The Lord Is My Shepherd

Dear Sisters,

Currently I am reading I'm Not Being Fed: Discovering the Food That Satisfies the Soul by Jeff Cavins.

The book recounts beautifully Jeff's reversion to the Catholic Faith.  In moving language and minute detail for which this bible scholar is known, Cavins points out all the many reasons that the 2nd largest religious denomination in the United States is ex-Catholics.  As the Catholics leave The Church to be 'fed' elsewhere, they become like sheep wandering in the desert.  Some fall into deep pits where they perish, some lose their way and are devoured by animals, some wander around and around in the same circular paths without ever finding the restful pastures or still waters that they are seeking.

Cavins points to Psalm 23 as a sort of road map of our lives when we follow the Good Shepard who is Our Lord Jesus.  I found his insights so moving and I decided to explore in my own life the ways that I have followed and how I have strayed from the path the Good Shepard has laid before me.

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd there is nothing I lack.

How true that when I have allowed God to be my shepherd, I lacked nothing.  I think of the times we spend in the home of Only 1 Holy Spirit for our Endow or book studies.  Sometimes it has been an effort to leave a problem, concern, irritation, or undone task behind as I concentrate on just BEING with each of you.  Opening myself to the Spirit and putting everything behind has indeed been a time when I have lacked for nothing.  My cup has been full to the brim.  So too in my life.  When I've put the Lord first, no matter how arduous a task to do so, I have been rewarded with complete serenity and peace.  These precious opening words written by King David more than 3000 years ago I resolve to keep close to my heart.  The Lord is My Shepherd there is Nothing I lack.

In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me; you restore my strength.

Waves of serenity lap over me as I meditate on these words.  I am filled with a vision of a bucolic scene of intense green grass, a pond of still water and Our Lord at one time guarding me from danger and taking joy in seeing me so filled with calm and peace.  In this pasture, I allow Jesus to have my back.  I allow Him to guide me.  I allow Him to show me the way.  I eat where He says I should and the food feeds me unto eternal life.  I drink deeply of the still waters and find that my thirst is slaked for the first time in my life.  Tears run down my face as I let the Good Shepherd lead me where He knows I must go to be safe, and fed.  What freedom to just let go and let God!

You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.

Every generation needs to resolve anew to follow the Good Shepherd onto the right path.  Our church in America took a turn into the wilderness, leaving us exposed to the wolves, hyenas and bears.  But like the wonderful shepherd He is, Jesus has not allowed us to wander forever.  He has called each of us in our group to come to Him.  He knows our names and He called us back to him.  He has sent us worthy shepherds (Jeff Cavins, Scott Hahn, Mother Angelica, 'Mitch', JPII, Benedict XVI, Francis, Bishop Olmsted etc) to lead the way along the right path for the 'sake of His name.'  Think ladies how much our perspective of the world around us has changed since allowing us to be guided.  Every relationship in my life has been renewed.  Guide me all the days of my life Lord!!

Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.

How true this is!  The world is very dark indeed.  Cavins points out in the book that every Christian denomination or non-denominational church is following a heresy from the first 4 centuries of Christianity.  All these old heresies have found new names, but are the same recycled ideas of old. A dark valley indeed.  I think of my very nice 'hippie' neighbors from across the street.  They are into Reiki.  A quick prayer to St. Michael for protection and I'm ready to interact in charity with them.  They a sweet couple, but because they don't follow the Good Shepherd, they've wondered off into a very dark world.  I wish them rest in the Lord.

You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Cavins points out the obvious reference to the Sacrament of the Eucharist in these lines from the Psalm.  How true it is ladies that the table is set for us even in this hostile world.  The table has been set even by false shepherds within the church. Our Lord has found a way to be with us always, and it doesn't depend on the inner disposition of the shepherd at the altar, but by His grace alone.  We have received the anointing, the sign of his approval and welcome into His family.  My cup does indeed overflow as I contemplate the Lord's Mercy to us in this beautiful sacrament.  May our church always set the table and invite all to partake of the Lord's Mercy.

Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the Lord for years to come.

Oh Good Shepherd how wondrous you are!  I pray for all my family members and friends that don't understand the goodness and love that God offers.  To know that by following the Good Shepherd I will dwell in his house is so humbling.  I don't deserve it.  I'm just a silly sheep.  I've wandered far away at times.  I have heard Him call and not answered.  I have hurt Him with my disobedience and yet, because He is Good, He has comes after me and has tenderly carried me home.  Goodness and Love I wish for all of you, dear sisters, all the days of your life and when those lives are over, may we find each other in the home of our Father.

Love and Peace!!