Getting the Emphasis Correct
March 11, 2026
Fr. John Riccardo
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23).
There’s a funny line in a somewhat older movie now, where a young trainee mispronounces a word. The trainer, not a particularly kind man, laughs at her and, in correcting her, says, “You put the wrong emphasis on the wrong syllable.” That line comes to mind as I pray with the Psalm that the Church invites us to pray with this coming weekend.
Psalm 23 is almost certainly the most well-known of all the Psalms in the Bible. In fact, it’s assuredly one of the most well-known pieces of literature in human history. However, until alarmingly recently, I think I both recited it and understood it like that young trainee. I’m a suburban kid; the only place I encountered sheep growing up was on a menu. The emphasis is not supposed to be placed on the word shepherd, as in “The Lord is my shepherd.” No, the emphasis is on the word Lord, and also on the word my, as in, “The Lord is my shepherd.”.
Sheep are entirely helpless creatures. They have absolutely no means of defending themselves. They have neither claws, nor sharp teeth. They can’t run away from danger, as they’re not fast. Unlike a porcupine they have no quills. They don’t even have the creative defense of a skunk. It gets worse, though. When they are afraid, sheep are prone to stay where they are and shake. And bleat. Of course, all this does is attract predators.
And these are the animals to which the Lord compares us in the Gospels!
What, then, protects sheep from wolves, bears and other predators. Only one thing. Their shepherd. A shepherd is the only means of defense these fluffy little creatures have.
And, so, the psalmist cries out, “The Lord is my shepherd.” In other words, the One who created the universe from nothing, the one who called into existence everything that is, the one who has no rival and is never anxious or nervous, He is the one who looks after me, who cares for me, who leads me to nourishment, who protects and fights for me. It’s as though the psalmist is inviting us to ask ourselves to whom or to what we look for nourishment, care, and protection. We are, I believe, being asked to consider who our shepherd is?
Now, some of us might be inclined to think we don’t need any shepherds at all. Especially, perhaps, if we’re young, have a great education, know the right people, and have some degree of financial stability. How often do these things create the illusion that we are independent whereas in fact we’re every bit as helpless and defenseless in the grand scheme of things as sheep. After all, against the powers of Sin, Death and the demonic hordes of hell, we are utterly defenseless.
And so again the Psalmist invites us to consider: Who is my shepherd? Who is yours?
Here’s the truth, dear people of God. We don't have to be afraid of those cosmic powers. We aren’t on our own. We’re not alone. Our help is in the name of the Lord who made heaven and earth!
As we draw ever closer now to Holy Week and the great event of our rescue, let us call upon the Holy Spirit, and the intercession of David and all the saints, to know ever better this Shepherd, and all He has done for us, and to trust Him.
ACTS XXIX Prayer Intentions
March 2026
For the Church in this season of Lent, that God would create within us a clean heart so that at Easter we may shine ever more brightly as a sign of His love to a world longing for Him.
For those traveling from across the country to participate in our Leadership Immersives, that all of us who gather may be open to the renewal of our minds and be reconfigured ever more to Jesus for mission.
For our ongoing ministry in the Diocese of Orange, California, that we remain attentive to the voice of God and faithfully bless what He has entrusted to us.
For the Jesus Conference, that as we gather in October as God’s family, as His sons and daughters, may be open to all the Father desires to speak, and be sent forth in His power to gather His scattered children.
For our Episcopal Advisory Council, Board of Directors, and faithful friends in mission, that they would know the Father’s delight, grow ever more deeply in His love, and know our heartfelt gratitude for their friendship.