Songs of joy

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Today is Monday the 22nd of June, the feast of Saint John Fisher and Saint Thomas More, in the 12th week of Ordinary Time.

The Porter’s Gate sing, ‘Do With It What You Will’. This song is based on the Suscipe, a prayer by St Ignatius of Loyola. Can you make these words your own today?

You have given all to me

To you O Lord I return it

Everything I have is yours

Do with it what you will

You will gather all of me

Every gift, every burden

Every day and every hour

Do with it what you will

I lift it up, I lay it down

You have given all to me

To you O Lord I return it

Everything I have is yours

Do with it what you will

2:34

Today’s reading is from Psalm 126.

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord,

like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow with tears

will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

4:05

Wrapped

Charlie Groves

Our reading today is part of a Psalm of Ascent, a song that would have been sung as a community was returning home after captivity or a long absence. Take a moment to picture yourself within a community of pilgrims, slowly walking, step by step, with shouts of joy.

‘We were like those who dream’ writes the psalmist. What feelings does this journey evoke within you?

‘We were like those in a dream.’ This was a journey that had been imagined and longed for over a long period of time. What is it that you most long for? Speak with the Lord about this longing.

As you listen to the psalm again, notice, in particular, the last three verses: the psalmist’s desire for the restoration of their community.

7:15

When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,

we were like those who dreamed.

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

Restore our fortunes, Lord,

like streams in the Negev.

Those who sow with tears

will reap with songs of joy.

Those who go out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with them.

8:27

‘May those who sow in tears, reap with shouts of joy.’ Who or what comes to mind when you hear this? Perhaps you know of someone who feels as if they are sowing in tears. Bring them before the Lord now, as you end your prayer.

10:51

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen