Psalm 23:1-3, 5-6

The responsorial psalm for today’s feast comes from Psalm 23, one of the most familiar and best-loved psalms of the entire psalter. It paints vivid pictures of a carefree existence, peaceful rest, and abundant fruitfulness.

God’s loving care, portrayed as that of a shepherd and a host, is drawn from traditions of the Exodus (Isaiah 40:11, 49:10; Jeremiah 31:10).

This psalm takes on its full meaning after Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd” (John 10:11,14, cf. Hebrews 13:20). With Jesus, who has already prepared the table of the Eucharist for us, and under his guidance, we hope to reach the green pastures of his Kingdom, that is, happiness to the full (cf. 1 Peter 5:4, Revelation 7:17).

We pray this psalm on the Solemnity of Christ the King in recognition of the fact that Christ is the Church’s guide and protector.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose;

The psalm opens with its famous metaphor. A shepherd’s responsibility is to lead them to water and pastures to graze that will sustain the entire flock while protecting them and attending to their every need.

Characterizing the LORD as a shepherd means that God will discharge all of these responsibilities for his people.

beside restful waters he leads me; 

Part of what makes this psalm unique is how deeply personal it is. Here it pivots away from the shepherd’s care of the entire flock to attending to one individual, portraying the intimacy of God’s love.

he refreshes my soul.

God’s care goes beyond the psalmist’s physical needs. Their very life force (nepesh), their soul, is renewed.

He guides me in right paths for his name’s sake.

The LORD provides moral guidance as well, for the glorification of God’s name.

You spread the table before me in the sight of my foes;

Another metaphor: God is a generous host who prepares a lavish feast.

This resonates with the bountiful feast described by Isaiah in our first reading, making this a very fitting responsorial for today’s celebration.

you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

The use of perfumed ointments or oils during banquets was a cultural practice in the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world (Psalm 104:15; Matthew 26:7; Luke 7:37; John 12:2). These luxurious ointments were associated with hospitality, celebration, and expressions of honor.

God has made the psalmist an honored guest, anointing him and filling him with good things.

Only goodness and kindness follow me all the days of my life;

The word used here for kindness is actually covenant kindness (hesed), indicating that the magnanimous care and generosity being shown is more than a mere passing sentiment.

The psalmist knows the benefits of this covenant kindness will endure for the rest of his life.

and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

Whether this alludes to the Temple or merely signifies the abode of God, the essential message is clear: The psalmist has been under the direct care of God and will remain there permanently.

In light of Jesus’ description of himself as the Good Shepherd, all who believe in him and his work of redemption can share this confidence.

“Just as when a shepherd, who sees his flock scattered, takes up one of his sheep and brings it to where he wants to go, and draws the others along the path behind him, the Word of God assumed our human nature that had long gone astray. He took the form of a slave, uniting himself to all mankind, and thus led all to turn to him; in so doing, he led into the divine pastures those who had walked by dangerous ways at the mercy of rapacious wolves” (Theodoret of Cyrrhus, De Incarnatione Domini, 28).