Psalm Reflection: The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - Cycle C

“Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.” - Psalms 122

On Saturday, July 19, 2008, over 200,000 pilgrims from all over the world walked for six miles over the span of three-and-a-half hours from the city of Sydney, Australia to Randwick Racecourse. I was one of them, and we gathered there to experience a night of prayer and Adoration with Pope Benedict XVI, and then to sleep on the racecourse until we had Mass together the next morning.

That night, as we prepared for Adoration, rain started to fall and heavy winds started blowing tents and other objects across the field. I remember many groups taking cover in larger tents in order to be shielded from the weather. A helicopter was teetering to the ground near the back of the racecourse, fighting the strong winds that were preventing it from leaving. And then, as the Blessed Sacrament was processed onto the stage, the rain ceased, the sky cleared, and there was quiet. 

Jesus got into a boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, “Lord, save us!* We are perishing!” He said to them, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, “What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?” - Matthew 8:23-27

We were a crowd of thousands from over 200 different countries, who all found themselves in the same storm, and we were unified in prayer worshiping Jesus Christ, present in the Eucharist. Even though we were separated geographically, and many of us could not communicate because of language barriers, we were all there at that moment experiencing the same thing and speaking the same language of worship.

The Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday evokes a similar sentiment. It is from Psalms 122, which is one of the "Songs of Ascents.” These Psalms were traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem for the major feast days, like Passover. The city would triple in population, with people from all over gathering to worship the same God at the same temple. One of the verses of the Psalm describes Jerusalem as a city built, “with compact unity.” Making pilgrimage to the holy city was meant to evoke a feeling of unity with all those who gathered with you, united in the same faith and worship despite coming from different places.

The Catechism says that, “Pilgrimages evoke our earthly journey toward heaven…” (CCC 2691). Heaven is where we will experience ultimate unity and peace, and the Psalm for this Sunday’s liturgy reminds us to fix our eyes on Heaven and to have joy in the midst of the journey. Like any pilgrimage, there will be storms, setbacks, and moments that are demanding and exhausting. However, we can have joy and peace in knowing that we are one step closer to our destination.

Every Mass, every Sacramental experience, every moment of prayer, are each opportunities to grow in unity with our brothers and sisters and to experience the joy and peace that only Christ can bring. 

Consider taking some time this week to go on a miniature pilgrimage. Set aside a small amount of time to journey to a local Church, shrine, monastery, or other holy site. Be open to meet others along the way and as you enjoy your time there. Let it be a time devoted to prayer and seeking the peace and joy that God wants to pour into the areas of your life that feel caught up in a storm right now.

When have you felt a sense of unity with others in your faith journey? How did those experiences strengthen your relationship with God and your community?

What storms in your life have challenged your faith? How can you invite Jesus to calm the storm? How can you find peace and trust in God's presence during these times?

Pilgrimages are a metaphor for our journey toward heaven. How can you incorporate the spirit of pilgrimage into your daily life, seeking moments of prayer and reflection that bring you closer to God?

In what ways are you being called to grow in community? Who might the Lord be gathering around you and for what purpose?

I am praying for you. Please pray for me and my family, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt

This reflection is based on the Responsorial Psalm for this Sunday, November 23rd, 2025, the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe - Cycle C: Psalms 122:1-2, 3-4, 4-5.