Notes from a Sojourn
May 4, 2020
A Good Shepherd
This Sunday we hear part of Jesus’ Good Shepherd reflections with all those well known lines, “I am the Good Shepherd,” and, “I am the gate.” When I first read these lines, I begin to wonder what it means to be “good” and what it means to be a gate.
Normally, being “good” means I’m competent at something. It’s a skill I’ve developed. Often something I need to practice. Maybe I can even become better!
However, when we look at the scriptural word for “good” we discover that it might be more accurate to say, “honourable”. The reason for this is that most shepherds, at the time, were happy to watch over the sheep, however when danger approached, they took off and left the sheep to suffer whatever fate befell them. The “honourable” shepherd, on the other hand, would face down whatever danger presented itself, and would risk themselves to protect the sheep.
When Jesus uses the image of, “I am the gate” he means that as an honourable shepherd, he will place his own self across the entrance to the pen or field, so nothing can get to the sheep without getting through him first. He will sacrifice himself for the good of the sheep, who will be either oblivious to what is going on, or terrified at the approaching danger.
For those of us who follow the way of Jesus, this is an important image to be reminded up at this time. We live in a world where many are anxious and afraid. When people are afraid, they rarely act like their best selves. They might choose to avoid what is going on so they don’t have to deal with it. They may lash out at others. They may start to hoard as much as they can, “just in case!” They may certainly have little to no regard for the needs or realities of others.
It is into this reality that God calls us to be good shepherds within our community. We see a number of people who are willing to put their own selves at risk for the good of others: emergency responders, health care professionals, those who make sure we can still get food and supplies, those doing deliveries to shut ins and people who are immuno-compromised, etc.
At the same time, not all of us are called to this same type of shepherding, yet we are still called to be honourable. One of the things I have noticed over the past weeks, is that when others are not at their best (lashing out, retreating, having cabin fever moments, etc.) there is a choice to be made. We can either lash out/pile on and be just like the other frightened sheep, or we can choose to claim our role as a honourable shepherd. We can choose to respond to these moments with graciousness and sacrificial love.
In my experience, the only things that gets hearts and minds to open up, and gets frightened people through their dark night, are relationships and encounters of love that are full of graciousness. It is grace that saves the world, not power or the need to be absolutely right.
As we go through this week, let us remember that the Risen Christ lives out the role of the Good Shepherd through each of us. We are God’s hands, feet, and mouths in this time. Let us choose to engage each other, and ourselves, with grace and mercy. It is only then that the sheep can feel safe enough for a good night’s rest.
Amen.
Jon Martin+
(Parish of South Dundas)
