Reflections on Psalm 23

By RH

      The Lord is my Shepherd

A good shepherd is so important in any group situation: a family, an organization, a government, a church. Without a shepherd, everyone flounders around trying to work on their own. Without a shepherd, the group seems broken and scattered.

      There is nothing I lack

A good shepherd makes sure that his flock has the food, water and shelter it needs. We are given, by our Shepherd, the food, clothes, shelter, direction, instruction and care that we need. We always have wants but God, who made us and knows us intimately, knows what we need.

      In green pastures You let me graze; to safe waters You lead me; You restore my strength.

Even the busiest among us are given moments to spend with our Shepherd. A mother rocking a baby, a parent cooking a meal in silence, a worker driving home from work, anyone who takes a few moments in the Eucharistic Adoration Chapel or before Mass - all these are times to be in those green peaceful pastures near the safe waters. All these moments with the Shepherd restore our spirit.

      You guide me along the right path for the sake of Your name.

By the teachings of the Church and the Bible and by the words He speaks to our hearts in our moments of quiet, the Shepherd guides us on the path of righteousness. His is the most holy of names - He guides us to walk as good Christians (followers of Christ).

      Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for You are at my side; Your rod and staff give me courage.

There are so many dark valleys in the world today. We must always be aware of the danger of being drawn into worldly ways. God has already won the battle over death and sin, so we have nothing to fear. Our Shepherd will protect us.

      You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Because He knows us intimately, our Shepherd sets a table for us just as a friend would do. Our enemies see that He treats us as friends and more than that - someone special.     

      Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.

God’s blessing is with us always. We have a choice to receive it and live within it or to disregard it. As for us, we choose the Lord and His Church.