Psalm 126 (125 in the Septuagint and Vulgate numbering) is a joyful yet poignant “Song of Ascents” (one of Psalms 120–134), sung by pilgrims ascending to Jerusalem for the great festivals. It is widely dated to the post-exilic period, shortly after the return of Judahite exiles from Babylonian captivity around 538 BC, following Cyrus the Great’s decree (Ezra 1). The psalm reflects the profound emotion of a people who had endured decades of exile, temple destruction, and national humiliation, only to experience God’s dramatic restoration. Some scholars suggest it may draw on earlier traditions, but its language of restored fortunes and agricultural hardship points strongly to the early Persian period, when returning exiles faced the challenging task of rebuilding amid ongoing difficulties.

The selected verses (1-2b, 2c-3, 4-5, 6) with the response “Those who are sowing in tears will sing when they reap” capture a movement from astonishment to hope. The opening recalls the return from exile as dreamlike: mouths filled with laughter and tongues with songs of joy, so great that even the nations acknowledged the Lord’s marvellous deeds. Yet the community still prays for fuller restoration: “Bring back our exiles, O Lord, as streams in the Negeb.” The closing image of sowers going out weeping but returning with sheaves and songs of joy offers a powerful metaphor of patient endurance yielding to divine blessing.

In the liturgy of the Solemnity of St George, Martyr and Patron of England (23 April), this psalm is appointed as the Responsorial Psalm. Its themes resonate deeply with St George’s witness. Legend portrays George as a courageous soldier who, like the tearful sowers, endured persecution and martyrdom under Diocletian, yet reaped eternal joy through his faithful witness to Christ. For England, whose patron saint he became during the Crusades and whose flag bears his red cross, the psalm speaks powerfully of national identity rooted in Christian perseverance. It encourages the English Church to recall past trials—whether historical sufferings, missionary labours, or contemporary challenges—and to trust in God’s power to turn sorrow into rejoicing. As pilgrims on earth, the assembly is reminded that faithful endurance in tears leads to the harvest of resurrection glory, mirroring both Israel’s restoration and the victory of martyrs like St George. The psalm thus bridges Old Testament hope with the triumphant faith of England’s patron, calling the faithful to joyful confidence in God’s ongoing work of redemption.