Lectionary Reflection
Year A, Lent 4
Standard (Episcopal) Lectionary – Revised
Common Lectionary
Psalm
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Psalm 23
- The LORD is my shepherd; *
I shall not be in want.
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- He makes me lie down in green pastures
*
and leads me beside still waters.
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- He revives my soul *
and guides me along right pathways for his Name's sake.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 by the Division
of Christian Education of the National Council of the Church
of Christ in the USA, and used by permission. |
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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.
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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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