The 23rd Psalm strengthens our faith as we claim Christ as the shepherd of our lives. May we turn to the Lord in our need and call upon God for help when we assist others on their journey through life.
On this feast of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of the Universe, we follow Him as our shepherd in this life…so that we will be ready to be judged by Him in the next.
Psalm 23 proclaims “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” Through love, knowledge and action we draw near to our Shepherd and are guided by Him on our journey through life.
Themes of repentance, baptism, and sheep surface this week. Take a look:
1st Reading – Peter exhorts the crowd to repent and be baptized
Psalm – “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.”
2nd Reading – Christ bore our sins on the Cross, for we were like straying sheep
Gospel – The Lord is the gate for the sheep; we must pass through Him
The Scriptures speak of Jesus as both Shepherd and Gate. Why? Because like sheep sometimes we find ourselves in trouble, unprotected, abandoned, and in need of serious help. The shepherd guards and guides the sheep; entry through the gate allows the sheep to pass into a place of safety.
Our human need for help arises from our sins. While the joy of this Easter season is ringing in our hearts, we still take the time to call to mind our need for the Savior – the Good Shepherd – who offers his life for us. Indeed, it is the saving death and resurrection of Jesus that we proclaim in every Baptism, Confession, and Eucharist…sacraments that many receive in this holy season.
Knowing that the Lord has freed us from sin and death, we can honestly acknowledge our sins and joyfully offer our gratitude – running to the Lord for the grace and strength we need.
The 23rd Psalm holds a special place in the hearts of many, and for good reason; these words have brought comfort and guidance for thousands of years…and may they do so in ours today.