Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil, for thou art with me - Ps 23, 4
I am certain I can't say anything about this great psalm that hasn't already been said countless times, but I'm going to say what's on my mind about it anyway.
This valley represents different things at different times in our lives. I have been literally in the shadow of death when my loved ones have died, and when I have been close to taking my own life. Yet the greater ever-present threat that this valley might represent is the temptation to forsake the way in which my Shepherd leads me in order to forage on the poisonous plants that grow in places where he leadeth not. Despair and hopelessness are among these dangers, as well as disenchantment. Really, the seven capital sins as St. John of the Cross relates them to the spiritual life are all examples of the real shadow of death against which I must remain on guard. I must trust my Shepherd to lead me where the pastures are pure and the water clean, and not let my taste be corrupted by eating of what is not wholesome for me.
I think of how our society's taste for sweet, fatty, or convenient food is a parable of this spiritual corruption.
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