Minnesota Episcopal
Environmental Stewardship
Commission (MEESC)

⁵ O LORD, YOU are my portion and my cup; *
it is you who uphold my lot.

⁶ My boundaries enclose a pleasant land; *
indeed, I have a goodly heritage.

⁷ I will bless the LORD who gives me counsel; *
my heart teaches me, night after night.

⁸ I have set the LORD always before me; *
because he is at my right hand I shall not fall.

⁹ My heart, therefore, is glad, and my spirit rejoices; *
my body also shall rest in hope.

¹⁰ For you will not abandon me to the grave, *
nor let your holy one see the Pit.

¹¹ You will show me the path of life; *
in your presence there is fullness of joy,
and in your right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Reflection on Psalm 16:5-11
by Nan Stokes

The lessons today speak of the faith and commitment of those who belong to the Lord, and we hear again the story of Abraham and his plan to sacrifice his son, Isaac, whom he loved. We who consider ourselves faithful and dedicated Christians do not expect to ever have to make such a commitment – we know the story and know that the God we worship is loving, and we hear Paul telling us that nothing can separate us from God's love. In the portion of the psaltery appointed for this day we find our link to Creation as the psalmist speaks about "a pleasant land" that is "our goodly heritage." In the depths of Lent we are reminded again of the blessings which surround us – our "boundaries" of faith – to show us the path of life and to look for the evidence of God in our continued commitment.

Reflections available at the active links

Reflections available at the active links