By Ken Newbold, provost
Scripture: Psalm 23 (NRSV)
Questioning and exploration are vital elements of the Lenten season, and as the saying goes, “seeing is believing.” In our daily lives we often require visual proof before we trust what we hear. We also rely on our faith in our pursuits of seeking the truth. Lent is a time where we look to strengthen our beliefs, as we use this time to prepare for Christ’s triumph over death and we open our eyes to find signs of God’s love for us as we struggle through these 40 days of intentional reflection.
Here the Psalmist helps show us how God is present in our lives and to provide hope that a belief in God will provide us safety and strength. During Lent we are challenged to explore ways to deepen and demonstrate our faith through personal reflections and action. Psalm 23 provides specific examples of how God offers hope in spite of difficulties. We are called to see but to also follow the path Jesus made for us. By making space to slow down our busy lives, we are able to see how others help, support and care for us. We can use this evidence to extend such compassion to others. What ways can you show others care and love, especially those feeling vulnerable and insecure?
How do you see ways in which God’s love is present in your life? As we restore ourselves in advance of Jesus’s suffering and resurrection, we are called to see the goodness in the world and to extend peace, forgiveness and grace to others, and if we do, we “shall dwell in the house of the Lord.”
Scripture: Psalm 23 (NRSV)
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
2He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters;
3he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
4Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me.
5You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord my whole life long.