Mary's Musings: Lord is my Shepherd

By Mary Bridges, Chaplain

Throughout history, early writings and manuscripts were revised from time to time. Historians believe the 23rd Psalm was written around 1,000 B.C. In January, we began exploring Rabbi Harold Kushner’s book “The Lord is my Shepherd” during our weekly chapel services. Each week, we explored a different phrase of this beloved Psalm and heard a different translation or paraphrase of it. We explored Rabbi Kushner’s thoughts on the ancient words and today’s meanings.

The book connects two meanings of the same word, staff: In the ancient world, people were very familiar with how the shepherds used their staff to pull their sheep out of the pits they have fallen into. In today’s world, “When people are struggling and call out to God, God sends a member of His staff to do the comforting.” I believe each of us are called to become God’s “staff,” to reach out to comfort the hurting people in our world.

Jesus said to Peter, “Feed my sheep.” (John 21:17)

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