Psalm 23

Under The Influence…

It seems that human nature tends toward comparison and judgment along with practices that help one to “find their place” and obtain some level of comfort. However, although these skills might be helpful in deciphering and navigating the world around us, they can also lead to complacency, and a sedentary or fixed way of seeing and being. The readings for the Solemnity of Christ the King offer an opportunity to reflect upon choices, judgments, and viewpoints, and to consider by what or whom they are influenced. Or, in other words, to contemplate who is leading you.     

In the First Reading (Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17), the deep level of care and protective nature of God is expressed.

“Thus says the Lord God: I myself will look after and tend my sheep.” (v. 11).

The passage continues to describe God’s desire to rescue, find, and heal as well as God’s promise to make judgments and course correct those who are wrong or have gone astray.

How do you feel about this notion? What’s it like to leave the judgment and course correction to God? Are there areas in which it is more of a challenge than others? Spend some time in prayer asking for guidance around replacing judgments that veer away from God’s desire for you and for a clearer vision of what role God desires for you.

In the Responsorial Psalm (Psalm 23:1-3,5-6), we stay with the image of the Shepherd who takes care of and provides for his sheep. The psalmist writes of the Lord as refreshing their soul, guiding them in right paths, and blessing them so that “goodness and kindness follow” them. The psalmist then says, “I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come” (v. 6).

What do you think they mean? What do you imagine that would be like? How would it feel? In what places or situations have you experienced similar feelings?  

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” (v. 1).

In what ways do you feel inspired when you imagine God’s loving presence permeating all experiences and capable of extending beyond all that might otherwise be a barrier?

Looking to the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 15:20-26, 28), St. Paul writes about Christ the King who helps us to life by helping us to overcome death, in its various forms, while at the same time leaving the ultimate judgment to God.  

“then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. When everything is subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to the one who subjected everything to him, so that God may be all in all.” (v. 24-26, 28).   

What happens when you think about Jesus, to whom God subjected all things, handing the kingdom back to God (v. 24) and subjecting Himself to God? What’s it like for you to let go of something that you have obtained or been given? Where is God in that decision or process?

Now turning to the Gospel (Matthew 25:31-46), Jesus talks to his disciples about the final judgment and separation between sheep (the righteous) and goats. Notice how the criteria that Jesus describes are all things that can be done to take care of and protect others.

“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.” (v. 35-36).

There is always more than just “I,” “me,” and “mine,” and part of striving for the Kingdom of God is not only to know this, but also to live in a way that shows respect, dignity, appreciation, and care for others. Also, it’s not about being perfect or being able to amass a long list of service to others, but rather about focusing efforts on being in service of God by surrendering one’s heart and mind to being under the influence, united with, and led by God.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. – Ps 23:1

What’s Carried…

From one thing to another
A shade, or some truth survives.
Perhaps hidden from plain view,
But nonetheless existing,
If only to be seen, picked,
From underneath the rubble,
Intertwined and wrapped around,
Trying to conceal or blur,
The hard lines and soft edges,
Leading one to discovery.
Aiming, always aiming high,
To the place where feelings go
To wash away thoughts unkind.
Resting in the heart of One,
Meeting up, then stepping out,
Similar but not the same.
Grateful for Your peace and love,
Amazing, so amazing,
What can happen thru Your eyes.
Though the winds may shift and change,
The soul carries on its way,
Steady in One who remains.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. – Psalm 23:1

Upon First Sight…

Upon first sight a threat,
A battle to be had,
A thing to put to rest.
Yet, drawing closer
A picture to behold.
Golden, like the rule,
If only it were practiced.
So many points to reflect upon,
Held together at the center
And spreading out,
As if to say,
I have so many ways,
I am full of life,
But still have room to grow.
Here for now, as if forever, as I am,
But please know better,
All is ever changing.
Working toward the air,
Poetry in motion,
To be blown about,
And all around,
Making waves,
Albeit gentle,
From one life to another.
Eternal presence,
Dwelling for the masses,
Extending hope
And willing for your freedom.
Not to be distorted,
Or held hostage for your needs,
But rather carried with great mercy,
And my love,
The example of compassion.

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. – Psalm 23:1

Guesting…

Entering the wooded path to explore a new place, it seems easy to regard myself as a guest. As such, I am perhaps more mindful (or respectful), and probably more open to appreciating in some way, what lies before me. So often in nature, whether the outdoor or indoor (human kind), the tendency is to see or to remember with greater ease, the extremes. However, in actuality, the majority of what transpires is in between. And in those rare times, when it isn’t, still, nothing is lost, or without value, for the faithful guest who travels with an honest, open heart.

