Reflections

Psalm 23: 1-2, 3-4, 5, 6 (Read)

“The Lord is my shepherd;

there is nothing I shall want.”

We are like sheep and we look to
the Good Shepherd to lead us beside
still waters, and guide us along right

paths. We fear no harm, because the

Good Shepherd is at our side.

The Psalm's words are a source of

peace for us, a source of strength,

a source of healing. The Lord

provides for us, as he does the little

sparrows and the lilies of the field –

“There is nothing I shall want.”

The Lord restores us, for we had gone astray

like sheep, but have returned to the shepherd

and guardian of our souls.

(Sunday’s 2^nd reading,1 Peter 2:25)

Jesus himself assures us that we who enter

the sheepfold through Him will be saved and

will find pasture (Gospel, John 10:9).

We lack nothing when we trust in the Lord.

We fear nothing, even when our lives are at

a low point spiritually or physically. Having

been rescued by our Savior, and now counted

among His obedient sheep, we are ready to do

His will. We are groomed to enter the Kingdom

and dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

Amen

Discussion Questions for Reflection

1. The Psalm assures us that we will be given repose by the Lord and led to restful waters. Describe how these verses are a source of peace and a source of healing for you.

2. Our psalmist assures us that only goodness and mercy will follow us all the days of our

life and that we shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever. Tell of how you are comforted

by these words that speak of our eternal joy in the Lord's mansion.

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Studying the Psalms

The Psalms are a powerful part of the Mass and are often overlooked in Catholic Bible studies. I believe the Psalms should be studied in relation to the Gospel and the other scripture readings of the Mass, and we should attempt to see how the Psalms tie in to the teaching of the day.

The Psalms, although written thousands of years ago and well before the time of Christ, are alive, and speak powerfully to each of us. These reflections that appear in these pages talk of how we apply the verses of the Psalms to our everyday life and how the Psalms can inspire us, convict us, teach us, and strengthen our faith.

About Barry Lamont

As an adult convert, Barry was baptized nearly 40 years ago in Boston, along with his wife and his two daughters.
His eyes were opened, and he recognized Jesus as the way to his salvation and as the way to ensure the spiritual well being
of his wife and his children. He is now a daily communicant.

Barry realizes there is a spiritual battle going on all around him, and he needs all the weapons that his faith provides.
Scripture says the sword of the spirit is the Word of God.
Barry believes the Word is a powerful instrument of God that
can purify and strengthen him, and guide him.

Following his retirement some ten years ago, Barry began to study the Sunday readings as a member of the Bread of Life Bible Study. He was inspired to celebrate the Psalms as a way of doing the Lord's work. Armed with the power of the Word, Barry believes he is better equipped to do the will of the Lord, who speaks to us through the verses of the Psalms. The Bible says, “It was I who chose you.” Barry now has a job from which he will not be retiring.