Verse of the Day

Footnotes

1. Psalm 23:1 This psalm is a profession of joyful trust in the Lord as the good Shepherd-King that has become one of the world’s greatest prayers. The image of God in shepherd’s garb has parallels in the Prophets (see Isa 40:11; Ezek 34:11-16) and will be the best known of the allegories in which Jesus speaks of himself (see Jn 10:11-18), so much so that the New Testament writers love to give him this title (see Heb 13:20; 1 Pet 2:25; Rev 7:17). The water, oil, and cup of wine of which the text speaks made Christians think of the Sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist. As a result, the psalm used to be sung during the Easter Vigil by the newly baptized, who were filled with the joy of God.
   In praying this psalm, we can dwell on the fact that the heavenly Father’s love embraces us from eternity, preparing for us in Christ all kinds of spiritual blessings: election, adoption, redemption, incorporation into Christ (see Eph 1:3-14). He watches over us solicitously (see Mt 6:25-34) and follows us through the Good Shepherd who seeks out the straying sheep until he finds it again (see Lk 15).
2. Psalm 23:2 Green pastures: a symbol for everything that makes life flourish. Tranquil streams: literally, “waters of resting places,” waters that bring refreshment and well-being (see Isa 49:10).
3. Psalm 23:3 Restores my soul: the Lord revitalizes the psalmist’s spirit (see Ps 19:8; Ru 4:15; Prov 25:13; Lam 1:16). Paths of righteousness: paths that conform to the will of the Lord, the “right way.”