Psalm Reflection: The Fourth Sunday of Lent (Cycle A)

“The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.” - Psalm 23

Lately I feel like the world is living the opposite of this Psalm. In what I see unfolding around me, it seems like many people believe that “the Lord is not going to provide, so everything is what I want.”

It is difficult to see so much careless and selfish behavior on display. We are showing our true colors to ourselves, our county, the world and to God. Isn’t it fitting that this would happen during Lent? In a season marked by prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we are thrust into a situation where the temptation is so do the opposite: to fear, hoard, and be selfish. But in this trial there are also stories of hope and great charity. There are those speaking up for the more vulnerable and making a difference in their communities by helping one another and looking out for their neighbors. It is seeing these acts of love, and seeing how God has provided so much to me and my family already, that I am reminded of his faithfulness.

A shepherd is someone who looks after their flock, and Jesus is the shepherd who would foolishly leave the ninety-nine in search of the one who goes astray. For me, knowing and trusting in that God is a win-win. I can trust in His faithfulness to provide and protect me and family. And should I become ill, I trust in His healing power. And should I die, I trust in the promise to dwell with God for all eternity.

What else do I need? What more could I want?

I know this is a time of fear, anxiety, loneliness, and economic burden on so many. It is easy to feel like hope is lost, like there is no way out, like the ship is sinking. Fear not. Even if your heart goes astray, Jesus will come find you where you are and bring you back. We are afraid and panicking to buy or prepare what we can to feel like we are in control, but we are not. We must remember that God is. He is in control.

In what ways is God asking you to surrender control? To trust Him more? Lean into His faithfulness in your prayer this week, and look outward instead of inward to see who you can serve in this time of great need.

We are praying for you this week.

See you in the Eucharist.