God Is my Shepherd,
There Is Nothing I Shall Want
Psalm 23 is one of the most familiar psalms. God is recognized as the Shepherd who “guides us along the right path,” protects us from evil, and gives us courage. Because shepherds were considered dirty, smelly and maybe “crooks,” referencing God as shepherd is not necessarily a compliment, but sometimes Scripture call us to the unexpected. This weekend’s readings are about defying expectations. May we pray and reflect on the psalm in an unexpected way to make it new for us.
O God, you are my shepherd, I need nothing more.
You give me rest in green meadows,
setting me near calm waters,
where you revive my spirit.
You guide me along right paths,
you are true to your name.
Though I should walk in death’s dark valley,
I fear no evil with you by my side,
your shepherd’s staff to comfort me.
You spread a table before me as my foes look on.
You soothe my head with oil;
my cup is more than full.
Goodness and love will tend me every day of my life.
I will dwell in your holy house as long as I shall live.
[verses adapted from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications.]