 274)

Tagged with: