Psalms – Chapter 23

Old Testament • 10 Verses

1On the first day of the week, a psalm for David. The earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof: the world, and all they that dwell therein.

2For he hath founded it upon the seas; and hath prepared it upon the rivers.

3Who shall ascend into the mountain of the Lord: or who shall stand in his holy place?

4The innocent in hands, and clean of heart, who hath not taken his soul in vain, nor sworn deceitfully to his neighbour.

5He shall receive a blessing from the Lord, and mercy from God his Saviour.

6This is the generation of them that seek him, of them that seek the face of the God of Jacob.

7Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.

8Who is this King of Glory? the Lord who is strong and mighty: the Lord mighty in battle.

9Lift up your gates, O ye princes, and be ye lifted up, O eternal gates: and the King of Glory shall enter in.

10Who is this King of Glory? the Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

Reflection for Today

The Catholic Church has treasured Psalm 23 as one of the most beloved expressions of trust in God's providential care. According to Catholic teaching, the image of the Lord as shepherd finds its fulfillment in Christ, the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). The Catechism presents Christ as the shepherd who seeks the lost and gathers His flock into the one Church (CIC 754).

In Catholic theology, the "green pastures" and "still waters" are understood as the spiritual nourishment provided through the sacraments. The "table prepared before me" is seen by the Church Fathers as a reference to the Eucharist—the banquet where Christ feeds us with His own Body and Blood. St. Augustine wrote that this psalm describes the journey of the Christian soul from Baptism through life's trials to eternal communion with God.

The "valley of the shadow of death" speaks to the Catholic understanding of suffering as participation in Christ's Passion. The Church teaches that united to Christ, our sufferings become redemptive (CIC 1505). The promise of dwelling "in the house of the Lord forever" points to the beatific vision—the eternal happiness of seeing God face to face, which is the ultimate goal of Catholic life.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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