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Lectionary Reflection

Year A, Lent 4
Standard (Episcopal) Lectionary – Revised Common Lectionary
Psalm

Psalm 23 (Standard and RCL)

The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
 
 
He makes me lie down in green pastures *
and leads me beside still waters.

He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I shall fear no evil; *
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You spread a table before me in the presence of those
who trouble me; *
you have anointed my head with oil,
and my cup is running over.

Surely your goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days
of my life, *
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

 

 

 

Reflection on Psalm 23
by Nan Stokes

Today we read of the anointing of David, the shepherd boy, in the Old Testament lesson, and we are refreshed with the familiar words of the 23rd Psalm, full of descriptions of God's creation, where we long to be – green pastures and still waters. Even in the presence of those who trouble us, we fear not, because we are comforted and God is with us. Samuel poured oil on David's head, and "the spirit of the Lord came mightily on David" with this anointing. It's hard to imagine what it would be like to have oil poured on your head, but it would certainly get your attention! It is hard to relate to what it was like to be a shepherd alone in green pastures, too, and yet when we are overwhelmed with all the trials of our daily lives, it seems idyllic – a quiet place where our souls can be revived. Do you have such a quiet, sacred place where you can go, either physically or in your thoughts, and be refreshed, no matter how loud and busy the surroundings? Do you find God there? How blessed you are if you are aware that goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life. Keep that thought, as penitence consumes you, and Lent leads you on to Easter.

 

Printable version

To Reflections on other Readings for Year A, Lent 4:

Reflections available at the active links
Standard (Episcopal)
Lectionary
Revised Common
Lectionary
Old Testament (Hebrew Scripture) Lesson:
1 Samuel 16: 1-13
1 Samuel 16: 1-13
Psalm
Psalm 23
(this page)
Psalm 23
(this page)
New Testament Lesson
Ephesians 5: (1-7) 8-14
Ephesians 5: 8-14
Gospel
John 9: 1-13 (14-27) 28-38
John 9:1-41

 

Nan Stokes was an active member of St. Edward's Episcopal Church, Duluth, MN, when she originally wrote this reflection in 1999. Nan and we welcome your comments. Please address your comments or additional reflections to Nan Stokes or any MEESC member, or mail them to:


 MEESC
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