Pastures and Valleys

A Reflection on the Psalm for Sunday, October 15th, 2023:
Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

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​Psalm 23

R. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.

​R. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff — they comfort me. 

​R. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 

​R. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long. 

​​R. I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

The psalm for this Sunday is a familiar one and probably the most well-known. I heard a story once about this psalm. A great orator was visiting a town, and the people filled the arena to hear this famous speaker known for his eloquence. The orator was well dressed, clean shaven, and appeared to be well off. His speeches and stories had the audience laughing, crying, and rejoicing at all the right moments. At the end of the evening, the great orator announced that he would close the evening by reciting the 23rd Psalm. He had it memorized. He emphasized all the right words and paused in all the important places. The crowd gave him a standing ovation when he finished. An old man in the audience stood and asked if he too could recite that psalm for the people. He was poor in appearance and did not hold the same type of confidence that the orator held. The orator agreed, thinking how terrible the old man would sound and how much more the people would love his own work. The old man came to the stage, pulled out a tattered old bible, opened it and read the 23rd Psalm. When he finished, the room was completely silent. It was the most peaceful atmosphere. The great orator was shocked and could not believe the response of the people; he had never left an audience speechless. The orator went to the old man and asked, “What is your secret? I would love to be able to bring about such a response!” The old man looked at the great orator and said simply, “You know the psalm, but I know the Shepherd – and that makes all the difference.” 

We do need to know the psalm (that is, we need to know scripture), but we must also know the Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Psalm 23 speaks about being led to green pastures, but it also speaks of dark valleys. The life I live in faith is not perfect! I struggle and I am weak, but I know that the Lord is leading me. He gives me rest when I am in need, and when I am in difficulty, He comforts me. I am not alone. What a blessing it is to know that I do not walk alone in green pastures or in darkest valleys!

In the Second Reading today, Saint Paul says, “Brothers and sisters: I know what it is to have little, and I know what it is to have plenty.” If the apostles of Jesus knew hardship, how can I believe that I will not face it in my own life. Rather than striving to avoid pain and difficulties, I must seek the Good Shepherd and trust Him to lead me where I need to be. 



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​Sr. Teresa MacDonald

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