Atticus Finch and the 23rd Psalm

The 23rd Psalm is perhaps the most quoted and well known Psalm in the Bible. The vivid images of the shepherd leading one beside pastures and restful waters and through dark valleys and shadows is extremely compelling. Both the psalm’s text and images have been used extensively in Western culture from poems to Hollywood films. Perhaps one of its most poignant uses in modern literature is when Atticus Finch in the classic novel To Kill a Mockingbird is explaining to his daughter, Scout, why he is choosing to defend a man that everyone in the town is convinced is guilty of having committed a heinous crime. Atticus references this psalm to encourage Scout to have courage and determination in the face of adversity. He reflects on the spirit of trust and reliance on God's guidance that the 23rd Psalm talks about with its imagery of the shepherd and the valley. All of today’s Bible readings for the 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time collectively underscore these very themes of justice, reconciliation, and God's guidance,

In Jeremiah 23: 1-6, God chastises the corrupt shepherds (leaders) of Israel for neglecting their duties to care for the people. Despite this, God promises to gather and shepherd His people Himself, raising up leaders who will act with justice and righteousness. This passage reflects God's commitment to justice and His expectation that leaders act with integrity, even in the face of historical injus-tices and societal challenges.

In Ephesians 2: 13-18, St. Paul emphasizes the reconciliation brought about by Christ, who breaks down the barriers of division and hostility between peoples. Through His sacrifice, Christ unites Jews and Gentiles into one body, reconciled to God and to each other. This passage speaks to the trans-formative power of Christ's love, which enables believers to overcome divisions and work towards uni-ty and peace. Atticus's quote, therefore, can be seen as a call to overcome the divisions and prejudices that perpetuate injustice, striving instead for reconciliation and harmony among all people.

In today’s Gospel from Mark 6: 30-34, Jesus is portrayed as the compassionate Shepherd who cares for His disciples and the crowds, teaching and healing them. Despite His own grief and exhaus-tion, Jesus responds with love and compassion, exemplifying God's care and concern for His people. This passage underscores the importance of compassion and care for others, particularly those who are marginalized or oppressed.

As Catholics, we see in these readings a call to trust in God's providential care and to follow Jesus as our Shepherd. God promises to guide us through the challenges and uncertainties of life, just as a shepherd leads his sheep to green pastures and still waters. We are called to listen to His voice, to fol-low His commandments, and to be instruments of His peace and reconciliation in the world. "The Lord is my shepherd" is a declaration of profound trust and intimacy with God. It acknowledges His loving guidance and protection in every aspect of our lives. When we face difficulties or feel lost, we can take solace in knowing that God, our Shepherd, is always with us, leading us towards eternal life and peace.