Today’s readings all use the imagery of the shepherd. This image was far more familiar to people in Biblical times than to us these days, but we can at least imagine what a shepherd does. A shepherd is in charge of gathering, tending and leading a flock. Although most of us do not shepherd sheep, our full calendars attest to the many things we all shepherd in life everyday – things we organize and tend to. In the midst of all life’s activity, it is worth considering who shepherds you? Who makes you lie down in green pastures and stroll beside still waters to revive your soul? Who, like Jesus in the Gospel reading today, says to you, “Come away and rest a while.” Do you have a shepherd that makes sure you have everything you need? Do you have a shepherd you trust so much that you feel you don’t lack a thing – that you are not in want?
thoughts on Psalm 23:1, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.”
