Psalm 23:1-6
The responsorial psalm for today’s celebration 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).