Abundant pity and abundant restoration

We continue our journey through the Psalms. The theme of our journey is “how God cares for us.”

The Collect for today’s Mass (Thursday of the 5^th week of Easter) says that

“by [God’s] grace,

though sinners, we are made just,

and though pitiable, made blessed . . . “

Let’s take a look at Psalm 23 in light of that prayer, especially in light of the admission that we are sinners, and that we are to be pitied. Matthew 9:36: At the sight of the crowds, his heart was moved with pity for them because they were troubled and abandoned, like sheep without a shepherd.”

The Lord is my shepherd,

there is nothing I shall want.

·         Does not leave us alone and abandoned. He becomes the shepherd that we may have been lacking. What’s more, he becomes a shepherd with an infinite amount of blessings in his bag: God’s grace makes up for everything. No matter how pitiable we may be, He provides for everything we are lacking, everything we may have lost, everything we think we have forfeited because of our own sin, weakness or negligence. Let Him into every empty space and hole in your heart and soul, let Him fill you, let Him care for you.

·         Jesus Christ Himself takes the shepherd theme from this psalm, which He knew well, and amplifies it through some beautiful passages we have been considering in our readings the past couple of weeks. If you would like to do an extended meditation on this theme, take the time to do a slow, prayerful reading of John’s Gospel, chapter 10.

Fresh and green are the pastures where he gives me repose.

·         We need repose because we are tired and warn out. Our own folly has left us grazing in fields marked by drought and dust.  Isaiah 55:2: Why spend your wages for what fails to satisfy? The shepherd leads us to where we need to be: to a lush land of plenty where we might feast and refresh ourselves.

Near restful waters he leads me, to revive my drooping spirit.

·         I can’t help thinking of the story of the woman at the well in John 4. She is thirsty, and Jesus promises her “living water.” Her spirit is drooping, likes ours are at times, and his encounter with her fills her life with new meaning and new enthusiasm. Perhaps we can recall when that has happened to us. Perhaps we need it to happen again now.

He guides me along the right path.

·         Picture the Lord saying, “Don’t go this way—it will lead to trouble and sadness. Here, I will show you the way that leads to life.”

We will continue with Psalm 23 next time.

God bless you and refresh you.