God Is my Shepherd, There Is Nothing I Shall Want
Because Psalm 23 is so familiar, we may find ourselves glazing over the beautiful and powerful imagery. Psalm 23 is probably chosen today to form a bridge to the gospel, Jesus as “the gate for the sheep.” The psalm promises that Christ’s loving and protective Presence will be with all disciples as they continue on the journey of discipleship. The journey is long, allowing for becoming lost, losing hope, choosing wrong paths. But Jesus is the Shepherd who has walked the path and is now both at our side and up ahead. So, we can walk confidently. Since this psalm is so familiar, may we pray and reflect on the psalm in a new way, knowing that God cares for each and everyone.
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.]