Psalms
Chapter 126
1
A Harvest of Joy
When the Lord brought the exiles back to Zion, we were like those moving in a dream.
2
Then, our mouths were filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of joy. Among the nations, it was said, “The Lord has done great things for them.”
3
The Lord had done great things for us, and we were glad indeed.
4
Bring back our exiles, O Lord, like fresh streams in the desert.
5
Those who sow in tears will reap with songs and shouts of joy.
6
They went forth weeping, bearing the seeds for sowing, they will come home with joyful shouts, bringing their harvested sheaves.
Commentaries
126
Israel’s drought will turn into abundance. Her labor of sowing will yield its harvest. ‘The field is the world’ (Mt 13:38), and the field ripens for a harvest of souls brought to eternal life (Jn 4:35ff; Mt 13:30). But tears accompany the sowing: ‘Unless the seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone’ (Jn 12:24ff). The seed is the Word—the Word made flesh and crucified. The tears are his; the joys are ours: ‘Yahweh has done great things for us!’ And yet, we also face our crucifixion. If we want to turn suffering into hope and tears into songs, we can pray with this psalm.