The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Written by Casey Rehling
When reading this 122nd Psalm, I am struck by the first line “I rejoiced because they said to me we will go to the house of the LORD.” As one of the Songs of Ascent – a collection of psalms sung by worshippers on pilgrimage to Jerusalem – much of the emphasis is put on the journey, and worshipping the Lord not only on the Journey, but for the journey.
I know that I – as I’m sure most of us reading this reflection – can confidently say that “I want to make it to heaven.” And when I find when I’m worshipping Jesus, I typically envision myself at the foot of the throne, in Heaven, already in the Lord’s house. Less frequently do I find myself praising Him for the journey that he’s put me on, instead of just the destination. But I think it’s important if we are to anchor ourselves to Him, then we should be praising the Lord during and for the trials and events of our daily life, and not just for the hope of one day being in eternal paradise. Because the Lord deserves all our praise.
Just as pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem to meet our Lord, we are about to enter the season of Advent, where we will spend weeks preparing our hearts for the coming of our Lord. It is important to reflect on those things that are preventing us from making room for the Lord in our hearts.
For me personally, when the Lord asks if I love Him and want to be with Him, I respond with a resounding “yes”. But all too often when He gives me opportunities to demonstrate my “yes”, I dig in my heels, or begrudgingly follow Him kicking and screaming. We should all reflect on where in our lives we need to reorient ourselves so that we can better prepare our hearts for the Lord to enter in.
If my children are testing my patience, do I respond in a loving way, or do I respond in an unnecessary tone that they don’t deserve? How did I answer that opportunity from the Lord to grow in patience?
When the demands of work, or housework, or other commitments get to be too much to bear, do I grit my teeth and try to muscle through on my own, or do I lean on the Lord and His graces for strength? How did I answer that opportunity from the Lord to grow in trust?
If a friend shares with me an opinion on politics or social issues that I disagree with, do I attempt to seek common ground and understanding so we can have a fruitful conversation, or do I simply write them off as beneath me due to their “less righteous” beliefs? How did I respond to the Lord’s invitation to love my neighbor?
Is my calendar and my life filling up so quickly with events only celebrating the commercial parts of the Christmas season, at the expense of devoting quality time with my family, and the Lord in preparation for his coming? How did I respond to the Lord’s continual invitation to let Him enter my life and bring me rest?
As we all prepare to enter Advent - this journey to Christmas - just as the pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem, let’s all pray about how each of us can reorient our hearts, our praise, and our lives to the Lord, so that he can be welcomed in more fully and bring us rest.
Casey is a husband and father of 3. He and his family live in North Texas and are active parishioners at St. Ann Catholic Parish in Coppell. Casey has served for many years in college and high school ministry, and currently serves as Director for the St. Ann Men's Summit. He loves worship music, woodworking, The Office, and has a unique ability to quote movies and TV shows.
Pray with today’s psalm.