There are scenes and there are scenes. Some of them, like a photo of a parched desert, have little appeal. Others, like wedding ceremonies, draw attention because they evoke memories. Still others, like the Iwo Jima memorial in Washington DC, can stir up feelings of pride in the nation’s history and strengthen a sense of citizenship. Vivid scenes and settings tell arresting stories that stir the viewer’s heart.

For many believers, the portrait sketched out in the 23rd psalm is the most stirring of them all. “The Lord is my shepherd, there is nothing I shall want.” It’s a scene that has engraved itself on countless imaginations all through the centuries.

A flock of sheep has lost its way and wandered off into the trackless wilderness, a place of thirst and hunger, scorching heat, rustlers, wandering wolves and jackals. What will come of this stranded herd?

Stepping into the scene is this caring and all-knowing shepherd. Catching their attention, he begins to lead them back to a place of safety, walking with them all through the dark night and staying close the whole way.  He coaxes them off the bare desert floor onto a lush green pasture and sits them next to a rippling stream where they begin to eat and drink their fill. Not only do their fears begin to melt, but they themselves begin to take in something of the Shepherd’s courage.

The idea here is to place ourselves imaginatively inside scenes in the Bible, especially this one – and while there just let God’s Spirit begin to speak. Entering a setting is a form of meditation, relying simply on what arises in mind and heart as you slip into the picture.

Someone showed me a somewhat altered version of this episode. In it, the shepherd isn’t walking through the fields but rather is hanging over a cliff and reaching down to grab hold of a frightened lamb caught on a ledge below. Letting this portrayal sink in, you come away with an even sharper feel for how totally the shepherd gives himself for those he would protect.

This in mind, let us listen again to the classic words of this soothing prayer.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. In verdant pastures he gives me repose. Besides restful waters he leads me; he refreshes my soul.

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.

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.

A scene not only to remember, but also to absorb.

In a tender letter, Mother Seton steps into this landscape.

You will triumph, for it is Jesus who fights—not you, my dear one. Oh! No, Young and timid, weak, and irresolute, the Lamb could not stem a torrent, nor stand the beating storm, but the tender Shepherd takes it on his shoulder, casts his cloak about it, and the happy trembler finds itself at home before it knew its journey was half finished. (Letter to Cecilia Seton, August 8, 1808)