Psalm Reflection: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I lack.” - Psalm 23:1

I have heard this Psalm so many times that I tend to brush over it and not really listen to what it says. In reflecting upon it this week, I asked myself, “is there really nothing I lack?” I feel like most people live life the opposite way, always trying to achieve more, get more money, rise to the top, and have a life worthy of causing jealousy on Instagram. But life without a filter is messy, and when we follow materialistic desires we quickly realize that as soon as the “things” run out, so does our happiness. That is why Jesus is called the Good Shepherd, because we need Him to lead us and remind us that life is meant to be lived in complete reliance on Him. Are you comfortable living life with only what God wants to give you? Are you willing to surrender your plans and trust that God knows your heart and knows what you need? God would not place a desire upon your heart that He did not intend to fulfill, He just may not fulfill them in the way that you thought. This week, invite God into your decisions, big and small, and ask Him to take away whatever is not His will. It may be the most dangerous and the most fruitful prayer you ever pray. We are praying for you.

See you in the Eucharist!