The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. — Psalm 23:1

Mass Readings: Ezekiel 34:11-12,15-17 / 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28 / Matthew 25:31-46  

A Blanket of Peace 

I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love Psalm 23, the one that begins “The Lord is my shepherd.” That’s the responsorial for this last Sunday of the liturgical year, the feast of Christ the King. 

The psalmist’s words and images are especially comforting to Christians at the time of the death of a loved one. When I find my life in turmoil — when I feel hurt or deeply troubled about something — I’ll lie quietly or go to sleep reciting this prayer. It’s then that I feel God’s love descending around me like a warm and comforting blanket of peace. 

Prayer: Lord, my shepherd, lead me home.