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+

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