This coming Sunday is often called "Good Shepherd Sunday" because our gospel text on the fourth Sunday of Eastertide is always drawn from the tenth chapter of John's gospel where Jesus assures his disciples that he is (then, now, and always) our Good Shepherd. On this Sunday we also always hear the Twenty-Third Psalm, that most beloved of psalms.
Psalm 23 is, of course, frequently associated with funerals, no doubt because of its profound promise that "yea, though I walk through the valley of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." Because of its power, the psalm has been set to music in many memorable ways, including the hymn, The King of Love My Shepherd Is, which we will sing as our "Hymn of the Day" this Sunday.
There is, however, another beautiful musical paraphrase of the psalm that is near and dear to the hearts of Episcopalians, and that is Isaac Watts' hymn, My Shepherd Will Supply My Need. That particular hymn was unforgettably seared into my consciousness when I heard it sung some two decades ago at the National Prayer Service in Washington, D.C., following the September 11, 2001 tragedy. When the nation gathered on September 14th in Washington’s National Cathedral to mourn, and cry, and pray, what moved our hearts was not the presence of all the living American Presidents and other dignitaries; nor Billy Graham’s sermon; nor the eloquent prayers said by the bishops, deans, and other clergy gathered that day. Rather the moment that rendered everyone speechless was when the little boy and girl choristers of the Cathedral took to the chancel steps, and sung Isaac Watt’s gorgeous anthem in their pure and innocent voices. If you don't remember the moment from the televised coverage, or even if you do, it is worth another watch. You can find it here.
I can't promise that we will sing Isaac Watts' hymn this well on Sunday, but it will be among our communion hymns.
I hope to see you on Sunday, my second to last service with you. I wish I could stay longer!
In Christ, Pastor Luther