Psalm 23 is, most likely,
the best-known piece of Scripture in the world among multiple religions,
denominations, and sects, for the believers and for those who have no faith
affiliation or belief. The origin is ascribed to King David, a shepherd in his
youth, and even through many and various older and more modern translations,
this psalm gives us the moving pastoral image, line-by-line, of the everyday
activities of shepherds*, describing in detail how God cares
for us. We heard this Psalm recently on the 4th Sunday in Lent
and may hear it again in a later reading during this Church year.
It
is also true that sometimes the familiar is so comfortable that we don’t really
hear the phrasing as we repeat syllables by rote. Are we contemplating the
meaning and call to personal response and action behind the words, whether in
this Psalm or any Scripture reading in the Liturgy/Service? We must listen
again with fresh ears, minds, and hearts. The beauty and comfort of the
Shepherd in Psalm 23 is easily zoned in on while the other readings seem more
easily left behind. But even this calming pastoral narrative comes with a
price. We, who want to know ourselves as true and faithful Christians,
must rouse ourselves from complacency, listen closely for the Voice that
calls, and then follow in earnest and in confidence. All that we believe we "have"
on this earthly plain is temporary, which is never clearer than in times of economic
downturns and international conflicts.
For
Episcopalians/Anglicans, the reading from Acts this week is infused with one of
the promises made by us or for us in our Baptismal and/or Confirmation
Covenants: "They devoted themselves to the apostles'
teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers..." The statements of belief and the promises of the
Covenant are a quick refresher and guide to the basics of true Christian
living, and always worth reviewing regularly, whether or not you are of this
denominational heritage and practice. [for more information
click here:
BCPonline for the US version of the Book of Common Prayer - Holy
Baptism - and scroll to pages 304-5 for the promises]
The rise of online
Liturgy/Worship since COVID-19 lockdowns have made regular attendance available
to many who are unable to participate in the usual in-person fellowship and the
breaking and receiving of sacred bread. Prayer and the Apostles’ teachings are
always available to us any time of day or day of the week through online
streaming of services and sermons of Sundays and for many parishes that offer the
Daily Office broadcasts of the prayers and readings for each weekday. For
fellowship most of us can meet and greet each other in person and in many other
ways by text, phone, a quick email, or online chat. As for the breaking
of the bread, last week’s Gospel gave us a moment in the story of Jesus
meeting two people on the road to Emmaus, after the Resurrection. It was when Jesus
took bread and broke it at supper that the two disciples recognized who had
been in their midst [Luke 24:30-31]. Whether we are able to
receive the sacred Eucharist on a Sunday or weekday or not, for those of us who
are fortunate to have several meals each day, let us endeavor to remember to
say a brief prayer of gratitude for what we have as we sit down to eat, and for
hope that others may also be able to receive.
In
the lesson from 1st Peter, we are given the difficult and all-too-current
reminder that although we are to suffer what we must, as Jesus in his Passion,
we are not to return abuse in kind. We are to realize that by the wounds of
Jesus we are healed as we were
going astray like sheep, but...have now returned...
Somedays are easier than others with political fervor
and terrible violence at a daily high pitch. Yet the Gospel of John this week also
carries the Shepherd theme and comforts us with another serene image, that of
Christ as the divine Gate to salvation in a safe and abundant pasture.
Let us not go astray
like sheep but flock
together through the Open Gate to dwell with the Lamb of God now in this life, and
forever in the next.
*I commend to you a charming
and interesting little book, A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by
W. Phillip Keller, for an eye- and soul-opening look at the amazing connections
between the Psalm's imagery and real-life sheep farming.
LET US, GOD’S
PEOPLE, PRAY
Leader: ~ Shepherd
of our Souls, our Holy Gate, Your calming pasture is always open for spiritual
shelter and encouragement in this life each minute, each hour, each day. As You
call us by name, kindle our desire to hear Your voice deep within us and follow
Your call to salvation and abundant life, now and for ever.
By
Your blood we are reconciled
RESPONSE:
By Your wounds we are healed
~ Shepherd
of our Souls, as you stood peaceably in front of the political authorities of
Your mortal time, grant us courage and confidence to peacefully and
persistently urge leaders of this Country, this Community, and this World, to
legislate safety, economic compassion, peace and equity for all people. We
pray especially for: add your own petitions
By Your blood we are reconciled
By Your wounds we are healed
~ Shepherd
of our Souls, anoint the hearts, restore the hope, and give rest from anxiety
to all who are suffering in any physical or emotional way, and also to those who
risk their lives to give protection, rescue, treatment, and all other forms of
care. We pray for those in need… add
your own petitions
By Your blood we are reconciled
By Your wounds we are healed
~ Shepherd
of our Souls, we entrust the souls of all who have left this life to Your care,
knowing that they now dwell in the light of Your House forever. We pray especially for…
add your own petitions
By Your blood we are reconciled
By Your wounds we are healed
~
Shepherd of our Souls, we pause in this moment to offer
You our personal heartfelt thanksgivings, intercessions, petitions, and
memorials… add your own petitions
By Your blood we are reconciled
By Your wounds we are healed
~ Shepherd
of our Souls, Your ordained representatives in our time lead us to Your Gate
with glad and generous hearts. They strive by an increasing variety of ways to
bring You to us, through the Apostles’ teaching and prayer, and continually
evolving options for fellowship. Through Your goodness and mercy, grant them
peace, comfort, and stamina to continue Your work among, with, and for
us. We pray especially for… add
your own petitions
By Your blood we are reconciled
By Your wounds we are healed
The
Celebrant adds: O
Lord our God, we are welcomed always into Your mystical pasture, to live and
thrive on the Divine Bread of Life, Christ Jesus. Awaken us again, in these and
all times, to follow You along the right paths and enter through this Holy Gate to
abundant and eternal life, in Your glorious and infinite kingdom. We ask this
through Jesus the Christ, our Shepherd and Redeemer; and the Holy Spirit, the
Wisdom of our Souls; who together with You reign as One God, forever and ever. Amen.
