The Good Shepherd


I attended The General Theological Seminary in New York City.  The main worship space is called the Chapel of the Good Shepherd and is presided over by 9 large marble statues, with this depiction of Jesus as the Good Shepherd in the center.  It is a hauntingly beautiful statue that I spent many hours looking at, trying to discover all its mysteries.  I only discerned a few while I was a student, so I still love gazing at it and reflection on it.

This Sunday, the 4th Sunday of Easter, is know as Good Shepherd Sunday, when the Church remembers the promises Jesus fulfilled when he called himself “the Good Shepherd.”  This year it is also Mother’s Day, and I think it is very fitting for us to consider how Jesus is both our Shepherd and our Mother (as Anselm of Canterbury called him). 

When we look at the Good Shepherd statue, it is not difficult to meld the two images of shepherd and mother together.  Jesus is looking at the lamb he is tenderly holding in his right arm, almost as a mother would hold a young child.  It appears that Jesus’s full attention is on the lamb, not distracted by the cares of the rest of the world, but focused on offering support and love to this beloved creature.  In a perfect world, most mothers do want to give all they can to their children, even to the point of self-deprevation, but – being human – they only have so much to give. And yet most strive to  love as Jesus loves, selflessly and unconditionally. 

This statue captures a moment of joy and support, just like many pictures we have in our own photo albums (at least I know I do!) of ourselves and our mothers. Those moments don’t tell the entire story, and we need to make sure we recognize that.  Neither does this statue.  As much as I want Jesus to be eternally gazing at that lamb (which is of course me!), at some point, Jesus must put that lamb down and make it walk on its own.  I have heard many stories from mothers tearfully letting their child go out into the world to explore and be their own person – everything from going daycare to leaving for college or a first job.  It is not easy to let your child go (seemingly) unprotected into a world full of danger and disappointments.  And yet we must be let go to grow and thrive.

The importance of Good Shepherd Sunday (and Mother’s Day!) is to remember that as we go out to live our lives, we are not alone.  The lessons we have been taught, the love we have been given, the faith we have had instilled in us goes with us, supporting us as we totter off on shaky legs.  But we have been give a firm foundation on which to build, allowing us to face any fear or setback with courage and hope.  And when the world gets to be too much, we know Christ our Mother is there for us, loving us, but not to the point of completely shielding us.  No, like a good mother, the shepherd comforts us and then sets on our feet again to engage life again.

We thank our moms and Jesus for all they have taught us.  Let us show our gratitude by living a faithful life with a willingness to venture out into the world that is so in need of love.

With Easter Joy,
Rev. Valerie+

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Sloppy Track

Reflections on Acts of the Apostles Chapters 15-17 This past Saturday was the 144 th running of the Kentucky Derby.   As with all outdoor events, it is at the mercy of Mother Nature, and sometimes she doesn’t seem to care that the humans prefer sunny, dry weather.   However, a certain horse named Justified was the odds-on favorite to win if it was a sloppy track.   And indeed it was.   Rain poured down for most of the day and it didn’t stop by the time the big race was scheduled to start.   The track was a sloppy as I have ever seen a horse race track be.   Justified loved it – and won. It seems counter-intuitive to me that such adverse conditions could led to victory.   What I would consider ideal conditions (sunny, warm but not hot, dry) was the complete opposite of what made Justified thrive.   The reality is that “ideal” conditions are rare – there is always something that is a bit sloppy or not exactly to our liking.   What is important is how we choose to act in those
Read more

A Christmas Poem

‘Twas a week before Christmas and all through the land The Church reminded us that the Savior’s birth was at hand. The season is not about the perfection of glitter But about a loving God who would not leave us bitter. And so God sent us the Son wrapped up like a present In the garb of our mortality, the human flesh of a peasant. The cookies may not be made, the decorations may not be hung, The cards may not be sent, the lights may not be strung. Yet let us all make the true preparations for the coming of our Savior And open our hearts and lives to the Lord’s loving favor. No more precious gift has ever been received. It is up to us to remind the world what we truly believe. Not in jolly old elves, talking snowmen or reindeer in flight But in God, who loves us with all of God's might. So stop for a moment and take a deep breath, As we await the Christ, the true conqueror of death. Let go of the need to fulfill a secular call to perfection
Read more

Advent Wreath

A couple of weeks ago I as asked about the “meaning” of the candles on the Advent Wreath.  As with most symbols, the question has several different responses. As a whole, the candles help us mark time by offering us a visual reminder of time passing as the candles burn down.  Also, as each week passes and more candles are lit, the entire wreath offers more light, reminding us that Christ is the Light of the World – a light that burn brighter the more it is shared. Each week of Advent has a theme that is connected to the readings appointed for that Sunday. The first Sunday is hope, “But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in the Lord.” Lamentations 3: 21-24 If you are familiar with the Book of Lamentations, it is not known to be very hopeful, so it is an interesting t
Read more