Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Sacraments in Psalm 23 + weekly Q&A

Welcome, new blog followers Karinann and Brian Eugene Lim, OP.

Just had to share with you this amazing post about the allegorical meaning of Psalm 23. It's by the astute and interesting Stacy Trasancos. Here's a sample:

 Liturgical historians say that the psalm was sung by the newly-baptized as they processed in the Paschal night, what we now call the Easter Vigil, into the church where they were about to receive their first communion. It is a summary of Christian initiation, the process they used then, the process we use now. This psalm of the Old Testament is a typological interpretation of the progression of the Sacraments of Initiation.
Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Communion are all represented in it. It is a catechesis...
The shepherd is of course a reference to Christ. The pasture is the fresh and green words of scripture that nourishes the hearts of believers and gives them spiritual strength, a place of repose. The cool, still water is the water of Baptism where sin is destroyed and a new creature is born. The sacraments, being protective, lead on a sure path safe from fear or harm from demons.

And now, it's weekly Q&A time. Although you may ask breviary-related questions after any post, this one is particularly dedicated to that purpose. Just help yourself to a comment box.