May 3
Fr Terry’s Teaching…
This is Good Shepherd Weekend. A favorite book given to me at ordination from a priest friend is called: A shepherd looks at Psalm 23. It has been a wonderful book as I look to trying to be a shepherd to parishes.
The author reminds us that the psalm is of a sheep speaking of the relationship with God. In other words, someone like us speaking to God. The Psalm boasts of the benefits of such a loving relationship. But the author mentions that one of the lines might seem out of place. The line is: He restoreth my soul. Surely it would be assumed that anyone in the Good Shepherd’s care could never become so distressed in soul as to need restoration. But it does happen.
There is an old English Shepherd’s term for a sheep that has turned over on its back and cannot get up again by itself. This sheep is called a “cast sheep or a cast down sheep”. It is helpless and will soon die if not helped. When Jesus talked about looking for the lost sheep, it is in reference to this situation. That is why not only does a Good Shepherd count his sheep often but protects and provides for their needs.
How true is it that with all the benefits God provides for us, we often wander away, gets lost and put ourselves in danger. Predators often look for cast sheep as they are so vulnerable. Situations like this can cause us lots of fear. The writer of the psalm wants us to know that God’s love and constant attention to us is what saves us. Whether we choose to recognize it or not, whether we choose to accept this or reject this. God, the Good Shepherd is always faithful to us.