March 15, 2026
This Sunday we pray the familiar words, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” I have prayed that psalm many times over the years. Recently, I have prayed it a little more slowly.
When we are strong and busy, it is easy to think we are leading ourselves. Illness has a way of reminding us that we are not the shepherd. We are the sheep. We are dependent. We are guided. We are cared for.
The psalm says, “He restores my soul.” That line has stayed with me. Restoration takes time. It requires patience. It requires trust. The Shepherd does not rush His flock. He leads gently.
March is dedicated to St. Joseph, and I cannot help but think of him as a protector — a guardian of the Holy Family. Just as a shepherd watches over his sheep, Joseph watched over Mary and Jesus with quiet strength. He did not draw attention to himself. He simply protected, provided, and trusted God’s plan.
In our own lives, we walk through valleys. Some are darker than others. Yet Psalm 23 reminds us: “You are with me.” Not ahead of us, not behind us — with us.
This Lent, perhaps the invitation is simple: let the Lord shepherd you. Allow Him to guide you. Trust Him in the uncertainty. And ask St. Joseph to guard and protect your home and our Shrine as he once guarded the Holy Family.
I look forward to walking that path with you.
I remember you at Mass.