“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII

When it comes down to it, although it may be preferred to be the host, across the board and back, the greater good is most often served in the moments of realizing, that we are indeed, the guest.

I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life. – Psalm 23

From “the greater good” search results of some fellow guests during my lifetime, Presidents 37 through 45…

Remember, always give your best. Never get discouraged. Never be petty. Always remember, others may hate you. But those who hate you don’t win unless you hate them. And then you destroy yourself. – Richard Nixon

I have always believed that most people are mostly good, most of the time. I have never mistaken moderation for weakness, nor civility for surrender. As far as I’m concerned, there are no enemies in politics – just temporary opponents who might vote with you on the next Roll Call. – Gerald Ford

We have a tendency to condemn people who are different from us, to define their sins as paramount and our own sinfulness as being insignificant. – Jimmy Carter

Peace is not absence of conflict, it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. – Ronald Reagan                                       

I take as my guide the hope of a saint: In crucial things, unity; in important things, diversity; in all things, generosity. – George H.W. Bush

We all do better when we work together. Our differences do matter, but our common humanity matters more. – Bill Clinton

Use power to help people. For we are given power not to advance our own purposes nor to make a great show in the world, nor a name. There is but one just use of power and it is to serve people. – George W. Bush

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart, or whether we commit ourselves to an effort — a sustained effort — to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children, and to respect the dignity of all human beings.  – Barack Obama

When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice. The Bible tells us, ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.’ – Donald Trump

“If God created shadows it was to better emphasise the light.” ― Pope Saint John XXIII

Leaning into Peace…

A couple of years ago, I came across this large rock while at a retreat house.

Peace

While the word “Peace” is noticeably engraved toward the top of the stone, not so easily seen are the words engraved toward the bottom left side of it. “In verdant pastures He gives one rest.” These words are reminiscent of Psalm 23, which begins, “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.”

At first glance the rock appears to suggest that peace is an uphill battle. However, despite the fact that it may seem that way, both on this rock and at times in life, perhaps more than anything, it is an invitation. One must remember that Peace is not a destination, but rather a companion on the journey.

As we climb the mountain, the Lord is by our side, solid like a rock, firmly in place, and the peace we find depends upon all that we hold in our hearts and to Whom we lean into, as well as in Whom we rest.

The Lord is my shepherd;
there is nothing I lack.
In green pastures he makes me lie down;
to still waters he leads me;
he restores my soul.
He guides me along right paths
for the sake of his name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff comfort me.
You set a table before me
in front of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Indeed, goodness and mercy will pursue me
all the days of my life;
I will dwell in the house of the Lord
for endless days. – Psalm 23    

Shine…

Jesus said, “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him” (John 9:3). He said this in response to the disciples’ inquiry about whose sin had caused a man to be born blind. In the first book of the Prophet Samuel, when Samuel is in Bethlehem looking to see which of Jesse’s sons he is to anoint as king and successor to Saul, the Lord explains to Samuel, “Not as man sees does God see, because man sees the appearance but the LORD looks into the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

There is an expression, “Offer it up to the Lord.” I have often heard it spoken by well-meaning people suggesting one say, “Thank you Jesus!” in response to the hardship or difficulty another may be going through. As many times as I have heard it said, it has left me pondering what they really mean and how this statement is helpful or comforting to the person who has just been incapacitated or experienced loss in some way. It is wonderful to experience offering trials and tribulations up to the Lord for oneself, but I wonder if that sentiment is often lost when instructing another to do so.

It seems that at times much can be lost in translation or we can get caught up in trying to keep a sense of order and understanding. It is human nature to want to make sense of or to be able to explain or account for things beyond one’s control. After all, no one sets out to break a leg or get sick. When it happens though we ask, “Why?” Perhaps sometimes even getting stuck in the possibilities that may have been the cause.

At the heart of the matter, it can be tempting to spend lots of time searching to see how or why something happened as we move toward what we do have some control over. We always have a choice in how we respond to a situation and in what influences our response. As with many things, it is a process. However, no matter where one may be in that process, there are always invitations to receive the grace of God. Not only that, but also to let it shine.

You, LORD, are my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures you give me repose;
beside restful waters you lead me;
you refresh my soul.
You guide me in right paths
for your name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in your house, LORD,
forever.  (Psalm 23)

Shine