The Lord is my Shepard

Today's psalm was the 23rd, which is one of my favorites! Its so reassuring, giving of hope and reminding us that we have so many things to be thankful for. "...in verdant pastures He gives me repose...His rod and his staff will follow me, all the days of my life..."

The meditation on The Word Among Us focused on the first reading, Daniel chapter 13, which was quite extensive this morning. It spoke of Susanna, Joakim's wife, and how she was unjustly accused of adultery, all because 2 wicked elders wouldn't control their lusts and desires. Instead of giving in to these unholy men, Susanna gives herself to the Lord, trusting Him completely to deliver her from evil. And because of her faith, the Lord stirs up the Holy Spirit within Daniel, and he helps her prove her innocence! What an extraordinary story! That is the kind of faith I strive for in my God! I pray that when I'm faced with my own trials and temptations, I will look to the Lord for strength and willpower!

There was something that stuck out at me in the gospel today. John 8 spoke of the adulterous woman, and how when the people wanted to stone her, Jesus said, "Let the one of you who is without sin cast the first stone." We must be careful in life not to judge others - or even situations too hastily. But then Jesus says this, which gives hope and comfort; "Neither do I condemn you. Go, and from now on do not sin any more." That is one of the big parts of confession - promising to God that we will amend our lives and do our best to sin no more. Now we are all sinful people, but I have to admit that that's a part of confession I didn't really put much thought into. That's a difficult thing to promise - difficult but possible. With my strength from the Lord, anything is possible! I CAN DO THESE THINGS!!!