Praying the Psalms – Psalm 23
June 19, 2010
Jenny at Just a Minute hosts a Saturday meme called “Praying the Psalms”. Visit her this week to find other Catholic comments on Psalm 23.
We often hear Psalm 23 quoted in movies dramatizing burial services because it mentions the “midst (or valley) of the shadow of death”. I use the Douay-Rheims Bible often and the translation sometimes differs from the more familiar RSV, giving additional opportunities to delve into the mysteries of God’s Word. What struck me today about Psalm 23 is that it mentions three of the seven sacraments in our life with God.
1 The Lord ruleth me: and I shall want nothing. [In Hebrew, is my shepherd, viz. to feed, guide, and govern me.]
2 He hath set me in a place of pasture. [God puts us where He wants us to be and provides for all our needs.] He hath brought me up, on the water of refreshment: [Baptism, when we begin our life in God]
3 He hath converted my soul. [By God's power we are converted from the darkness of Original Sin to the Light of Christ.] He hath led me on the paths of justice, for His own name’s sake. [For the sake of His beloved Son who died for each of us, the Father gives us the road map to heaven.]
4 For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for Thou art with me. [Sin, death, chaos and confusion are all around us. We walk daily in the midst of the shadow of death (sin) but God is always with us and willing to give us grace to vanquish evil. We need only to cling to Him and not try to do battle by ourselves.] Thy rod and Thy staff, they have comforted me. [We are comforted and secure when we follow the laws of God and the Two Great Commandments].
5 Thou hast prepared a table before me against them that afflict me. [The Holy Eucharist, our strength in the valley of the shadow of death.] Thou hast anointed my head with oil; [Baptism - we have been claimed by God as His own with the anointing at Baptism] and my chalice which inebriateth me, how goodly is it! [The Holy Eucharist fills us with grace, peace, light, and strength so powerful our souls are drunk with the goodness of God.]
6 And Thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days. [The sacrament of Penance (mercy) and the spirit of conversion makes it possible for us to dwell in the house of the Lord for eternity.]
How great God is to have done these things for us. To be good sheep we only need to stay close to Jesus and feed on the pasture He gives us. But should we wander into sin, He will call us back with his staff and show us mercy because He delights in us and desires that we delight in Him.
10 Comments to Praying the Psalms – Psalm 23
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I love this! Thank you!
“How great God is to have done these things for us. To be good sheep we only need to stay close to Jesus and feed on the pasture He gives us. But should we wander into sin, He will call us back with his staff and show us mercy because He delights in us and desires that we delight in Him.”
Yes, you’ve said it perfectly, Barb! Thanks for stopping by my blog
“I use the Douay-Rheims Bible often and the translation sometimes differs from the more familiar RSV”
Ha! I frequently do the samme with the D-R, and also compare it to the KJV as well.
BTW, do you use BlueLetterBible to check the Hebrew and Greek?
That’s what I do, too, plus I have the CCD Bible translation that was given me as a high school graduation present by my parents in 1963 and a Jerusalem Bible I got later in the 1960s. I wish I were fluent in Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew so I could get more out of Scripture, but I guess God wants me to sweat to go deeper into the Word.
I’ve been using a web site called “Biblos” which has multiple Bible translations and also Hebrew and Greek words. I’ll check out BlueLetterBible and add it to my Favorites. A person can never have too many reference points when it comes to Sacred Scripture.
Whenever I think of the 23rd Psalm, the King James Version immediately comes to mind. And frankly, I find that other versions just don’t sound right to me. But that’s just my preference…
Thanks for this beautiful reflection.
Evan
I love the KJV and always look at it when I am writing about scripture along with my other translations. Comparing translations helps me unlock the meaning of the passages more easily.
Beautiful! This psalm never fails to give comfort. We sheep are so lucky to have such a loving Good Shepherd.
Barb, thank you for this meditation. You words are always full of much thought.