I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem… …For my brethren and companions’ sake, I pray for your prosperity. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do you good.” (Psalm 122.1-2, 8-9; BCP 779f.)

Tradition has it that this psalm was sung by pilgrims as they ascended the Holy Mountain to worship in the Temple at Jerusalem during the Feast of Booths (or Tabernacles). This celebration was the last of three yearly autumnal festivals held in commemoration of and thanksgiving for an abundant harvest. The name of the festival (Succoth, in Hebrew) derives from the tents––booths––that the people erected and dwelt in as a reminder of their sojourning in the desert during the exodus from Egypt and the protection and care which God provided for them there. The people were to set aside a tenth (tithe) of their harvest and flock and feast on these during the seven festal days in their local tabernacle or––if they were able to do so––in the Jerusalem Temple.

I really appreciate this psalm and take delight in praying it. It serves to connect me to the people of Israel and their love of the Holy Mount and reminds me that the places where I have worshipped over the years are no less holy to me. How I delight in the worship and praise of God in those sacred spaces we call “church”! To know that my prayers are mingled with the prayers, petitions, and praise of others who have worshipped in this space. To delight in the ministry and service which those who preceded me had offered to God in this place. To know that I am charged––that we all are charged––with the continued mission and ministry which has been entrusted to us. These are just a few of the images and thoughts which this psalm inspires in me.

Like many folk throughout the world, we engage in a harvest festival of sorts every autumn. We may not actually be farmers (though some of us are) and we may not have flocks or herds, but we are invited each year at this time to give thanks to God for the goodness bestowed upon us by our Creator and Caretaker. Yes, I am thinking of Thanksgiving Day, our autumnal feast day of eating and making merry with family and friends. But that is not all. I am also thinking of our annual stewardship campaign.

First and foremost, the stewardship of our time, talents, and treasure is a thoughtful and gracious response to God who has richly blessed our lives. This it shares with the harvest festivals of Jewish tradition. Faithful stewardship also is an offering of the best we have and are––a kind of first fruits from the harvest of blessedness that is our gift back to a loving God. Finally, our stewardship is an occasion of joy. As our ancestors in faith joyfully celebrated the Feast of Booths in thanksgiving to God for their protection and care, so we joyfully celebrate the goodness of God in our own lives.

I like the word “campaign” because it connotes images of rallies and celebrations and moving forward to achieve some worthy goal. This month we will begin our annual “campaign” of stewardship as once again we are invited to provide for God’s mission and ministry in our “house of the Lord” here in Mankato. As you ponder what gift you can return to God, why not use Psalm 122 as your prayer? In what ways has God blessed you this year? In what ways have you been challenged only to discover the gift of God’s beneficent care? How has God’s House of St. John’s been to you and your family a place of peace and quietness, of worship, praise, and learning, of spiritual formation and blessing? How might you continue to make it so? Through your talents? Your time? Your treasure? What return can you make? What thanks can you bring to this holy place?

May God’s blessings be ever with you…

Thanks be to God!