The words are familiar: “The Lord is my shepherd ….” I have recited this Psalm many times with the dying, with the bereaved, with those struggling to find the strength to move on, or the strength to face a fear-filled future.
I have been with agitated men and women of a certain age, robbed of mental acuity by illness or injury, and watched calm wash over them and through them, watched peace come to them as I recited the words of Psalm 23.
But, change the word order and you will have the heart of our conversation in the Sunday Morning Forum as it gathers at 9:00 am on Sunday, April 29, 2012.
The Lord is my shepherd … . Ah, peace, strength, and …
IS the Lord my shepherd …? Ah. Wait. What? How dare you suggest …
In the readings appointed for Sunday we hear:
The Lord is my Shepherd … (Psalm 23:1)
We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us … (1 John 3:16)
Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd.The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep….” (John 10:11)
Look through the ups and downs of your life.
- In what ways have these words of scripture been true for you?
- When have these words been part of your prayers?
- Are you ready to risk sharing a bit of your history with the group.
- IS the Lord your shepherd?
- What has this come to mean for you?
- Have you always been secure in this knowledge?
- Have you ever been secure in this knowledge?
Telling our stories of encounter with the Risen Lord, the Good Shepherd, is a fulfillment of our Baptismal Covenant to “proclaim by word … the Good News of God in Christ.”
I invite you to leave a comment, even a story, here. Let your words open the mystery and meaning of speaking this way about God and our relationship with God.
Hear what the Spirit is saying 