Be Refreshed
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul. (Ps 23:1-3a)
I had the opportunity to watch Joshua recently. The movie is based upon a book named Joshua: A Parable for Today by Joseph F. Girzone. Toward the end of the movie, Joshua (Jesus) meets up with the pope. As they discuss things, Joshua makes a statement about the world: “The world has become such a frightening place. There’s so much anger and not enough love. Deep in the hearts of so many people there’s an emptiness that nothing in this world can fill. And that emptiness makes it impossible for them to love.”
The pope acknowledges that the world is in turmoil and asks Joshua what to do. Joshua tells the pope, “Remind them that I love them, that I died for them. Tell them that my love is real and that if they open their hearts to it, I will fill that emptiness and they will be able to love one another. That’s the message. It hasn’t changed.”
That exchange always brings tears to my eyes. In my thirty-one years as a priest, I have seen people, over and over again, searching for peace and not finding it because they were too afraid to look within, to acknowledge their own need, and to allow the Lord into their heart.
Yet, it is only when we do so that we can find the peace and joy for which we so desperately long.
As we continue our Advent journey, the Church challenges us to look within and to root out all the things that keep us from the Lord.
Jesus is waiting to give us His peace. He is waiting to refresh our souls. Why stand in His way?
FAITH ACTION: Pray Psalm 23 sometime today when you have time to quietly reflect upon the meaning of its words.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
In verdant pastures he gives me repose;
Beside restful waters he leads me;
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk in the dark valley
I fear no evil; for you are at my side
With your rod and your staff
that give me courage.
You spread the table before me
in the sight of my foes;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Only goodness and kindness follow me
all the days of my life;
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for years to come.