Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) – July 26, 2026
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!”
- Psalm 125:1-2, 4 -
Ever taken a cross-country trip where you’re in a car for hours on end with family members? Ways in which to help the long hours pass are carefully chosen: interactive travel games, favorite songs, and even a movie or two. All of these activities can become family traditions and be passed down to the next generation. Summer is a popular time when annual trips are taken, people gather, and traditions are formed.
In biblical times, people would also make long journeys or pilgrimages to the mountains, usually centered around the time of a particular festival. Psalm 125 is referred to as a “Song of Ascents” and was used as one of the several traditional songs chanted or sang as the people ascended into the mountains. Psalms 120-134 are all part of a grouping known collectively as the “Songs of Ascents” with a range of themes revealing the peoples’ faith and adoration for God. Much like the hymns we sing in worship today, some we know by heart, ancient Israel also sang psalms which have preserved for us today.
Consider the words of Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.” Imagine those people reaching the point on their journey where they were surrounded on all sides by mountains and feeling safe with the natural border. So it is with God, he surrounds us with his love, leaving us feeling safe. Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter where we journey, God is right there with us?
In our scripture today, that’s precisely the comfort these people had as they made their way up the mountains. This psalm is also a prayer for God’s blessing upon his people, and we are his people! The “Song of Ascents” is rich in the tradition of how we are to worship and praise the Lord together and it is passed down from one generation to the next! God is unchanging and always here for us; a truth we can depend on! Amen.
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 12) – July 26, 2026
“Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore. Do good, O Lord, to those who are good, and to those who are upright in their hearts!”
- Psalm 125:1-2, 4 -
Ever taken a cross-country trip where you’re in a car for hours on end with family members? Ways in which to help the long hours pass are carefully chosen: interactive travel games, favorite songs, and even a movie or two. All of these activities can become family traditions and be passed down to the next generation. Summer is a popular time when annual trips are taken, people gather, and traditions are formed.
In biblical times, people would also make long journeys or pilgrimages to the mountains, usually centered around the time of a particular festival. Psalm 125 is referred to as a “Song of Ascents” and was used as one of the several traditional songs chanted or sang as the people ascended into the mountains. Psalms 120-134 are all part of a grouping known collectively as the “Songs of Ascents” with a range of themes revealing the peoples’ faith and adoration for God. Much like the hymns we sing in worship today, some we know by heart, ancient Israel also sang psalms which have preserved for us today.
Consider the words of Psalm 125:2, “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people.” Imagine those people reaching the point on their journey where they were surrounded on all sides by mountains and feeling safe with the natural border. So it is with God, he surrounds us with his love, leaving us feeling safe. Isn’t it comforting to know that no matter where we journey, God is right there with us?
In our scripture today, that’s precisely the comfort these people had as they made their way up the mountains. This psalm is also a prayer for God’s blessing upon his people, and we are his people! The “Song of Ascents” is rich in the tradition of how we are to worship and praise the Lord together and it is passed down from one generation to the next! God is unchanging and always here for us; a truth we can depend on! Amen.