Thought for 28^th April 2020

Scripture Extract

John 10, vv. 14 - 15

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.”

Reflection 

One of the familiar things which I, in common with many others, am missing at the moment is the journey to work – the transition from home to the outside world. Those of us accustomed to working outside the home, or going to school or college, complain that much of the rhythm of our life has disappeared, leaving our days feeling shapeless. Part of my regular journey involves walking through Paternoster Square, next to St Paul’s Cathedral. There is a strikingly beautiful sculpture by Elisabeth Frink in the Square called Paternoster, but it is also known as Shepherd and Sheep or Shepherd with his Flock. Apparently, Paternoster Row was the site of Newgate Market for the sale of livestock and meat, but this work of art speaks to me more spiritually. I am convinced that the subject is the Good Shepherd with his sheep – the title Paternoster, after all, means Our Father. There is a calm strength, not only about the shepherd, but also about the sheep – these are sheep who know where they are going, under the guiding hand of their shepherd. Every time I pass this sculpture, I remember that I am under God’s guidance and protection, that he is the shepherd of my life.   

The image of the shepherd occurs many times in the Old and New Testaments, speaking always of the comforting and restoration of God’s people. We can remember and trust the deep truth which the Bible expresses in this way. Even when we feel rudderless, perplexed, listless, frightened, we can have confidence in Jesus to lead us to God our Father just as a good shepherd guides his or her flock.             

Some Music:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLxdb3ov-zE

The Lord is my Shepherd by Howard Goodall 

Prayer

O God, whose Son Jesus Christ is the good shepherd of your people: grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by his name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever.  AMEN